It's no secret that a balanced diet is key to having healthy skin.

But did you know that some of the oils used in cooking can actually cause skin problems? It's true! Seed oils like sunflower, safflower and corn oil are all high in omega 6 fatty acids, which research indicates can lead to inflammation and a host of skin conditions.

Read on to learn more about why too much omega 6 is bad for our skin and what we can do to achieve better balance between omega 3 and 6.

The Omega 3-6 Balance

Omega 3 and 6 are both essential fatty acids, meaning they must be obtained through diet rather than produced by the body. Omega 3s have anti-inflammatory properties that support overall health as well as healthy skin. On the other hand, omega 6s are pro-inflammatory and can cause inflammation when consumed in large quantities.  

Unfortunately, many processed foods contain high levels of seed oils with a lot of omega 6s, making it easy to over consume these fatty acids without knowing it. Aiming for a balanced ratio between omega 3s and 6s is key for maintaining good skin health as well as general wellness.

Good Substitutes for Seed Oils

Fortunately, there are healthier options available when it comes to cooking oils! Olive oil is one great example; it contains monounsaturated fats (MUFA) instead of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs). MUFAs don't break down easily when exposed to heat like PUFAs do, so olive oil is less likely to oxidize – meaning your food won't become rancid or create free radicals when cooked with olive oil! Avocado oil is also another great option since it has the highest smoke point among plant-based oils (meaning you can cook at higher temperatures before it starts breaking down). Coconut oil is another great choice since it contains medium chain triglycerides (MCT), which help reduce inflammation.

Supplementing with Omega 3 Fatty Acids

In addition to being mindful of our cooking oils, supplementing with fish or krill oil can be beneficial if you're unable to get enough omega 3 from your diet alone.

When supplementing with fish or krill oil make sure you look for an ethically sourced product that has been tested for heavy metals and other toxic contaminants. Taking 1-2 capsules daily should provide adequate amounts of EPA/DHA, two important types of omega 3 fatty acids found in fish and krill oil supplements.

In conclusion, seed oils like sunflower, safflower and corn should be avoided whenever possible due to their high content of pro-inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids which may lead to inflammation and various skin conditions when over consumed. Fortunately, there are plenty of healthier options available such as olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil as well as supplementing with fish or krill oil if necessary!

So remember—choose wisely when selecting your cooking oils to achieve optimal skin health!