Study Highlights Topical Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Benefits in Skin Disease

A new systematic review has concluded, across models of psoriasis, wounds, dermatitis, and melanoma, that the use of topical omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may lead to meaningful dermatologic benefits.1

Laura Mateu-Arrom, MD, PhD—from the Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona’s Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau in Barcelona—led the team of investigators in this review. The investigative team noted that a prior systematic review had provided some early support for the use of topical fish oil-derived fatty acids in dermatology, though additional clinical trial data had been sparse at the time.2

“The present findings will help dermatologists in future investigations and in clinical decision making by providing the latest data insights of the indications and beneficial impact of the topical application of ω-3 PUFAs,” Mateu-Arrom et al wrote.1

Design and Notable Findings

The investigative team noted the prior interest expressed by many in omega-3 use as a topical option for patients, given the diverse biological activities of omega-3 PUFAs. Although oral supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs has been shown to result in positive outcomes in several dermatologic conditions—including such conditions as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and burns—the potential benefits of these fatty acids' application directly to the skin remained less well understood before Mateu-Arrom's analysis.

The co-authors noted the aforementioned 2018 systematic review, which they highlight offered early support for the topical use of fish oil-derived fatty acids such as linoleic acid (LA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).2 Evidence from cellular, animal, and human studies suggested such agents could enhance skin barrier integrity, diminish ultraviolet-induced inflammation and pigmentation, relieve itching associated with dermatitis, improve dry skin, and promote wound healing.

In response to the gap in clinical data acknowledged during this prior review, Mateu-Arrom and colleagues' present study systematically evaluated the current body of literature on the efficacy and safety of topical omega-3 PUFAs in dermatologic care. They followed PRISMA guidelines, with search terms including combinations of "fish oil," "omega-3," "PUFA," or "polyunsaturated fatty acids" with "skin," "cosmetic," or "topical." The team would only look at English-language full-text research articles published after 2018, aligning with the publication cutoff of the 2018 review.2

Given the variety of trial designs—ranging from in vitro experiments to preclinical and human analyses—the included research was not subjected to a formal risk-of-bias scoring system. Instead, 2 independent reviewers assessed the studies' methodological quality, with the data being reviewed and validated by the investigative team as a whole.

Overall, the collective evidence suggested to Mateu-Arrom et al that topical omega-3 PUFA utilization confers meaningful skin health benefits.1 Such benefits among patients with various skin conditions were attributed to omega-3 PUFAs' anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

The investigators highlighted improvements that had been reported in skin hydration, reduction of irritation and inflammation, closure of wounds, and relief from symptoms in psoriatic conditions. Notably, the team pointed to the benefits of DHA and EPA formulations when applied to the skin. They expressed that such conditions were well tolerated across all included research, with no instances of cytotoxic effects, adverse events, or irritation being documented.

Despite the encouraging findings from their review, Mateu-Arrom and coauthors highlighted the uncertainties that remain regarding the most effective dosage, specific omega-3 PUFA compounds, and delivery systems. As such, further clinical research was noted as essential to refine and validate their use in dermatology.

“Further preclinical and clinical studies involving healthy volunteers or patients are needed to elucidate the impact of the topical use of ω-3 PUFAs and to determine the optimal delivery methods for these fatty acids in cosmetology and dermatology,” the investigators concluded.1

References

1. L. Mateu-Arrom, I. Mora, and L. Garrote. “Therapeutic Benefits of Topical Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Skin Diseases and Cosmetics: An Updated Systematic Review,” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 24, no. 7 (2025): e70341, https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70341.

2. T. H. Huang, P. W. Wang, J. Y. Fang, et al. “Cosmetic and Therapeutic Applications of Fish Oil's Fatty Acids on the Skin,” Marine Drugs 16, no. 8 (2018): 256, https://doi.org/10.3390/md16080256.