DUSSELDORF, Germany—Ingestion of flaxseed or borage oil can support healthy skin, according to a study out of the University of Dusseldorf (Br J Nutr. ePub 02 Sep 2008) (DOI:10.1017/S0007114508020321). Researchers assigned two groups of women to take 2.2 g/d of total fatty acids from flaxseed oil or borage oil; a control group received a placebo with medium-chain fatty acids. Flaxseed oil was a richer source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and linoleic acid, while borage oil delivered more gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and linoleic acid.
Women taking flaxseed oil showed significant increases in ALA in plasma on weeks 6 and 12, while the borage treatment increased plasma GLA levels. Both interventions decreased skin reddening induced by nicotinate, significantly increased skin hydration, and significantly decreased transepidermal water loss. Further, both flaxseed and borage oil significantly decreased roughness and scaling of the skin.