Unlocking the Secrets to Acne Relief: The Power of Essential Fatty Acids
Scientific research is yet to fully comprehend the root cause of acne. However, the functionality of essential fatty acids in our body, particularly our skin, is relatively well-understood. This understanding has prompted some scientists and natural health experts to explore the potential benefits and effects of essential fatty acids on skin-related issues such as acne.
An Expert's View on Acne and Nutrition
Udo Erasmus, a distinguished author with postgraduate qualifications in genetics, biochemistry, and a Ph.D. in Nutrition, believes that specific nutritional deficiencies and problems contribute to or exacerbate acne. Contrary to popular beliefs - it's not just chocolate that's to blame!
Central to Erasmus's hypothesis is that "hard fats and (hard) protein debris clog narrow pores and channels in our skin, and invite infection by bacteria who feast on the mess." (p346). He attributes acne to a phenomenon he describes as "fatty degeneration," which may be caused by factors such as:
- Inefficient interaction between fats and proteins
- Excess consumption of 'hard' fats
- Insufficient intake of essential fatty acids
Hard Fats and the Problems They Cause
'Hard fats,' or saturated fatty acids, are commonly found in food sources like animal fats and dairy products. These fats earn their name due to their molecular structure, which allows the fat molecules to carry the maximum possible amount of hydrogen atoms. This characteristic impacts the behavior of these fats within our body. Notably, some saturated fats such as butter and milk fat possess high melting points.
An excess of saturated fats can lead to issues with arteries and overall heart health. Essential and non-essential fatty acids are found in our cell membranes, including those within the skin. Erasmus observes that saturated fatty acids tend to clump together, making their elimination from the body more difficult when consumed in excessive amounts. These fatty acids can form deposits when they clump together with other substances such as protein, minerals, and cholesterol. Excess sugar is a problem because it can be converted into saturated fatty acids by the body.
Further complications related to the overconsumption of saturated fatty acids include the ability for the body to transform them into unsaturated fatty acids. The issue arises when these unsaturated fatty acids oxidize if essential fatty acids aren't adequately consumed.
Saturated fatty acids can also hinder oxygen supply to our tissues by causing blood cells transporting oxygen to clump together. This clotting disrupts the delivery of oxygen to our cells.
In addition, excess fat, including saturated fats, accumulates within the adipose cells present in our skin, leading to the formation of fat storage centers.
The Role of Essential Fatty Acids
Erasmus recommends consuming omega-3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and omega-6 (flax and linoleic acid) essential fatty acids to maintain an optimal balance.
Unlike saturated fatty acids, essential fatty acids possess free receptors for hydrogen bonds. These free receptors alter the molecular structure of the fatty acids, giving them a kinked shape. As a result, they don't clump together like saturated fats. The lower melting point of essential fatty acids implies that they are more fluid, and their slight negative molecular charge prevents clumping due to repulsion. Erasmus terms these properties of unsaturated fats as providing 'fluidity' to cell membranes, enabling cells to perform crucial chemical functions.
Inflammation, a characteristic commonly associated with acne, is linked to a deficiency in the essential fatty acid LNA (alpha-linolenic acid). While inflammation is not a classical symptom of LNA deficiency, Erasmus notes that by supplementing with alpha-linolenic acid, inflammation symptoms may be reversed.
In general, essential fatty acids exhibit strong anti-inflammatory properties. Linoleic acid (LA), another essential fatty acid, is particularly relevant to acne. A deficiency in linoleic acid causes sebum production in the skin to be mixed with oleic acid, commonly found in butter and land animal fats. Although oleic acid does not hinder the use of essential fatty acids outright, excessive amounts may cause disruptions. For acne sufferers, sebum mixed with oleic acid can irritate the skin. This irritation paves the way for clogged pores, which, in turn, leads to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
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Acne