Linoleic Acid, Inflammation, and Your Skin: What 21+ Years With Clients Has Taught Me

If you’ve been struggling with persistent breakouts, inflamed skin, redness, or skin that just won’t respond — even though you’re using clean products and eating “healthy” — this might be the missing piece no one has explained to you.

After more than 21 years of working one on one with clients, I’ve learned that most skin concerns don’t start on the surface.

They start inside the body.

And one of the most overlooked contributors I see again and again is excess linoleic acid, a type of omega-6 fat that’s everywhere in the modern diet.

What Is Linoleic Acid?

Linoleic acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid. In small amounts, it plays a role in skin barrier function and cellular health.

The problem isn’t linoleic acid itself.

The problem is chronic excess without balance.

Today, most people consume far more linoleic acid than the body can comfortably process — largely because of seed oils and ultra-processed foods. Over time, this creates an internal environment that promotes inflammation, insulin resistance, and skin dysfunction.

Signs You May Have Too Much Linoleic Acid in Your System

These are patterns I’ve observed consistently over decades of hands-on work:

1. Chronic Inflammation and Puffiness

Skin that looks swollen, inflamed, or “angry,” even without obvious breakouts, is often reacting to internal inflammatory signals.

2. Acne That Doesn’t Respond to Active ingredients

Clients with cystic, hormonal, or recurring acne often have altered sebum composition due to excess omega-6 fats. The oil becomes thicker, more inflammatory, and harder for the skin to regulate.

3. Redness, Sensitivity, or Reactive Skin

Rosacea-like symptoms, stinging with products, or skin that feels easily overwhelmed are common when oxidized linoleic acid disrupts the skin barrier.

4. Blood Sugar Imbalances and Cravings

Excess linoleic acid interferes with mitochondrial function, making it harder for the body to regulate insulin and efficiently burn fat. This often shows up as energy crashes and cravings.

5. Hormonal Imbalance

Omega-6 excess promotes inflammatory prostaglandins, which can worsen PMS symptoms, estrogen dominance, and hormone-related breakouts.

6. Slow Skin Healing

Breakouts that linger, pigmentation that takes forever to fade, or slow recovery after treatments are signs the body is stuck in an inflammatory loop.

Why Linoleic Acid Excess Is So Common Today?

Most people aren’t intentionally over-consuming linoleic acid.

It’s hidden in:

• Canola oil

• Soybean oil

• Corn oil

• Sunflower and safflower oils

• Restaurant food

• Packaged “health” snacks

• Salad dressings and condiments

• Processed keto or vegan products

Even clients who eat organic, gluten-free, or low sugar are often unknowingly consuming high omega-6 loads every single day.

How to Regulate Linoleic Acid (Without Extremes)

This isn’t about fear or restriction. It’s about reducing excess, restoring balance and taking control!

1. Remove the Biggest Offenders First

Eliminating seed oils is the most impactful first step. This alone can dramatically lower inflammatory input.

2. Choose Stable, Skin-Supportive Fats

Replace seed oils with fats that are less prone to oxidation:

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Avocado oil

• Coconut oil

• Ghee or grass-fed butter

These support hormone balance, skin barrier repair, and metabolic health.

3. Increase Omega-3 Intake

Omega-3 fatty acids help counterbalance omega-6-driven inflammation. Prioritize wild-caught fatty fish or a high-quality EPA/DHA supplement.

4. Support Fat Turnover Gently

Linoleic acid is stored in fat tissue, so regulation takes time. Support your body with:

• Adequate protein

• Daily movement

• Gentle fasting windows (10–12 hours)

• Sweating (exercise or sauna)

• Mineral support, especially magnesium

  
  

5. Be Patient With Your Skin

Because fats become part of cell membranes, skin improvements don’t happen overnight. Most clients notice reduced inflammation within weeks and more resilient skin over months, conistency is key!

The Bigger Picture: Skin Health Is Metabolic Health

This is something I wish more people were told earlier:

No skincare product or treatment can override deep chronic inflammation.

But when insulin is balanced and inflammatory inputs are reduced, the skin responds beautifully. Treatments last longer. Sensitivity decreases. Glow becomes natural instead of forced.

