Note:  Supplements are not regulated with the same degree of oversight as medications, and it is important that clinicians keep this in mind.  Products vary greatly in terms of accuracy of labeling, presence of adulterants, and the legitimacy of claims made by the manufacturer.

Healthy dietary choices are important for overall health.  Anti-inflammatory or Mediterranean-style dietary approaches have been found to enhance many aspects of health—especially in the setting of inflammatory diseases.¹  Additionally, low glycemic index/low glycemic load diets have been shown to have significant benefit—not only for overall health, but for improving some skin conditions as well as for slowing signs of aging.^2,3  Supplements can give an added boost to disease prevention and/or minimizing the effects of chronic conditions.  The discussion that follows highlights some of the supplements that have shown particularly beneficial for the skin.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to decrease the production of inflammatory compounds and of insulin and insulin-related compounds—all of which contribute to impaired function of the skin.  These essential fatty acids have been shown helpful in specific skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, and skin cancer.⁴  The inflammatory markers that are inhibited by omega-3 fatty acids impact collagen and other structural proteins that function to support the skin and underlying tissues.  In this way, omega-3 fatty acids may help slow the appearance of visual characteristics of aging.

Ideally, omega-3 fatty acids would come from foods such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, and sardines), flaxseeds, and walnuts.  When that is not possible, supplements can be helpful.  For more information, see to the section on fats in the “Nutrition” Overview.

Dose⁵:

·         1 tbsp of flax oil for every 100 lb daily

·         1-2 tbsp ground flaxseeds daily

·         1-2 gm fish oil capsules twice a day

Gamma-Linoleic Acid (GLA)

GLA is an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid that has anti-inflammatory properties.  It is found in borage oil, evening primrose oil, hemp oil, and black current oil.  It has been shown to be potentially helpful in atopic dermatitis (eczema).^6,7  Research, however, has been conflicting.  Overall, GLA is safe.  Gastrointestinal side effects are the most common and are generally reversible.  There may be increased risk of bleeding when taken along with other blood thinners.