Importance of EFA for skin and overall health.

Importance of EFA for skin and overall health:

EFA or Esential Fatty Acids (omega 3s) are key components of every single cell wall in human body, and consequently cellular health. Essential Fatty Acids are called essential because we can not make them, therefore we must consume them to support healthy functioning of all the cells.

Essential fatty acids are a special group of oils that are very similar to our skin oils and cellular membrane, with all the therapeutic qualities that help to improve eczema, dermatitis, lipid dryness, rosacea, psoriasis, acne, itchyosis. Any deficiency of the Omega 3 fats leads to compromised cell membranes, oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation of the cells. This further leads to cellular inflammation.

Unlike alpha linolenic acid (omega 3) and linoleic acid (omega 6) fatty acids, oleic acid (omega 9) fatty acids are not classed as essential fatty acids. This is because we can be metabolize them from the omega 3 and omega 6 unsaturated fats.

Nowadays diet is very dominant in pro-inflammatory fats such as omega 6 and 9. Be aware that there are still some marketers that promote omega 9’s as Essential Fatty Acids despite it being incorrect.

When buying Omega 3 supplements, make sure that they are derived from smallest fish like mackerel, sardines or wild salmon that is free of mercury, and stick to Omega 3 versus a combination of Omega 3, 6, and 9. Like any oil, Omega 3s oxidize fast. Therefore make sure to buy only from the company that assures that they are manufactured and stored in the temperature and humidity regulated facility.

The Omega3 BioPure formula features MaxSimil® monoglyceride fish oil that has a three times greater EPA+DHA absorption rate than an equivalent dose of other leading fish oils. This formula is IFOS five star certified to ensure the world’s highest standards for purity, potency and freshness. This fish oil is non-GMO, certified sustainable from Scandinavia and antibiotic free. If you would to learn more, click here.

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Natalie Maibenko is a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Master Esthetician with 22+ years of experience at the intersection of hormonal health, gut function, and inflammatory skin conditions. She completed a rigorous three-year program at The School of Applied Functional Medicine — an accredited CME provider — and is the founder of Unique Verve, a virtual functional medicine and functional dermatology practice serving clients nationwide. Her root-cause approach addresses a broad spectrum of systemic conditions — including rosacea, hormonal acne, eczema, PCOS, thyroid dysfunction, autoimmune disease, gut disorders, metabolic dysfunction, and detoxification — grounded in comprehensive functional medicine testing and individualized protocols. In addition to her virtual functional medicine services, Natalie offers advanced clinical facial treatments in the Boston area, including Environ DF facials, GlycoAla bio facials, CooLifting, microchanneling, and customized results-oriented anti-aging, acne, and rosacea facial treatments — each of which can be pursued independently or combined with her functional medicine protocols for a complete inside-out approach to skin health. She has been recognized as Best Facial by InStyle, Allure, and Improper Bostonian Magazine and Best Functional Medicine Practitioner. Learn more at uniqueverve.com.