Vitamin F. It’s a serious glow booster and a must-have for every routine. But what exactly is it and how does it benefit the skin? Let’s dive into the can’t-do-without ingredient.
What is vitamin F and how does it work?
Vitamin F represents two essential fatty acids: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid, and linoleic acid (LA), an omega-6 fatty acid. The "f" in Vitamin F stands for fat.
Both ALA and LA are crucial for healthy, hydrated skin but aren’t produced naturally by the body.
This means you need to include Vitamin F in your diet and skincare routine to reap the benefits of the two essential fatty acids.
Fun fact: the word "linoleic" derives from the Latin linum "flax" + oleum "oil" as it was first isolated from linseed oil.
The skin barrier and vitamin F
To understand how vitamin F works for the skin, let’s first take a look at the skin barrier (stratum corneum) and its important function in the body.
The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin which plays 2 critical roles:
- Guards the body against invading bacteria, pathogens and allergens to maintain health.
- Maintains moisture in the skin to minimise transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This refers to the process of moisture evaporating from the skin into the air. Excessive TEWL is common in dry skin types, compromised skin, and ageing skin.
This protective barrier consists of skin cells called corneocytes which contain keratin and natural moisturisers. The corneocytes are 'glued' together by various lipids (fats) to form a protective shield across the skin.
The lipids that glue the corneocytes together are a mixture of:
- Cholesterol (CHOL)
- Free fatty acids (FFA)
- Ceramides (CER)
Both alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid (vitamin F) form Ceramides - the major lipid constituent of the skin barrier.
Ceramides work to seal moisture into your skin, helping prevent dryness and irritation.
Research tells us that an unhealthy skin barrier function is linked to a deficiency of ceramides in the stratum corneum.
The production of ceramides diminishes with age which can contribute to increased sensitivity and thinning of the skin. Over-exfoliation can also strip the skin of its protective lipids, including ceramides, leading to a damaged barrier.
When this is the case topical skin lipid supplementation (aka - skincare) can boost ceramides to encourage a healthier barrier.
Skincare benefits if Vitamin F
Vitamin F is remarkably beneficial for your complexion, working to smooth and plump the skin’s surface for a healthier complexion, no matter your age or skin type.
Anti-ageing
Free radical activity impacts healthy skin cells which damages elastin and collagen in a process known as oxidative stress.
As a result, skin loses its elasticity and fullness leading to fine lines and wrinkles. Oxidative stress occurs for many reasons, from lifestyle and environmental damage to the natural ageing process.
The skin needs antioxidants to stop and repair the damage. Vitamin F is abundant in antioxidant activity to protect collagen and elastin from the harmful effects of free radicals.
Fortifies the skin and smooths the surface
Vitamin F helps reinforce the skin’s lipid barrier to reduce the signs of flaky, rough skin.
As we know, a strong barrier is the key to healthy skin and sufficient amounts of both ALA and LA are essential for an optimal barrier function.
Their emollient benefits smooth the rough skin and strengthen the barrier leading to visible improvements.
Boost skin hydration to reduce dryness and cracking
Perpetually dry and cracked skin may be lacking in vitamin F.
Cracks in the skin barrier increase TWEL which makes it difficult for the skin to retain moisture.
This leads to dehydration and a dull, scaly-looking complexion where flakiness and fine lines are prominent. All skin types can become dehydrated, even oily skin.
The essential fatty acids in vitamin F do a fantastic job of combating dehydration by sealing the cracks which means the skin retains moisture. The result of boosting hydration is clearer, brighter, plumper-looking skin.
Calms irritation
Stressed, troubled skin will benefit from the soothing effects of vitamin F.
With anti-inflammatory properties it works to calm redness and sensitivity, making it beneficial for inflammatory skin issues, such as dermatitis, psoriasis, and rosacea.
The barrier-building nature of fatty acids means the skin becomes stronger and more adept to defend itself against external stressors. In turn, this leads to reduced signs of sensitivity and irritation.
Wound healing
Vitamin F is essential for the growth of new skin cells and plays a crucial role in wound healing. A lack of vitamin F can contribute to decreased cell regeneration and poor skin healing. To encourage a speedy, healthy recovery, be sure to include vitamin F in your diet and topical skincare routine.
Hemp Seed Oil: An abundant source of Vitamin F
Hemp seed oil is the heart of our range which is excellent news for your skin!
Abundant in both linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, hemp seed oil is the perfect way to include both essential fatty acids in your skincare routine.
Boost the benefits of Vitamin F with Vela Days
Lipid Complex - A unique Oil/Gel-to-Milk cleanser
A proprietary blend of omega-rich oils that utilise new technology to create a genuinely unique Oil/Gel-to-Milk cleanser, enriched with Ceramides, which melts away impurities, makeup and the day. This antioxidant cleanser works as both a first cleanse on dry skin and a second cleanse on wet skin.
Our truly unique gel texture is made from rare plant oils which contain vitamins A, B, D & E and Omega 6 & 9 to restore skin, thoroughly purify pores and provide long-lasting moisture for the skin, rinsing off cleanly.
Oil Infusion Serum
The Oil Infusion is a luxurious Face oil serum formulated with 14 of the most nutrient-rich botanical oils and seven unique brightening actives for nourishing and glowing skin.
Our unique Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil amplifies the performance and effectively addresses a broad range of skin concerns.
Active Compound
Brighten, tighten, hydrate, renew, balance, and defend with one all-encompassing serum.
Encapsulated retinol helps to stimulate cellular turnover, while 4 weights of Hyaluronic Acid intensely hydrate and plump the skin. Niacinamide and active Plant Growth Factors help to boost collagen, reduce the appearance of large pores and diminish pigmentation.
These 3 products are our Full Vela Days Routine. Purchase the complete 3 step pack and start your skin transformation today!
