For better and healthier skin
THE skin is the largest organ as it is one-sixth of the total body weight. It acts as a chemical and physical barrier to protect the body against harmful external environmental agents. Hence, it is crucial to
(1) maintain our skin health as it supports the life of other body parts by acting as a protective layer.
The outer layer of the skin is made up from fats, particularly omega-6 fatty acid. Prominent signs of essential fatty acid deficiency are dry skin, poor healing of wounds and reduced ability to fight skin infections.
These can be easily noticed in people suffering from skin infections including atopic eczema. External factors such as repeated exposure to harsh chemicals, soaps or detergent also lead to the removal of fatty acids from the skin’s surface.
Essential fatty acid retains the skin moisture and protects the outer layer of the skin, reducing the chances of cracks and sores that cause skin inflammation.
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is a type of oil that is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) plant.
The extracted oil is rich in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and the most active compound in this omega-6 series is named Gamma-Linolenic acid (GLA) which can moisturise the skin and strengthen the skin barrier as well as reduce moisture loss.
(2,3)
For individuals with eczema, GLA is able to balance the underlying metabolic defect that causes this problem by increasing anti-inflammatory effect.
(4)
EPO is well known for its hormonal regulating functions on women. Therefore, supplementing EPO helps to improve hormonal acne as it targets the root cause.
Furthermore, when the skin is frequently exposed to UVA and UVB radiation (usually from sunlight), the skin will experience free radical damages causing brown spots, wrinkling, premature ageing and even unfavourable skin growth.
(5)
Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin against this photooxidative damage.
(6)
The combination of EPO and vitamin E helps to protect and moisturise the skin. Opt for coldpressed extraction method to better preserve the natural profile of EPO and ensure its nutritional benefits.
This health information is brought to you by BiO-LiFE Marketing Sdn Bhd.
■ For details, contact 03-7499 7999 or visit www.biolife.com.my
References
Pérez-Sánchez A, BarrajónCatalán
(1) E, Herranz-López M, Micol V. Nutraceuticals for skin care: A comprehensive review of human clinical studies. Nutrients. 2018 Mar 24;10(4):403.
Hudson T. Evening primrose oil (2) in natural medicine. Alternative & Complementary Therapies. 2001 Jun 1;7(3):144-8.
Muggli R. Systemic evening
(3) primrose oil improves the biophysical skin parameters of healthy adults. International journal of cosmetic science. 2005 Aug;27(4):243-9.
Chung BY, Park SY, Jung MJ, Kim (4)
HO, Park CW. Effect of Evening Primrose Oil on Korean Patients With Mild Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study. Annals of dermatology. 2018 Aug 1;30(4):409-16.
http://www.newhealthguide.org/ (5) What-Happens-to-Skin-WhenExposed-To-Sunlight.html
Thiele JJ, EkanayakeMudiyanselage
(6) S. Vitamin E in human skin: organ-specific physiology and considerations for its use in dermatology. Molecular aspects of medicine. 2007 Oct 1;28(5-6):646-67.