Linoleic acid is a polyunsaturated fatty acid and part of the family of omega-6 fatty acids. Although western cuisine is usually rich in omega 6 its deficit in the skin may lead to dryness and weakened reparative functions of the skin. Many oils frequently used in skincare products are richer in oleic acid in comparison to linoleic acid and the misbalance between the two may easily result in worsening of acne because they make the sebum sticky and reduce its ability to be released from pores. On the other hand, there are indications that oils rich in linoleic acid help refine sebum.
In skincare linoleic acid serves as an ingredient which helps maintain the skin’s optimum moisture levels, thereby keeping the level of elasticity healthy. Continued use of products based on linoleic acid have been proven to improve the skin’s protective function against environmental stressors (source: Elias P.M., Brown B.E., Ziboh V.A. The Permeability Barrier in Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency: Evidence for a Direct Role for Linoleic Acid in Barrier Function 1980 Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 74:230-233).
Further, linoleic acid regulates cell metabolism (improves healing processes) and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, which is extremely important when treating skin prone to inflammatory processes such as acne. It is very well tolerated even by very sensitive skin (source: Conti A., Rogers J., Verdejo P., Harding C.R., Rawlings A.V. 1996 Seasonal influences on stratum corneum ceramide 1 fatty acids and the influence of topical essential fatty acids International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 18:1-12).
Skintegra’s product Tria Light is formulated based on linoleic acid with the addition of niacinamide and zinc PCA and as such is ideal for skin of any age group which is dealing with acne, hyperpigmentation marks and a weakened hydrolipidic barrier.
