OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID INTAKE AND ITS IMPACT ON INFLAMMATORY SKIN DISEASES: A COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Marta Krężołek; Julia Dobrowolska; Alicja Palus; Filip Kamyszek; Kornel Pawlak; Marcin  Stępiński; Mateusz Balicki; Oliwia Zynek; Paula Kaczmarczyk; Tomasz Arkuszyński

doi:10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5724

Authors

Marta Krężołek Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3646-5640
Julia Dobrowolska Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0008-9498-9521
Alicja Palus PRODENTAL Private Dental Clinic – Joanna Bronowska, Legionowo, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-7462-6893
Filip Kamyszek Corten Dental Medical Center, Dental Clinic, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-2767-8215
Kornel Pawlak Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6435-6587
Marcin Stępiński Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5878-6293
Mateusz Balicki Corten Dental Medical Center, Dental Clinic, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5066-9645
Oliwia Zynek Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5537-565X
Paula Kaczmarczyk CITODENT Dental Center, Oława, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0005-6099-5657
Tomasz Arkuszyński Wroclaw Medical University, Wrocław, Poland https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4894-361X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31435/ijitss.2(50).2026.5724

Keywords:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Atopic Dermatitis, Psoriasis, Acne Vulgaris, Nutritional Dermatology, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, and acne vulgaris, are chronic conditions characterized by complex immune dysregulation, compromised skin barrier function, and a significant negative impact on patient quality of life. Recently, increasing scientific attention has been directed toward the immunomodulatory potential of nutritional interventions, particularly omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FAs), due to their established anti-inflammatory properties. This review synthesizes and critically evaluates current evidence on the impact of n-3 FAs on these conditions, integrating clinical, epidemiological, genetic, and mechanistic perspectives.

Methods: A structured literature review was conducted using multiple electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and Embase, to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2016 and 2026, of which 25 met the predefined inclusion criteria. Eligible peer-reviewed original studies and systematic reviews assessed the effects of n-3 FAs on dermatological outcomes, focusing on clinical severity scales (e.g., SCORAD, PASI, GAGS), biochemical biomarkers, or genetic causal associations. The gathered evidence was categorized into five thematic domains: clinical efficacy, preventive effects, epidemiological associations, genetic evidence (Mendelian randomization), and mechanistic insights.

Results: Synthesis of the literature suggests that n-3 FA supplementation is generally associated with improvements in disease severity and patient-reported outcomes, most notably in atopic dermatitis and acne vulgaris. However, findings in psoriasis remain heterogeneous, with conflicting reports on clinical efficacy. Epidemiological data indicates a high prevalence of n-3 FA deficiency in acne-prone populations, although a direct causal link in observational settings remains elusive. Genetic research, specifically Mendelian randomization studies, suggests a protective role of n-3 FAs in specific inflammatory phenotypes, while also highlighting complex, context-dependent risks such as susceptibility to solar dermatitis. Mechanistically, n-3 FAs appear to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling, keratinocyte differentiation pathways, and lipid mediator profiles, providing biological plausibility for their clinical use.

Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids represent promising adjunctive therapy in the management of inflammatory skin diseases. Nonetheless, the current evidence is constrained by methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes, and the frequent use of combination treatments. Further well-designed, standardized clinical trials are required to establish optimal dosing regimens and clarify the independent role of n-3 FAs in dermatological practice.

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