Wondering why Vitamin F has become the talk of the town all of a sudden? Despite being called a vitamin, Vitamin F is not a traditional vitamin. It is a mix of two essential fatty acids that offer multiple benefits for your skin.
Many people also consider Vitamin F to be their new skincare BFF as it hydrates the skin and protects the skin barrier. In this article, we will discuss how you can incorporate Vitamin F into your daily skincare regimen and what amazing benefits it has in store for your skin!
Highlights:
What Is Vitamin F?
Vitamin F is not an actual vitamin. Rather, it is a vitamin complex that contains two essential fatty acids named alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid (LA). Both of them come under polyunsaturated fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid belongs to the omega 3 family while linoleic acid is an omega 6 fatty acid. [1]
The combination of these two fatty acids regulates healthy body functions and plays a major role in promoting glowing skin. The complex vitamin was discovered in the year 1920. [2] However, your body does not produce any of these fatty acids naturally, and both need to be obtained from your regular diet.
What Does Vitamin F Do For The Skin?
1. Maintains Moisture Balance
Vitamin F is known for its hydrating properties. Being an omega 6 essential fatty acid, it works by retaining the moisture in your skin and maintaining your natural moisture level. [3]
2. Fights Against Acne
A study conducted in 1998 evaluated the topical application of Vitamin F on people with acne. The result showed that the pustules were reduced by 25% after one month of application.[4]
3. Anti-Inflammatory
Having anti-inflammatory properties, Vitamin F is exceptionally beneficial for people with acne-prone skin or to those who have skin inflammation issues.
4. Controls Psoriasis
While Vitamin F suits all skin types, it works best for people with sensitive skin. Skin conditions like psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and acne can be controlled to a certain extent by using Vitamin F.
5. Blocks UV Rays
Vitamin F is anti-inflammatory and also holds some immune properties. When your skin comes in contact with sunlight, Vitamin F tries to alter the reaction. So, if you have not worn your sunscreen for a day but have applied topical Vitamin F, your skin is safe for a while.
6. Protects The Skin Barrier
Linoleic acid of Vitamin F helps build the outermost layer of your skin. This layer protects you from the outside pathogens, bacteria, germs, UV light etc. The topical application of Vitamin F strengthens your skin’s protective barrier.
7. Adds Glow To Your Skin
Since it hydrates your skin, it reduces dryness. It makes your dull skin moisturized and charismatic. Your skin starts naturally glowing after a few days of applying Vitamin F.
What Are The Best Sources Of Vitamin F?
|
Food Source |
Amount of ALA or LA Fatty Acid[5] |
|
Soybean Oil |
7 Gram LA/ 15 ML |
|
Corn Oil |
7 Gram LA/15 ML |
|
Almonds |
3.5 Gram LA/ 1 Ounce |
|
Flax Seeds |
6.5 Gram ALA/ 1 Ounce |
|
Walnuts |
2.5 Gram ALA/ 1 Ounce |
|
Chia Seeds |
5 Gram ALA/ 1 Ounce |
|
Flaxseed Oil |
7 Gram ALA/ 15 ML |
|
Pecans |
6 Gram LA / 1 Ounce |
|
Olive Oil |
10 Gram LA/ 15 ML |
|
Hemp Seeds |
3 Gram ALA/ 1 Ounce |
|
Sunflower Seeds |
11 Gram LA/ 1 Ounce |
How Can You Incorporate Vitamin F Into Your Skincare Routine?
Vitamin F is available in various forms such as face masks, creams, serums and toners. You can get a Vitamin F skincare product from your local skincare store or from any online shopping platform. To make the most of Vitamin F for your skin, do follow the steps given below.
1. Firstly, wash your face with a mild cleanser and pat it dry. Apply a Vitamin F toner on your face and neck before you apply anything else.
2. The second step involves applying booster skin cream that has multiple vitamins (including Vitamin F) and minerals. Massage the cream on your face with your fingertip. Be gentle while you massage your skin.
3. The third and last stage of your skincare routine should be a moisturizer. Use a moisturizer that suits your skin. You can opt for a moisturizer that contains the essential fatty acids ALA and LA.
4. If you are using any topical cream of Vitamin F, then applying it twice a day is good enough. Also, make sure you are consuming food that contains the essential fatty acids ALA and LA.
What Will Happen If You Have Vitamin F Deficiency?
Vitamin F deficiency is not a common phenomenon. But in case someone is not getting sufficient amounts of both the essential fatty acids of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid, then issues like skin dryness, hair loss, scabs, and skin sores may happen. Other effects of vitamin deficiency are slow growth among children, delay in wound healing, and increased chances of infections.
What Are The Side Effects Of Having Too Much Vitamin F?
There are no such side effects reported for Vitamin F. But too much consumption of anything can lead to health issues. Experts suggest that a popular ratio for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid is 4:1.
Usually, incorporating Vitamin F in your normal diet or using it topically does not require a doctor’s recommendation. However, if you have any medical issues, or are taking certain medication, you may want to ask your doctor for dosage recommendations.
Wrapping Up
Vitamin F is a mix of two highly essential fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid. These two are extremely important to regulate good health. As the human body does not produce Vitamin F, people need to consume it through their regular diet.
Lack of the essential fatty acids may lead to several issues like skin dryness, hair loss, skin infections etc. But be mindful while taking your daily dose of Vitamin F, as too much consumption can lead to health issues.
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