The linoleic acid is the chemical that you need to open up your pores and clean deep underneath the surface of your skin. Walnuts are a top dietary source of this fatty acid. The Health Benefits of Gamma-Linolenic Acid A type of omega-6 tatty acid that can help fight inflammation and pain. Reference for this information: Dermatology Research and Practice, 2012, pages 9231-9234 This fatty acid results in a dry, inflamed skin. Linoleic acid has a direct role in maintaining the water permeability barrier of the skin, thereby improving skin hydration. Differing ratios of essential fatty acids are major determinants of the barrier repair benefits of natural oils. Here are its 3 main linoleic acid benefits for skin: It promotes healthy skin barrier function and makes skin soft and plump; Linoleic acid is a compound of human sebum. See the Skin Health Overview article. How is GLA obtained? If sebum is deficient, it becomes dry and is more likely to block your pores. It's also an antioxidant that may have other health benefits. ALA and Gene Variation. Also known as alpha-linolenic acid, this ingredient is a plant-based omega-3 fatty acid that occurs in vegetable oil and flax seed oil as well as canola and soy oils. Linoleic acid (LA) is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid and is one of two essential fatty acids for humans, who must obtain it through their diet. Sebaceous glands produce sebum to create a protective lipid barrier on … Linoleic acid is important for natural skin functions and wound healing, and deficiencies in it can lead to all kinds of skin and hair issues. Linoleic acid plays a direct role in maintaining the skin's water permeability barrier. Linoleic Acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid and is part of the Omega 6 fatty acids, found in many vegetable oils, especially safflower and sunflower oils. We get small amounts of it from the food we eat. In pigs, a high intake of linoleic acid reduces the production of EPA from ALA . Linoleic acid is an essential building block for ceramides, one of skin's main moisturizing elements. Research has also demonstrated that linoleic acid possesses anti-inflammatory, acne reductive, skin-lightening, and moisture retentive properties when applied topically on the skin. Our bodies can't make this essential fatty acid, so we need get it from our food or put it on our skin. It is a colorless or white oil that is virtually insoluble in water. 3 Poor levels of linoleic acid can lead to hyperkeratinization, a condition where you see increased levels of keratin, which is a protein present in your skin, hair, and nails. So here's the catch: acne-prone skin is unusually low in linoleic acid . Linoleic acid is a fatty acid that functions as an emollient and thickening agent in cosmetics and personal care products. Additionally, studies show that fatty acids in the stratum corneum – the skin’s outer layer – are important for the maintenance of the surface acid mantle.. Linoleic acid keeps your sebum (oil) flowing, preventing comedones. Yea to hydrated and healthy! It’s a form of linoleic acid, which is the most common omega-6 fatty acid found in foods. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, acne reducer and moisture retainer. Origin Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid. One of the most important lipids for the skin and maintenance of your barrier function. If sebum is deficient, it becomes dry and is more likely to block your pores. Oils with a higher linoleic acid to oleic acid ratio have better barrier repair potential, whereas oils with higher amounts of irritating oleic acid may be detrimental to skin-barrier function. It occurs naturally in the body, and deficiencies lead to dry hair, hair loss, and poor wound healing ( Wikpedia ). CLA is an essential fatty acid that's important for good health. Plus, a major metabolite of linoleic acid possesses anti-proliferative properties, which means that it can help prevent the spread of malignant cells into surrounding tissues. Linolenic acid has research showing topical application helps improve many skin concerns. We've compiled a list of 32 face oils that can worsen eczema, acne, and other dry and inflamed skin conditions.