The Benefits of Flaxseed Oil for Skin & Link Up On the Edge #172

November 22, 2019 / 50 Comments

Oh, sweet menopause and the years that lead up to it. Are any members of the female gender exempt from the symptoms? There are dozens of symptoms that accompany this change of life and every woman experiences a unique combination of them. From cold flashes (I don’t get hot, I freeze) to severe cramping and raging PMS to itchy skin and consistently disrupted sleep, I have to say that none of the premenopausal symptoms are really pleasant except perhaps the part about increased sex drive. However, that can be a nuisance as well if it hits at inopportune times leaving one feeling all frisky and no way to scratch that itch. Thank goodness for the benefits of masturbation when that happens. But this post isn’t about masturbation or the craziness of midlife sex drive. This post is about the insane skin issues that have erupted in my life ever since I turned 40.

I must first give some background. I was that teenage girl that rarely had a pimple. I would get a few at certain times during my menstrual cycle and they were bothersome and embarrassing as such things are for emotionally volatile teenagers. But they didn’t last long and I certainly did not have a chronic issue with skin outbreaks. Like ever. Not even during pregnancy. Perhaps I can thank genetics or maybe I spent so many hours of my time as a competitive swimmer immersed in chlorinated water that pimple bacteria just didn’t stand a chance. But for whatever reason, I have been blessed with pretty decent skin my entire life.

Until I turned 40. Then it was like I was being punished by the epidermis gods for a youth spent in flawless glowing splendor. Whom did I piss off along the way? I really didn’t even realize that I was so spoiled. And I don’t believe I took it for granted. Perhaps I did as I never really adhered to any strict skin care routine. Just washed my face with soap and water when I took a shower. Nothing more, nothing less. Maybe I was cocky about it. I don’t know. But in any event, when 40 came so did horrendous skin issues.

Twice a month, for the past 5 years, the skin on my face breaks out in the most horrendous way. A few days before my period and about halfway through my cycle (at ovulation time), these giant cystic bumps begin to form beneath the surface of the skin on my cheeks. They hurt and they itch like mad. They never form a head which is probably a good thing because then I would be all picking at them and that’s just gross. But oftentimes, I cannot resist the urge to scratch them. And when I do, I can feel the large hard cysts beneath the skin. And then my cheeks turn red, like a bad outbreak of rosacea. Within a few days, the swelling goes down but the redness tends to remain until the next outbreak two weeks later. And the cycle has continued this way for 5 freaking years.

I consulted with my physician who treated it topically with all sorts of disgusting chemical ointments that burned and had terrible odors. These balms literally did nothing to improve the condition of my skin. I asked him why we were opting for a topical treatment for an issue that seemed so clearly to be systemic. His answer was that we would just try this first before sending me to a dermatologist. I think I used these oils and salves for maybe two months and then discontinued of my own free will because…well, it was just dumb.

Knowing enough people who have consulted dermatologists for skin conditions, I was fully aware that I would probably receive more prescriptions for more harmful chemical products that most likely wouldn’t work. So I decided to take matters into my hands and did a bit of research for natural remedies for things such as cyclical cystic acne as well as premenopausal rosacea. And what I found was flaxseed oil.

Let me tell you about flaxseed oil. Because I had no idea what miraculous results I was going to have just by ingesting one tablespoon per day of this amazing all natural oil. Humans have been using flaxseed oil for thousands of years because of the health benefits provided by this omega-3 fatty acid rich oil. The oil is extracted from ripened flaxseeds through a cold pressing process. While the flaxseeds themselves contain even more beneficial nutrients such as fiber, magnesium, and vitamin B, these are lost during the cold pressing process. But the oil itself still has a tremendous amount of health benefits.

