Will taking fish oil cause acne? Expert answer: In fact, fish oil helps fight inflammation and improve acne!

As health awareness increases, fish oil (Omega-3) has become a popular health care choice for Hong Kong people. However, the rumor that "eating fish oil will cause acne" has made many people with acne afraid to take it. Does fish oil make the skin more prone to acne? This time, we have combined scientific literature and professional opinions to give you a comprehensive analysis.

Fish Oil Does Not Cause Acne Breakouts

According to existing international and local scientific research, fish oil does not cause or aggravate acne . On the contrary, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil have anti-inflammatory effects and can help improve inflammatory skin problems, including acne.

• Several clinical trials have confirmed that moderate supplementation of high-quality fish oil will not increase the risk of acne, but will help reduce the number of acne and relieve inflammatory responses .

Causes of acne: No direct relationship with fish oil

There are many causes of acne, mainly including:

• Excessive secretion of sebaceous glands
• Clogged pores
• Skin inflammation
• Bacterial infection
• Hormone Fluctuations
• Diet high in sugar and fat
• Lack of sleep and high stress
• Environmental pollution or skin care product allergy

Fish oil is essentially a concentrated nutritional product extracted from deep-sea fish. Its fatty acid structure is no different from that of everyday fish and will not directly cause acne.

The Myth of Fish Oil Acne Breakouts

Although fish oil itself is harmless, it may indirectly affect skin health if:

1. Low-purity or oxidized fish oil
   Low-quality fish oil contains impurities that can burden the body or increase inflammation.
   Oxidized and deteriorated fish oil (such as being stored for too long or affected by high temperatures). Studies have found that more than half of fish oil products in North America have been oxidized, which can promote inflammatory responses.
   Reference: Oxidation levels of over-the-counter n-3 (omega-3) supplements in North America
2. Individual allergic reactions
   A very small number of people are allergic to fish oil ingredients and may experience skin discomfort or acne, but this is an individual difference.
3. Temporary activation of the immune system
   Some people may experience temporary acne breakouts in the early stages of taking Omega-3 due to immune system regulation, but these breakouts usually heal quickly and do not last long.

Scientific research: Fish oil can help improve acne

• 1. Omega-3 is anti-inflammatory and helps improve acne
  A randomized controlled trial in the Journal of Dermatology in 2014 pointed out that after 10 weeks of continuous supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids, inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne was significantly reduced, proving that fish oil can be used as an auxiliary treatment for acne.
• 2. Omega-3 reduces inflammation markers
  Multiple meta-analyses have shown that Omega-3 can significantly reduce inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6 and CRP), reduce inflammatory responses, and is very helpful in improving inflammatory skin diseases.
• 3. After taking fish oil for two consecutive months, acne was significantly reduced
  A 2008 study found that taking omega-3 supplements for two months significantly reduced the total number of acne lesions and significantly improved redness, swelling and inflammation.
• 4. Inhibit inflammatory cytokines and reduce the severity of acne
  Omega-3 supplementation can inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines and reduce the severity of acne.

How does fish oil help fight skin inflammation?

Omega-3 is a "beneficial fatty acid" that can compete with Omega-6 (pro-inflammatory fatty acid) in the body to reduce pro-inflammatory reactions. The proportion of Omega-6 in modern people's diet is relatively high. Proper supplementation of Omega-3 can help balance the fatty acid ratio, reduce skin inflammation, and reduce the occurrence of acne .

How to choose safe and effective fish oil?

• Choose fish oil products with high purity, high content and international certification (such as IFOS)
• Avoid buying fish oil from unknown sources or that has been stored for too long.
• If you have a history of allergies, it is recommended to consult a doctor first

Other nutrients you must take to fight acne

• Zinc: helps inhibit sebum secretion and promote skin repair
• Vitamin A, C, B group: promote skin cell regeneration, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, repair
• Balanced diet, adequate sleep, and moderate exercise: also very important for skin health

Summarize

Not only does fish oil not cause acne, it can actually help improve skin health through its anti-inflammatory properties.
It is important to choose high-quality fish oil products to avoid potential problems caused by oxidation or low purity. Combined with proper nutritional intake and good lifestyle habits, it will help you have healthy and smooth skin.