Are you worried about wrinkles? Nourish your skin from the inside. Take care of the ingredients that will provide your skin with proper hydration, firmness and elasticity. Among them, vitamin F plays an important role.
As Marta Koziarska, Master of Pharmacy, explains, “vitamin F” is not a term recognized by specialists. This is a common name referring to a group of fats from the family of unsaturated fatty acids.
The specialist explains why they are so important for mature skin. It tells you where to look for them and how to properly care for demanding skin. The rules are quite simple.
Vitamin F, i.e. good fat
Typically, the name “vitamin F” is used to refer to a mixture of omega-3 fatty acids (e.g. alpha-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid) and omega-6 fatty acids (e.g. linoleic acid, gamma-linolenic acid) that are essential for the health of the body .
A more precise term for these substances is: “essential fatty acids” or EFA for short.
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids perform many key functions in the body. They enable the production of hormones, regulate inflammatory processes, ensure healthy skin and hair, and support our hearts and brains.
Essential fatty acids – sources in the diet
Vitamin F, i.e. EFAs, can be found primarily in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds (chia, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds), avocados and fatty fish.
Regular consumption of these products can bring many health benefits because, in addition to EFAs, they also contain other nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber.
How the skin changes with age
The skin aging process becomes clearly visible after the age of 40. The skin becomes looser, especially in more delicate areas such as the eyes and lips. It is naturally thinner there and more exposed to the consequences of natural facial reflexes.
The decrease in estrogen production in mature women translates into the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin. This is the last moment to respond effectively to the decrease in skin density and increased water loss through the epidermis. Physiological processes cannot be completely stopped, but they can be significantly slowed down.
– In addition to the mandatory consideration of a healthier lifestyle, proper diet and sufficient hydration, we can add external care that strengthens the hydrolipid barrier, and thus delays the effects of aging – explains Marta Koziarska.
Hormonal changes associated with menopause appear around the age of 50. Reduced hydration in the epidermis and reduced skin thickness is accompanied by a weakening of subcutaneous fat tissue. As a result, the contours of the face change and the firmness and elasticity of the skin decreases.
Pigmentation changes may also appear.
EFAs in cosmetics
Essential fatty acids are often the basis of cosmetics that support the reconstruction and nourishment of the skin. They can be combined with other substances that regenerate and moisturize the skin, such as d-panthenol or allantoin.
Vitamin F used externally primarily prevents the skin from drying out, thanks to which wrinkles are reduced and skin elasticity is visibly improved. Vitamin F ointment is available in almost every pharmacy.
How to properly care for mature skin
Proper care of mature skin should be focused on ensuring its proper hydration, nourishment, protection against harmful external factors and supporting cellular regeneration.
And more specifically – what matters?
