The Benefits of Linoleic Acid for Skin Go Above & Beyond Ceramides
When it comes to nourishing skincare ingredients, there are tons—from ceramides to vitamins C and E, and one of our current go-tos: omegas. Yep, this all might sound like skincare alphabet soup, but once you get the basics down, understanding which ingredients your skin needs is easier than you think. The skincare benefits of omegas are strong—so we look for them whenever we walk down the skincare aisle.
Our latest favorite source of this skin-loving ingredient? Linoleic acid. It’s rich in omega-6 fats that help repair your skin’s barrier and make it stronger, so it can stay hydrated, tighter, and brighter. We chatted with cosmetic chemist and celebrity esthetician Elina Fedotova about everything you need to know about this trendy skincare ingredient, and how to add it to your routine.
Meet the Expert
Elina Fedotova is a cosmetic chemist, celebrity esthetician, and owner of Elina Organics Spas.
What is linoleic acid?
According to Fedotova, “Linoleic acid is found in plant-based oils, nuts and seeds, and it is the most common polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acid.” In your skin, linoleic acid is like the glue for ceramides. Having more of it on your skin’s outermost layer can help correct and reverse ageing, acne, and an overall dull complexion.
But, like other skincare ingredients, there are natural sources and synthetically manufactured ones. “My favorite source of it is sea buckthorn oil because it is harmoniously balanced with other skin nutrients like oleic acid, beta keratin, and omega 3,” says Fedotova. “I do not like synthetically manufactured or isolated ingredients and as a formulator of an organic skincare line I believe that whole plant extracts which contain linoleic acids work perfectly because they are supported with other harmoniously working pheta-nutrients,” she adds.
Benefits of linoleic acid for skin
If linoleic acid is the glue for ceramides, then adding it to your skincare routine can only help your skin. Over time, your body’s natural production of ceramides, lipids, and fats naturally slows down. Adding these to your skincare routine as soon as possible will help keep up production as you age, and even be preventative before you need it.
“Linoleic acid has a calming, anti-inflammatory, and skin regenerating effects,” explains Fedotova. “It is very healing for the skin and will benefit everyone. It is specifically beneficial for acne, rosacea and sun damaged complexions as well as aging skin.” This is because people with acne-prone skin have lower amounts of linoleic acid in the skin. “It helps to keep the skin hydrated by protecting the moisture in the skin and it acts as a natural emollient,” says Fedotova.
How to use linoleic acid in your skincare routine
According to Fedotova, you can use linoleic acid in all of your products, including face wash, serums, and moisturizers. If the product contains a good amount of linoleic acid, “you will feel a calming, silkening, hydrating, and firming effect,” she says. “Skincare products which contain it can be used 1 or 2 times a day but it depends on the formulation.” If linoleic acid is the first or second ingredient listed in a product, it likely contains a large, or as Fedotova calls it, “good” amount of it.
Products with linoleic acid to try now
1. EQUITANCE Brightening Serum and Spot Corrector
Remember when we mentioned linoleic acid for acne? It can even help smooth out skin tone and reduce the appearance of stubborn acne spots that haven’t gone away yet. Use this serum before you apply moisturizer, and take it from the Ipsters: One said, “After a few weeks I noticed a bit more brightness. And it does help even out darker spots.”
2. PIXI BEAUTY Hydrating Milky Mist
This hydrating mist is formulated with hyaluronic acid and a number of soothing ingredients including black oat, pro vitamin A, and of course, linoleic acid. The result is brighter, dewier looking skin, plus it’s formulated for all skin types that need a brightening boost. This mist is perfect to throw in your travel bag and spritz on during and after a plane ride that can suck moisture from your skin.
3. WAY OF WILL Body Oil in Cedarwood and Grapefruit
The skin on the face isn’t the only place that needs tender love and care. As you get older, ceramides and fatty acids deplete all over the body. Using this body oil that’s formulated with linoleic acid and vitamin E will help repair and reverse the signs of aging, including loosening skin, uneven skin tone, and more.
4. SUNDAY RILEY ICE Ceramide Moisturizing Cream
Got dry skin? Get your ceramides and linoleic acid in a combo meal with this decadent cream from SUNDAY RILEY. The brand is known for its multi-tasking formulas, and this one is no different. It also contains a combo of plant-based super-hydrators, including beetroot and pomegranate extracts.
5. GLAMGLOW BRIGHTEYES™ Illuminating Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream
Linoleic acid is even safe to use on the skin around your eyes. One Ipster loves that “a little goes a long way” when it comes to this product. It also goes on like a lightweight gel, which makes it perfect for hotter months. Collagen-boosting peptides help give life to the skin around your eyes, which is the thinnest skin on your entire body, so it needs all the love it can get.
Want to get skin-loving products in your IPSY Glam Bag fun? Take our Beauty Quiz now to get started. Already an Ipster? Refer your friends to earn points, which you can use toward products. Either way, don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.
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