8 Benefits Of Vitamin F For Skin, How To Use, & Side Effects

What Is Vitamin F?

Vitamin F is not as new as we thought it to be. It has been there since the 1950s, and the F stands for fat.

Vitamin F refers to a combination of two essential fatty acids, namely linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). While the former is more commonly known as Omega-6, the latter is also called Omega-3 (1). As the body cannot make these nutrients, they are called essential fatty acids.

These fatty acids are crucial for brain growth, vision, and other bodily functions (1). They are found in abundance in plant oils like soybean, olive, corn, and flaxseed oils. LA and ALA are also found in nuts and seeds, including sunflower seeds, pecans, almonds, and chia seeds.

Did you know?

These two essential fatty acids– alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA) were identified in the 1920s.

Let us now understand the benefits of vitamin F for the skin.

Why Does Your Skin Need Vitamin F?

1. May Enhance The Skin Barrier Function

The skin has multiple layers. The function of the outermost layer is to protect the skin from environmental pollutants and pathogens. This layer is also called the skin barrier. Essential fatty acids are the building blocks of the skin and help heal wounds, cuts, and cold sores. Moreover, these fatty acids help improve the skin barrier function and aid its repair (2).

2. May Restore Skin Moisture

LA is the main component of ceramides, which are waxy substances in the human sebum (3). LA helps lubricate and moisturize the skin’s surface. When the skin does not produce enough sebum, it may become dry and get dehydrated.

3. May Help Fight Acne

Studies have found that fatty acids can reduce acne (4). As fatty acids are essential for healthy cellular function, they may help restore the damage.

However, you may want to consult a dermatologist before using vitamin F for treating acne. The vitamin may not be effective on oily skin and may instead lead to zits and blemishes.

4. May Treat Inflammatory Skin Conditions

The omega-3s in Vitamin F may help treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis, contact hypersensitivity, and ultraviolet radiation (5). This is one reason fatty acids (like omega-3s) are used extensively in post-corrective treatments such as peels. They allow the skin to recover quickly and help relieve the pain. Some believe fatty acids may also reduce skin sensitivity and the resulting inflammation.

5. May Reduce The Signs Of Aging

LA may help reduce the signs of skin aging, including wrinkles or fine lines. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

6. May Protect From The Sun’s Radiation

Excess exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause sunburns. Animal studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the ill effects of ultraviolet radiation. The fatty acids may also reduce the risk of skin cancer (6). Vitamin F, being a rich source of these essential fatty acids, could help in this regard.

7. May Help Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

The essential fatty acids in vitamin F, such as linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms (7). Linoleic acid contributes to prostaglandin production, modulating immune responses and reducing joint inflammation (8). Meanwhile, alpha-linolenic acid is a precursor to omega-3 fatty acids, which are widely known for their anti-inflammatory effects. Including sources of vitamin F such as flaxseed oil or chia seeds in your diet may contribute to a more balanced inflammatory response in your body, potentially providing relief from RA discomfort.

8. May Improve Mental Health

Vitamin F plays an important role in brain function. Its components, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids, contribute to the synthesis of neurotransmitters, influencing mood regulation. Omega-3 fatty acids derived from alpha-linolenic acid are linked to cognitive function and may help improve the symptoms of depression and anxiety (9).

These are the potential benefits of vitamin F for the skin. In the following section, we will see how to use it correctly.

How To Use Vitamin F For Skin?

Although vitamin F is mostly advocated for use on dry or aging skin, it is effective on almost all skin types. As it is an essential component of the skin in the form of fatty acids, you may use it twice a day to experience the maximum benefit (10).

Quick tip

Nuts and seeds are rich in LA and ALA, and using their oils is the easiest way to get vitamin F (11). You may opt for almond oil for skin and walnut oil for cooking.

You can select a number of oils, creams, and serums containing vitamin F. You may also use pure oils containing only omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. We suggest you start slow. Use it once a day to see how your skin responds to it. You can adjust the frequency accordingly.

But does vitamin F cause any serious side effects? It is important to be aware before you make a purchase.

Side Effects Of Using Vitamin F

Vitamin F does not have any proven side effects. However, it is strongly advised to do a patch test before adding this product to your skincare regime. If there is no reaction, you can use vitamin F in the mornings and evenings or as directed.

If the product contains other active ingredients like vitamin C or retinol, you may want to be more cautious. For instance, retinol is best suitable for use at bedtime and should not be used daily. You may check with your dermatologist for more information in this regard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is vitamin F an antioxidant?

Vitamin F is anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants that help hydrate and replenish your skin, restoring the skin’s natural barrier (12).

Is vitamin F good for hyperpigmentation?

Vitamin F helps protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun and prevents signs of sun damage like spots, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Watch this insightful video to learn about the skin benefits of vitamin F. Discover its role in skin care, its effectiveness, and how it helps with wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

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Dr. Priya GillMBBCH, MRCP

 

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy. She has more than 25 publications in local and international journals to her name. She is passionate about public and patient education...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach. Her passion for and understanding of all things related to skin, hair, and beauty propelled her to pursue a career in writing....more