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DHA is short for docosahexaenoic acid, and it is an omega-3 fatty acid necessary in the process of brain development. DHA also has an important role in heart health, improving vision, and in reducing inflammation. It is also responsible for the health of cell membranes, which directly affects your skin. Healthy cell membranes will give you healthy, soft and moist skin, whereas a weak membrane would cause dry, sad-looking skin.
DHA can help you have reduced sensitivity to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, so you are not as likely to have hyperpigmentation and other sun damage. It can soothe some effects of dermatitis, including dry and itchy skin. DHA has also been found to help with skin healing, and there are studies that indicate it may prevent skin cancer.
The commonest form of DHA is a fish oil supplement. Taking these can have some side effects, including nausea, halitosis and heartburn. There is also a possibility that ingesting fish oil may reduce your immune system’s activity, or interfere with your medication. Consult your doctor before taking DHA supplements. Topical application of fish oil doesn’t have any downsides other than an unpleasant smell.
A scar can form anywhere the skin is broken deeply enough to damage surrounding skin cells. With acne, most superficial blemishes will heal cleanly, leaving no visible evidence of prior breakouts. However, in the case of cystic acne, when a clogged pore leads to infection that travels deep into the dermis, ruptured cysts can break the follicle wall and cause the infection to damage surrounding skin cells. Collagen helps to repair the damage but leaves the skin more firm and tight than the rest of your skin. Some types of acne scarring leave a concave shape, called a pockmark. Contrary to some belief, not all acne scars are caused by picking or popping your blemishes. Some occur even if the acne is allowed to heal without picking.
To prevent sun damage from making acne scars more visible, it’s best to moisturize daily and wear sunscreen. Additionally, antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals that damage cells and speed up aging. Ingredients and nutrients like acai oil, alpha-lipoic acid, green tea extract, retinol/vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, caffeine, alpha-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid are all beneficial for preventing and reducing acne scarring. Jojoba oil is also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin.
DHA may be effective for acne scars, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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