Benefits of including vitamin F in your skincare routine

If you’re a skincare junkie, you’re probably well-versed with all the various products available and have perfected a skincare regime that works like magic for your skin. And you know this regime doesn’t get created overnight—it takes patience, dedication, and a whole lot of trial and error. We’re talking months and years (I wish we were exaggerating) of testing products and experimenting with the new ingredients on the block, hoping something would get rid of your acne scars or black and white heads or whatever your skin concerns are. And chances are, in your quest, you’ve stumbled upon products laced with vitamins A, B, C, E, and D. Some of them might even be on your skincare favourites list. But have you heard of their cousin—Vitamin F? 

We won’t blame you if you haven’t. Nor does it take away anything from your ‘skincare junkie’ status. You see, vitamin F is not a vitamin at all. In skin care, the term is used to represent linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that is rich in omega-6. It aids and protects the skin’s natural barrier among a host of other benefits. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, we must understand what Vitamin F really is.  

What is Vitamin F?

As we talked about earlier, Vitamin F is a fatty acid or lipid in disguise. It refers to the combination of two essential fatty acids—linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Vitamin F has been found to offer a host of benefits, and we don’t just mean in skin care. From reduced inflammation to improved cardiac health and controlled blood sugar, our bodies need it more than we ever knew. But for now, let us just stick to how Vitamin F is a powerful skincare tool, shall we?  

Vitamin F can be found in several foods such as almonds, chia seeds, and egg yolks, and can also be found in a handful of essential oils such as rosehip, chia, and argan.

Benefits of including Vitamin F in your skincare routines

Retains moisture and protects the barrier 

Vitamin F is considered to be an essential fatty acid that is rich in Omega-6. This makes it a powerful hydrating tool that not only retains moisture but also protects the skin’s natural barrier and also improves its structure and function. 

Fights acne 

If you have acne-prone skin, Vitamin F is your friend. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin F is an expert at combatting acne. A study conducted in 1998 found that people who suffer from acne were able to reduce the pustule size by 25 per cent in a month by using linoleic acid topically.  

Contains anti-inflammatory properties  

Vitamin F’s famed anti-inflammatory properties do a lot more than fight acne; it helps people with conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, dermatitis, and rosacea to soothe their skin and calm it down. Of course, it’s not a cure but it helps. 

Blocks skin aggregators 

We’ve learned that linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid. What you might not know is that this fatty acid is used to make ceramides which help to build the outermost layer of the skin. Basically, they are the cement that keeps the cells together and doesn’t let any irritants such as UV light or pollutants enter.