Can Flaxseed oil help with acne or other skin conditions?

Date Posted:22 June 2023 

Flaxseed Oil is believed to have benefits for the skin, including acne and other skin conditions due to its high content of essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

Essential fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids are known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body, including in the skin.

Acne and other skin conditions are often associated with inflammation. Consuming foods or supplements that are high in omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the severity of these conditions.

In addition, Flaxseed Oil is a great source of antioxidants, such as lignans and vitamin E, which can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to ageing and other skin problems.

It is important to note that the evidence for the effectiveness of Flaxseed Oil in treating acne and other skin conditions is limited.

If you are interested in using flaxseed oil to improve your skin health, it is recommended that you talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual needs.

Skin Changes in the Forty Four Patient Study

Rudin and Felix conducted a study in the 1980s to find out if Omega-3 oils could help ease a variety of ailments.

Skin conditions among the volunteers were

  • Raw, cracked skin, chapped, raw knuckles and heels and heavy callus formation
  • Seborrheic dermatitis
  • Scaling of the skin on the scalp
  • Scaling of the skin on the shin and forearm
  • Sun sensitivity
  • Alopecia areata
  • Phrynoderma
  • Acne
  • Discoid lupus
  • Severe eczema of the hands

The volunteers were placed on the Flaxseed-Oil regimen and most of them noticed a rapid and marked smoothing and moisturising of the hands. Many volunteers even saw positive results within a week.

Three volunteers in a single family all with acne problems experienced improvement after taking one - three capsules of flaxseed oil per day.

Within six weeks of the study there was unmistakable improvement or even total disappearance of dandruff and flaky, dry skin on shins and forearms.

Skin texture, tone and colour also improved within one to four months.

Source: Rudin and Felix, OMEGA 3 OILS A Practical Guide