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Using a cleanser and toner for your skin is great, and surely mascara and blush will help. But, to really look radiant, you need to intake essential fatty acids (EFAs). EFAs directly control a huge number of cellular processes in the body that match up with the health of your skin, hair, and nails. For absolutely gorgeous skin, hair, and nails supplement your daily diet with fish oil, flax oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant oil.

Without the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and EFAs (healthy fats), your skin will eventually become dull, dry, inflamed with eczema, and you will be more prone to premature aging. Your body cannot manufacture the EFAs that produce supple skin and shiny hair so you do need to supplement to receive an adequate amount.

EFAs increase the absorption of vitamins and minerals into your skin cells while reducing inflammation and promoting proper nerve function. Supplementing with EFAs helps your body deal with the pollution it is exposed to. Essential fatty acids strengthen and increase the fluidity of the delicate membranes that surround each cell.

According to Lipid Research (2005, 46:1712-1720), researchers found that Omega-3 inhibited the production of enzymes that cause connective tissue damage that leads to wrinkled, aging skin.

In a 2000 report in Arch Gerontol Geriatrics,/i>, twenty-nine elderly people were given a daily dose of Omega-6 from borage oil for 2 months to evaluate skin function. Skin water loss was decreased and itchiness reduced from 34% to zero. Less skin dryness was reported and it was concluded that consumption of borage oil led to improved skin function.

Recommended Dosages

Renowned naturopath, Mark Stengler,ND recommends taking 2,000 milligrams of a daily Omega-3 fish oil supplement if your health is good. Omega-3 also combats arthritis, asthma, cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, attention deficit disorder, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, high blood pressure, Chron's disease, and depression. To look good, you have to feel good.

Stengler recommends 1 to 2 tablespoons daily of Omega-3 rich flax seed oil for adults. Children should start at 1 teaspoon. If you have gallbladder problems, start with 1 teaspoon and build up gradually to avoid any difficulties with digestion due to a decreased amount of bile being present. Flax is also great for reducing acne and relieving arthritis, digestive disorders, and memory problems.

Omega-6 which helps relieve dry skin and reduce hair loss is found in borage and evening primrose oil. Stengler recommends 500 to 1,500 milligrams daily of evening primrose oil along with an Omega-3 supplement to maintain a proper EFA balance in the body. Omega-6 is the unsung hero when it comes to beautifying your skin and keeping it free of lines and wrinkles. Applying borage oil daily to your face is a perfect way to fight the signs of aging and prevent premature aging of your skin.

Always consult your physician if you plan to start a new supplement to make sure it does not interfere with any medication you are currently taking. There is no doubt that EFAs lead to radiant, healthy, and youthful skin.