Fact Or Fiction: EFAs Are Anti-Ageing?

Do you dread looking in the mirror every morning? Does the search for new wrinkles and the signs of ageing signal the start of your day? If so, you, along with so many others, might be at risk of falling for some of the anti-ageing myths that haunt the internet. I mean, who doesn’t want to get their hands on the elixir of youth? With so much demand for the next big miracle cure for life’s natural progression, it can be hard to know what to believe about anti-ageing remedies.

Never fear, we’re here to help. We’re going to cover some common ‘facts’ about ageing and get to the bottom of them.

‘Fact’ 1 - The Earlier You Start To Use Anti-Ageing Products The Better

Verdict - True!

You can never start too early with anti-ageing products. Which one should be on the top of everyone’s list? Suncream. There is very little that ages your skin faster than getting too much sun. For that reason, you really can’t start using it too soon. 

Do you need to start using a super-strength age-defying night creams in your 20s? Probably not. Starting early doesn’t give you protection for the future, not like sunscreen does! Instead, try to find products that are age-specific as a preventative measure.

‘Fact’ 2 - You Can Use EFAs Instead Of Sunscreen To Get Protection From UVA Rays

Verdict - True! (sort of)

Omega 3, in particular, has been shown to give your skin a boost in resisting the effects of UVA rays. It can provide you with a little extra time before you need to get your sunscreen on. This can give you the chance to soak up a bit of sunshine to make vitamin D before you slap on your sunscreen. An excellent way to get these EFAs is from the best beauty treatment going - Udo’s Oil. Remember, this oil works on the inside, not the outside.

Consuming a tablespoon of Udo’s Oil a day can help to promote essential fatty acids (EFAs) in the body. It is NOT a replacement for sunscreen - unless you’re going for the ‘leather’ look, that is.

‘Fact’ 3 - You Don’t Need to Wear Sunscreen On Cloudy Days

Verdict – False!

The sun gives off UV rays all year round. Cloud cover does not stop these rays from getting to your skin. If you can see from the light of the sun, you are receiving a dose of UV rays simultaneously. This means sunscreen should be used all year round, not just on your summer holidays.  

So how do you decide on the level of SPF coverage throughout the year? You can always check the UV index using a weather service that will give you a good idea of how intense the UV rays will be at your location.

In winter, when there’s no snow on the ground, you can usually get away with a lower SPF. However, If there is snow, you might want to pop a higher factor on. The snow reflects and concentrates the sun’s rays and can give you a much bigger UVA dose than you might expect.

Ultimately, if you make SPF part of your daily routine, then you cannot go far wrong. However, do try to remember to get just a few minutes of non-protected sun exposure, to help bolster that vitamin D production.

‘Fact’ 4 - How You Age Depends On Your Genes

Verdict - True! (but it’s not the only factor)

Your genes absolutely do have an impact on how your body ages. There is no denying that certain conditions are hereditary. However, just because your parents suffered from poor vision, for example, when they got older doesn’t guarantee that you will.

It turns out that the lifestyle choices you make will have a more significant impact on how your body ages than your genes. If you are concerned about treading the same path as your parents or grandparents, then there are actions you can take. 

• Get Enough Sleep
• Eat Right - Get Your Key Nutrients
• Exercise
• Practice Self Care

Your fate isn’t written in your genes. It’s just an outline. You get to decide where your story goes.

‘Fact’ 5 - Eating Oily Foods Is Bad For Your Skin

Verdict - False!

It’s a pretty common myth that eating greasy food makes your skin greasy. While the phrase ‘you are what you eat’ is essentially accurate, it doesn’t work quite that literally. In fact, certain oils like Udo’s Oil, which are rich in Omegas 3 and 6, can help to improve your skin’s condition.

Omegas oils are good for helping keep your skin moisturised. They can reduce acne incidences and have been seen to slow some of the signs of ageing.

The Final Verdict

There is no magic bullet when it comes to ageing. How your skin and body will age depends on a combination of factors, which include your genes and your lifestyle. By controlling the things you can, and nourishing your body correctly, you can slow and minimise the effects of ageing.