Echium Oil ~ 8 oz ~ Sourced from Canada ~

Our skin is our largest organ and it primarily functions to protect the body against environmental influences. The epidermis is composed of layers of corneocytes and lipid membranes. These lipids play a vital role in controlling inflammation based skin conditions. The skin itself lacks important desaturase enzymes, preventing it from restructuring lipids that are available through our diet. Lipids found in our skin are a reflection of our diets. Common western diets are mostly high in omega 6’s Linoleic acid (LA) and Arachidonic acid (ARA) of which the latter is associated with increased inflammation.
 
Echium plantagineum is a novel food approved source of the omega 3’s Stearidonic acid (SDA, 14%) and Alpha Linolenic acid (ALA 30%) as well as the omega 6 gamma-linolenic acid (GLA 12%). SDA is a precursor of the fish fatty acid Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), well known for it’s anti-inflammatory action.
 
Multiple studies have shown that SDA is effectively converted to EPA by the liver, at around 25-30%. Also, GLA is recognised for it’s anti-inflammatory action. GLA is valued as highly beneficial for improving skin health, as also shown by it’s application in many skin creams and skin-focussed supplements. The fatty acid profile in Echium oil presents the body with building blocks for maintaining healthy, clear skin. Scientific studies have demonstrated this, in both topical application as well as after oral supplementation.