Topical Omega-3 PUFAs Show Promise for Skin Conditions Like Psoriasis and Dermatitis: Study
A new study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology revealed that dermatologic benefits of topical omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs), showing improvements in skin hydration, reduced inflammation, and enhanced wound healing in conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and melanoma.
Recent research is highlighting the potential skin-healing powers of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which was long known for their health benefits when consumed through diet or supplements. This review by Laura Mateu-Arrom and team assessed the topical use and suggested that these fatty acids may offer a safe and effective complementary therapy for a variety of dermatological conditions.
The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines, went through current literature to assess the efficacy and safety of applying ω-3 PUFAs directly to the skin. This study excluded studies that focused solely on oral supplementation, lacked sufficient information about ω-3 PUFA composition, or used fish skin grafts to ensure a tight focus on topically applied formulations.
These studies analyzed the anti-inflammatory properties of ω-3 PUFAs which consistently contributed to visible skin improvements in various disease models. In cases of psoriasis, the topical application reduced redness, scaling, and lesion thickness. In wound healing models, ω-3 PUFAs accelerated tissue repair and regeneration. In case of dermatitis, they helped reduce itching and inflammation, and in melanoma research, these compounds showed potential for supporting immune responses without harming healthy tissue.
None of these studies reported adverse events such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, or cytotoxicity which is a strong indicator of the treatment’s safety profile. This research emphasized that the beneficial outcomes were most often linked to the ability of fatty acids to regulate inflammation, restore skin barrier function, and modulate immune activity at the site of application.
The detailed analysis across the included studies showed some variations in formulations, including different types of ω-3 PUFAs like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), or alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), as well as differences in concentration and vehicles used (e.g., gels, creams, or emulsions).
Overall, topical omega-3s are safe and may be effective in managing skin conditions, but standardized treatment approaches are still under development. While the current evidence is promising, the topical use of ω-3 PUFAs remains an emerging field and this call for more focused clinical studies to standardize protocols and better understand the mechanisms at play.
Reference:
Mateu-Arrom, L., Mora, I., & Garrote, L. (2025). Therapeutic benefits of topical omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in skin diseases and cosmetics: An updated systematic review. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 24(7), e70341. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70341
