Why Your Skin Needs More Fat From Vitamin F

Essential fatty acids are the building blocks of cell membranes, which keep skin (as well bones and hormones) functioning. In the case of skin, linoleic acid is a building block for ceramides, the wax-type oils in sebum that are one of skin's main moisturizing elements, Guanche says. What's interesting is that linoleic acid cannot be made by the body and must be ingested for the process to occur.

Ingesting Vitamin F

Experts say vitamin F can be ingested or applied topically. Noshing on more foods rich in good fats, like avocado or salmon, will keep skin smooth and supple. Eating good fats is something Guanche recommends for her patients with drier skin or eczema.

Topical Vitamin F

All skin types can benefit from a topical application of vitamin F. "Who doesn't want to boast that their stratum corneum (the protective outer layer of skin) is the strongest in the land?" asks celebrity makeup artist Natalia López de Quintana. "That's what increasing both your intake and topical use of vitamin F does."

According to Guanche, those with normal to dry skin types benefit when linoleic acids are applied topically. Caires adds that vitamin F is very good for aging skin because it's critical for supporting the protective moisture barrier, which breaks down as we get older and lose vitamin F, resulting in lines and wrinkles.

Worried vitamin F might be too rich if you're prone to acne? Dr. Gary Goldfaden says topical linoleic acid has been shown to help reduce breakouts.

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