Omega 7s, and What They Do for Skin and Hair

Omega 7, or palmitoleic acid, is a monounsaturated fatty acid found in sea buckthorn and macadamia nuts, and in smaller amounts in avocado, olive oil, and oily fish. It gets less attention than omega 3, and the evidence behind it is correspondingly thinner.

What it is thought to do

Fatty acids are structural components of cell membranes, and the skin barrier depends on lipids to hold moisture. The reasoning for omega 7 follows from that: adequate dietary fat supports barrier function, and a barrier that holds water produces skin that looks and feels better.

It has been studied for anti-inflammatory effects, and sea buckthorn oil has a longer history of use for dry skin and dry eye than most supplement ingredients can claim.

Being honest about the evidence

Claims that a single fatty acid firms skin, thickens hair, or hardens nails run ahead of what has been shown. Nutrition affects skin, and deficiency shows on the surface. That is a different proposition from a supplement producing a visible result in someone already eating adequately.

If you are drawn to it, food is the sensible starting point. Macadamias, sea buckthorn oil, avocado, and oily fish are worth eating regardless of what they do for your complexion.

Where this fits

Diet supports skin. It does not replace treatment, and no supplement addresses pigment, laxity, or lines already established. If a supplement is ever sold to you as an alternative to a treatment plan, that is the moment to be sceptical.

Anyone taking anticoagulants or managing a health condition should speak with their physician before adding a supplement.