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The combination of less sunlight, cold winds, and heating can cause chapped, dry skin in winter. Your skin barrier weakens, and you may also be more susceptible to inflammation. There's often an increased focus on external hydration by applying extra cream or oil, while your skin actually needs support from within.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that your body can't produce on its own. In winter, you'll want to get enough of them because they play a significant role in preventing dull skin.
Cold outdoor air and dry indoor air can irritate and damage your skin. This can cause redness, tightness, or sensitivity, and can lead to increased inflammation. Omega-3 has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and helps soothe your skin. Perfect if you suffer more from sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema in the winter. Read more tips for dry skin here.
Your skin acts as a shield against harmful influences, keeping unwanted substances and bacteria out. Winter conditions can weaken this barrier. Omega-3 supports the development of a strong skin barrier, allowing your skin to retain moisture better and stay protected from the cold and wind. This results in smoother, less dry skin.
Cold and temperature fluctuations can cause additional oxidative stress in the skin, which breaks down collagen and makes wrinkles appear more quickly. Omega-3 acts as a powerful antioxidant and protects your skin cells from this damage.
Vitamin C also plays a crucial role here, as it's necessary for collagen production and helps combat free radical damage. Astaxanthin can be a great addition, as it's one of the most powerful antioxidants for your skin. This helps keep your skin firm and your glow intact.
It may sound counterintuitive, but omega-3s also help with acne and oily skin. They regulate sebum production, reducing clogged pores. In winter, your skin often reacts to temperature fluctuations by producing more sebum, which can cause breakouts. Omega-3s help balance this out.
Omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in reducing inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier, and preventing premature skin aging. Our omega-3 is made from algae oil and comes in a plant-based softgel, so you won't get that nasty fishy burp!
In summer, the sun gives us all radiant, hydrated skin. But in winter, our vitamin D production declines, and that affects not only our immune system, mood, and energy levels, but also our skin.
Vitamin D plays a major role in the production and repair of your skin cells. A deficiency can lead to dull, gray skin and slower wound healing. Adequate vitamin D ensures fresher, healthier skin that heals faster.
A strong barrier is essential for healthy skin. Like omega-3, vitamin D helps keep your skin firm and resilient, reducing the risk of bacteria and fungi. This is especially important in winter, when your skin is more vulnerable.
Vitamin D also helps your skin retain moisture and protect against free radical damage. This keeps your skin supple, firm, and well-hydrated, even when it gets cold.
To optimally nourish your skin, it's important to consume these nutrients regularly. The best dietary sources are:
Unfortunately, in the Netherlands, we don't eat enough oily fish to get enough omega-3 and vitamin D. To ensure your skin remains protected, you can supplement your diet with supplements.
Because we don't get enough sunlight in the Netherlands during the winter, vitamin D levels often drop too low. Vitamin D is important for your immune system, energy, well-being, and skin.
Want to make sure your skin gets everything it needs?
The Daily Essential Bundle contains omega-3 and vitamin D, plus zinc and magnesium. Two minerals that are also important for healthy, radiant skin.
This combination not only supports your skin, but also your energy, immune system and overall well-being.
Unfortunately, we no longer get all the nutrients we need through our diet. This bundle is the perfect addition to your daily diet.
Beautiful, healthy skin starts from within. By getting enough omega-3 and vitamin D, your skin gets the nutrients it needs to shine through the winter. Of course, it's also nice to pamper your skin with a nice facial cream or oil, but be sure to supplement with foods that nourish your skin from within.
Ready for advice that truly makes a difference? Book a phone or online consultation and receive personalized advice from one of our orthomolecular therapists. Together, we'll work towards your optimal health!
*Jung, JY, Kwon, HH, Hong, JS, Yoon, JY, Park, MS, Jang, MY, & Suh, DH (2014). Effect of dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acid and gamma-linolenic acid on acne vulgaris: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial. Acta dermato-venereologica , 94 (5), 521–525. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-1802
*Rubin, M.G., Kim, K., & Logan, A.C. (2008). Acne vulgaris, mental health and omega-3 fatty acids: a report of cases. Lipids in health and disease , 7 , 36. https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-511X-7-36
*Balbás, GM, Regaña, MS, & Millet, PU (2011). Study on the use of omega-3 fatty acids as a therapeutic supplement in treatment of psoriasis. Clinical, cosmetic and investigative dermatology, 4, 73–77. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S17220*
*Meenakshi Umar, Konduru S. Sastry, Fatima Al Ali, Moza Al-Khulaifi, Ena Wang, Aouatef I. Chouchane; Vitamin D and the Pathophysiology of Inflammatory Skin Diseases. Skin Pharmacol Physiol February 28, 2018; 31(2):74–86. https://doi.org/10.1159/000485132*
*Ambagaspitiya, SS, Appuhamillage, GA, & Wimalawansa, SJ (2025). Impact of Vitamin D on Skin Aging, and Age-Related Dermatological Conditions. Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition), 30(1), 25463. https://doi.org/10.31083/FBL25463*
*Gaeun Kim, Ji-Hyun Bae, Vitamin D and atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis, Nutrition, Volume 32, Issue 9, 2016, Pages 913-920, ISSN 0899-9007, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nut.2016.01.023*
