A girl eating Krill oil supplements to nourish and hydrate your skin

Misbah Wasi

Functional Nutrition Specialist, Scientific & Regulatory Advisor for Health Supplements

Misbah Wasi is a seasoned professional in the field of Nutrition Science and Food Regulation for over 15 years. Currently, she is lendin her expertise in the area of Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals and is an active member of the Standards Review Group (SRG) - Nutraceuticals FSSAI Ms. Wasi is a post-graduate in Food and Nutrition. Certified Lead Food Safety Management Systems Auditor (FSMS, FSSC 22000) and a certified FoSTaC traine for Health Supplements and Nutraceuticals. She is also a Subject Matter Expert for ‘Food Regulations in India’ for IFLR (International Food Laws and Regulations) course at Michigan State University.

Nourish Your Skin for Healthy Hydration with Krill oil

October 18, 2024

In such a demanding lifestyle, maintaining healthy skin can be a challenge. Work stress, environmental factors, and even the latest diet trends often leave skin dry and dull. While we try topical solutions like creams and serums, true skin health comes from within.

But don’t worry!

We have one powerful way to nourish your skin and achieve healthy hydration - krill oil, which has emerged as one of the best recommendations for skin care.

Krill oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has been recognized for its potential in skin health, especially when it comes to hydrating your skin. Unlike traditional fish oil, krill oil offers several unique benefits, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their skin's hydration and overall appearance¹.

Understanding the Importance of Skin Hydration

Hydration is one of the most essential factors for maintaining youthful, glowing skin. Without adequate moisture, skin can become dry, flaky, and prone to irritation. Dehydration also accelerates the signs of ageing, leading to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness.

Keeping your skin well-hydrated is not just about applying creams and lotions. While topical treatments help, they only address the surface. For true hydration, it is crucial to nourish your skin from within. This is where nutrients like those found in krill oil play an essential role.

What is Krill Oil and How Does It Help Nourish Your Skin?

Krill oil, derived from tiny crustaceans known as Antarctic krill, is packed with beneficial compounds that directly contribute to skin health. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which are known for their anti-inflammatory and hydration-boosting properties. What makes krill oil stand out, however, is its unique composition.

In addition to omega-3s, krill oil contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress caused by environmental factors like pollution and UV exposure. Astaxanthin works alongside omega-3s to hydrate and nourish your skin, giving it a more youthful and radiant appearance.

Krill oil also includes phospholipids, which enhance the absorption of omega-3s in the body. This makes it more effective at delivering hydration compared to other sources, such as fish oil.

Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil: Which is Better for Skin Health?

Many people are familiar with fish oil as a popular source of omega-3s, but krill oil offers distinct advantages when it comes to skin health:

• Better Absorption: The omega-3s in krill oil are bound to phospholipids, which makes them easier for the body to absorb. This means that krill oil is more efficient at hydrating your skin compared to fish oil, which contains omega-3s in triglyceride form².

• Antioxidant Protection: Unlike fish oil, krill oil contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. This protection is crucial for maintaining smooth, youthful skin and preventing the signs of premature ageing.

• Less Fishy Taste: Many people avoid fish oil due to its strong fishy taste and aftertaste. Krill oil, on the other hand, has a much milder flavour and is often preferred for this reason.

The truth about krill oil is that its unique composition makes it a superior choice when it comes to nourishing your skin and supporting healthy hydration.

Top Benefits of Krill Oil for Skin Health

Krill oil offers several key benefits for your skin, particularly in terms of hydration and protection from environmental damage. Here’s how it can help:

Hydrates Your Skin: The omega-3 fatty acids in krill oil play a critical role in keeping your skin hydrated. Omega-3s help lock moisture into the skin, improving its texture and suppleness³. This leads to smoother, softer skin that stays hydrated for longer periods.
Antioxidant Power: Astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant found in krill oil, is known for its ability to protect the skin from oxidative damage⁴. It helps neutralize free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution, which can otherwise lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. With regular use of krill oil, your skin is better equipped to fight off environmental stressors.
Reduces Inflammation: Krill oil possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties. Many skin conditions, such as acne and rosacea, are triggered by inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3s found in krill oil help calm irritated skin and reduce redness. This makes krill oil an excellent choice for those with sensitive or inflamed skin⁵.
Supports Collagen Production: Omega-3s are also known for promoting collagen production, which is essential for skin elasticity and firmness⁶. By incorporating krill oil into your routine, you can support your skin's structure and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Tips to Incorporate Krill Oil into Your Skincare Routine

Adding krill oil supplements to your daily routine is a simple way to boost skin health and hydration. Here are some tips:

• Daily Supplements: Most people find that taking 1-2 capsules of krill oil per day provides the right amount of omega-3s for both skin and overall health. Look for omega-3 supplements made from sustainably sourced Antarctic krill oil for the best quality.

• Complement with Other Nutrients: To maximize skin hydration, you can combine krill oil with other omega-3-rich foods, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. A diet that includes healthy fats supports overall skin health.

• Hydrate from Within: In addition to krill oil, drink plenty of water and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to further enhance your skin’s hydration levels.

As people become more aware of the benefits of natural supplements for skin health, krill oil is gaining recognition in the beauty and skincare industry. Its ability to provide deep hydration, protect against environmental damage, and promote a youthful appearance makes it an increasingly popular ingredient in skincare routines.

Incorporating krill oil into your skincare routine is an excellent way to nourish your skin and ensure healthy hydration. The combination of omega-3s, antioxidants like astaxanthin, and the unique absorption properties of krill oil make it a standout choice for maintaining smooth, radiant skin.

As more people seek natural, effective ways to improve their skin health, krill oil offers a promising solution for both hydration and overall skin nourishment. Whether you're looking to combat dryness or reduce signs of ageing, krill oil is a simple yet powerful addition to your skincare regimen.

References

Duo, L., Yang, J., Wang, X., Zhang, G., Zhao, J., Zou, H., Wang, Z., & Li, Y. (2024). Krill oil: nutraceutical potential in skin health and disease. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1388155
Köhler, A., Sarkkinen, E., Tapola, N., Niskanen, T., & Bruheim, I. (2015). Bioavailability of fatty acids from krill oil, krill meal and fish oil in healthy subjects–a randomized, single-dose, cross-over trial. Lipids in Health and Disease, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12944-015-0015-4
Handeland, K., Wakeman, M., & Burri, L. (2024). Krill oil supplementation improves transepidermal water loss, hydration and elasticity of the skin in healthy adults: Results from two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, dose‐finding pilot studies. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16513
Drobnic, F., Storsve, A. B., Burri, L., Ding, Y., Banquells, M., Riera, J., Björk, P., Ferrer-Roca, V., & Domingo, J. C. (2021). Krill-Oil-Dependent increases in HS-Omega-3 index, plasma choline and antioxidant capacity in Well-Conditioned power training athletes. Nutrients, 13(12), 4237. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124237
Duo, L., Yang, J., Wang, X., Zhang, G., Zhao, J., Zou, H., Wang, Z., & Li, Y. (2024b). Krill oil: nutraceutical potential in skin health and disease. Frontiers in Nutrition, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2024.1388155
Chun, Y., Kim, J., Lim, J., Lee, N., & Ku, S. (2023). Effectiveness of krill oil in regulating skin moisture. Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry, 66. https://doi.org/10.3839/jabc.2023.049