The ABCs of Beauty: Skincare Experts Explain Vitamin F

This is the sixth of a seven-part series, where we invite skin and beauty experts to explain the intricacies of the vitamins found in our skincare products

If you’ve been on the pulse of the latest buzzy skincare ingredients, you may have heard of Vitamin F, which started to gain prominence earlier this year. But what exactly is this ‘vitamin’ and what does it do? We ask Dr Georgia Lee of TLC Lifestyle Practice and Dr SK Tan of IDS Clinic for some insights.

Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/SEMSEMS-440870/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3295342">Susana Martins</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3295342">Pixabay</a>

Above (Image: Susana Martins/Pixabay)

What is Vitamin F?

As it turns out, vitamin F isn’t really a vitamin.

“Vitamin F, which has been described in published medical journals as early as 1950, refers to the combination of two different types of essential fatty acids—linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA),” explains Dr Georgia Lee, medical director of TLC Lifestyle Practice and co-founder of A DrBrand.

These fatty acids are necessary to our body in order to supply calories, aid growth, vision, and brain development, provide cell structure and support other bodily functions. Common sources in our diet include plant oils like soybean, olive, corn, and flaxseed oils, as well as nuts and seeds such as sunflower seeds, pecans, almonds, and chia seeds.

And in case you didn’t get it, the ‘F’ in vitamin F stands for fat!

What does Vitamin F do for our skin?

If you’re wondering what skincare benefits essential fatty acids can offer, its effects actually go cell-deep.

“The ingredients act as building blocks of ceramides, which are a type of lipid that helps make up the skin cell membrane,” says Dr SK Tan, medical director and founder of IDS Clinic.

Ceramides are known to be anti-ageing “powerhouses”, helping to retain the moisture in our skin and strengthen its protective barrier against environmental aggressors.

“Both LA and ALA also affect immune responses and inflammation in our body; and because LA and ALA play a big role in our cell membranes and immune health, they also play an important part in maintaining the barrier integrity of our skin.”

Photo 1 of 4 Drunk Elephant’s <a href="https://www.sephora.sg/products/drunk-elephant-f-balm-electrolyte-waterfacial-hydrating-mask/v/50ml" target="blank">F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial</a> is a hydrating overnight mask packed with a blend of barrier-strengthening ingredients like niacinamide, sodium PCA, plant squalane, five forms of ceramides, as well as vitamin F.

Photo 2 of 4 <a href="https://truebotanicals.com/products/pure-radiance-oil-renew" target="blank">True Botanicals Renew Pure Radiance Oil</a> is loaded with active vitamin F ingredients like evening primrose, rosehip, grape seed, avocado, chia seed, hemp seed oils and more to plump up creases and lines, increase hydration and retain the skin’s moisture.

Photo 3 of 4 The <a href="https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/perricone-md-essential-fx-acyl-glutathione-rejuvenating-moisturizer/5060457/full" target ="blank">Perricone MD Essential Fx Acyl-Glutathione Rejuvenating Moisturiser</a> improves the appearance of wrinkles and creases with antioxidant acyl-glutathione and replenishes the skin’s natural moisture barrier with a vitamin F-rich blend of flaxseed, chia seed and macadamia seed oils for soft and supple skin.

Photo 4 of 4 Formulated with vitamin F-rich rosehip fruit and seed oil, Pai’s bestselling <a href="https://www.sephora.sg/products/pai-skincare-rosehip-bioregenerate-oil/v/30ml" target="blank">Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil</a> features a high concentration of Omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9 to aid the skin in repairing skin damage and regeneration. A gentle alternative to retinol, it offers the antioxidant effects and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Who should use it and who shouldn’t?

Because of its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to fortify the skin’s barrier, vitamin F is especially useful for sensitive or ageing skin.

“Vitamin F is great for those with very dry, sensitive skin, as well as those with eczema, dermatitis, or skin that has been exposed to harsh elements,” notes Dr Lee.

“Those prone to acne and clogged pores, however, should titrate the usage to certain times of the month—for the ladies—when the skin is drier and over needed areas only.”

What is the best way to use Vitamin F?

According to Dr Tan, vitamin F can be used with almost any product. This complex of essential fatty acids is often found in moisturising and hydrating products, as well as anti-ageing products.

Dr Lee advises using the lipophilic (fat-based) ingredient directly onto the affected area and before any lotion or cream-based products for better absorption.

Are there any side effects to Vitamin F?

While vitamin F can be used by anyone, Dr Lee warns that it may cause breakouts in some users.

“I would suggest testing it over a small area for a few days before extending the usage to the treatment areas."

Vitamin F is also generally compatible with all ingredients.

Topics

skincare skincare ingredients wellness vitamins vitamin f health skincare expert essential fatty acids anti-ageing moisturising sensitive skin georgia lee tlc lifestyle practice sk tan ids clinic