One tablespoon of flaxseed oil contains 6 times the recommended amount of alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 fatty acids) which is essential to improved heart health as well as other benefits like protection from brain aging illnesses as well as increased inflammation throughout the body. There is some limited research that is showing that the omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil can also reduce the growth of cancer cells. And it is amazing in that it can simultaneously treat constipation and diarrhea. Flaxseed oil has a laxative effect which can promote regular bowel movements but it also can act as an anti-diarrheal product if the stool becomes too loose. (There I go talking about poo again! Sorry.)

I have been relying on flaxseed oil for my cystic skin inflammation. It does have the ability to reduce inflammation throughout the body including the skin. It also has been shown to hydrate the skin, improve smoothness and reduce roughness and irritation. So after investigating all of these benefits of flaxseed oil, I began adding one tablespoon to my morning soy protein shakes.

I noticed an immediate reduction in the inflammation of the deep cysts on my face. Like within days. And the itchiness went away as well which also led to a minimizing of the redness and irritation on the surface of my skin. And then I ran out of flaxseed oil. And it is a little bit pricy…between $20-25 for a 500 ml bottle. That lasts about a month at one tablespoon per day. Due to some budget restrictions, I stopped using the oil for about 2 weeks and the cystic outbreaks returned within about one week. When I finally went and got another bottle of flaxseed oil, I decided to photograph the progress.

Day One (After 2 weeks of not using flaxseed oil)
Day 5 (After 4 days of using flaxseed oil)
Day 8 (After 7 days of using flaxseed oil)
Day 9 (After 8 days of using flaxseed oil)
After 8 days of taking one tablespoon of flaxseed oil, the redness and the cysts were almost completely gone.

I will admit, I was not comfortable sharing these fresh out of the shower, wet hair, no make up photos, but in the interest of sharing really great information, I kind of had to do it. After just 8 days of using flaxseed oil, my skin was drastically improved. I highly recommend giving it a try if you are suffering from any kind of skin outbreaks or irritations. Seriously, the worst that could happen is absolutely nothing. The best that can happen is a complete healthy turn around for your skin using an all natural product.

I don’t have any particular brand of flaxseed oil that I am committed to. I have used two different kinds so far. Flora and Barlean’s are what my local natural food store carries. I have experienced the same results from both. Barlean’s is my favorite mostly because I like the plastic bottle. It is easy to dispense and fits perfectly on the refrigerator door for easy access. The Flora brand comes in a glass bottle which is just a little tedious. The oil must be kept refrigerated, but it also comes in soft gels if that is your preference.

Do you have natural remedies to share? I love learning about these things and trying them. Honestly, at this age, if I can avoid the doctor’s office, that is absolutely my preference!

And now your featured favorites from last week’s party.

Reader Favorite (Most Clicked)

Tiina of Elegance Revisited shared a super fun post, Just a Fantasy, featuring a gorgeous vintage silk kimono and glass pendant necklace. You know, sometimes a relaxing fantasy is the best thing to keep us motivated especially when the Winter sets in and the darker days make us feel a bit gloomy. Thanks for making me (and apparently everyone else) smile with your wit and whimsy, Tiina!

Tiina of Elegance Revisted

My Favorite Fashion Post

Jacqui of Mummabstylish is looking like a movie star on the red carpet in her elegant gown and new Party Shoes to Dance the Night Away! I can’t get over what a steal this gown was…I totally would have grabbed it for that price, too. Look out Hollywood, Jacqui is on the loose in all her fabulous glamour!

Jacqui of Mummabstylish

My Favorite Non-Fashion Post

Gail of Is This Mutton? got my attention with all sorts of fun things in her post, Five for FriYAY: The Best Book, Pod and Beauty Recommendations. I really think I need this book…

Is This Mutton?

My dear friend Ada of Elegance and Mommyhood is joining me as co-host for the link party! Welcome, Ada, I am glad to have you on my side! Won’t you all stop by her blog and see what’s going on in Ada and Vivian’s world.

Ada and Vivian of Elegance and Mommyhood

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Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Parties.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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