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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.
Pigmentation is simply skin’s coloration, determined by the amount of melanin produced by the skin cells. This umbrella term can include a wide variety of skin pigmentation disorders that can affect small or large areas of the skin. It includes genetic conditions, as well as environmental ones, such as sunspots or liver spots. Hyperpigmentation, for example, refers to a darkening of the skin, such as with age spots and sunspots.
To prevent discoloration from damaging UV, 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, jojoba oil, green tea extract, retinol/vitamin A, coenzyme Q10, caffeine, alpha-hydroxy acid and salicylic acid are all beneficial for preventing and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C is also a good brightening agent for hyperpigmentation. Hydrolyzed collagen also enhances the appearance of dull or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring the overall vitality of the skin.
DHA may be effective for pigmentation, 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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