The Takeaway

Linoleic acid isn’t the enemy.

Excess without balance is the issue.

When inflammation is reduced and insulin is balanced, the skin naturally shifts into repair mode. And when nourishment replaces restriction, healing becomes sustainable.

Your skin isn’t confused.

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Your skin isn’t failing you.

It’s responding to its environment.

And when that environment becomes supportive, healing follows — every time.

Make those necessary changes, be patient and stay consitent. You are healing!

Book your next flawless experience

How Your Oral Health Impacts Your Gut, Hormones & Skin: A Holistic Guide for Rosacea & Dermatitis.

Most people think of oral health as something separate from everything else happening in the body. Teeth are teeth. Skin is skin. The gut is the gut.

But in holistic beauty, we know there’s no such thing as “separate.”

Your mouth is the very beginning of your digestive system.

Your oral microbiome influences your gut microbiome.

And your gut microbiome plays a massive role in your skin health, hormones, inflammation, and immune balance.

So if you’re struggling with:

• Dermatitis

• Perioral dermatitis

• Rosacea

• Chronic inflammation

• Sensitivity and rashes

• Cheek or jawline breakouts

• Red, reactive skin

…your oral health may be part of the puzzle — and part of the solution.

Let’s break this down gently, clearly, and holistically.

1. The Mouth–Gut–Skin Connection: Why It Matters

Your mouth is the gateway to your entire gut, and the bacteria living there help regulate everything from digestion to immune response.

When the oral microbiome becomes stressed — through fluoride, harsh mouthwashes, silver fillings, infections, or chronic inflammation — that imbalance often travels downward.

This can show up as:

✨ Rosacea-like flares

✨ Increased skin sensitivity

✨ Perioral dermatitis around the mouth

✨ Acne along the jawline and cheeks

✨ Gut inflammation → systemic inflammation

✨ Hormonal congestion & lymph stagnation

Your mouth doesn’t just affect your teeth…

It affects your glow.

2. Fluoride Toothpaste & Harsh Mouthwash:

The Hidden Stressors

Fluoride and alcohol-based mouthwashes can:

• Disrupt beneficial bacteria

• Dry out delicate oral tissues

• Alter pH levels

• Stress your oral microbiome

A disrupted microbiome leads to an inflamed gut and then you get inflamed skin.

Fluoride is old school, there are now better ingredients that are effective and non toxic — switch no a new fluoride free toothpaste like Himalayan Botanique, reducing microbiome stressors is foundational.

A calm microbiome = a calm complexion.

3. Silver Fillings (Amalgams): Why They Matter

for Hormones & Skin

Old silver fillings contain mercury, this neurotoxin releases vapors through heat (coffee, tea, grinding teeth, etc.)

Over time this can impact:

• Hormone regulation

• Detox pathways

• Liver function

• Immune response

• Inflammation levels

And since inflammation is the #1 trigger behind rosacea, dermatitis, and aging skin, this is worth being aware of.

Note: We’re not telling anyone to rush and remove fillings — but we believe every woman deserves informed, holistic wellness and just be then more intentional about keeping inflammation down through diet and lifestyle.

4. Root Canals & Low-Grade Inflammation

Root canals unfortunately trap bacteria deep inside the tooth. Even when painless, the body may still respond with chronic, low-grade inflammation.

This may contribute to:

• Hormonal imbalance

• Gut dysfunction

• Immune stress

• Chronic redness + flushing

• Slow healing skin

• Jawline congestion

The nervous system and lymphatic system feel that stress — and your skin reflects it.

If you’ve tried “everything” for your skin and nothing is sticking… this may be worth exploring with a biological dentist. We are big fans of Tooth by the Lake in Hopkins, MN.

5. Your Teeth + Meridian System:

The Holistic Map of the Body

In holistic medicine, every tooth is connected to a meridian channel.

For example:

• Upper molars → stomach + spleen

• Lower molars → large intestine

• Canines → liver + detox

• Incisors → kidney + reproductive system

This means a stressed tooth may influence:

• Hormones

• Digestion

• Detoxification

• Lymphatic flow

• Acne patterns

• Inflammation levels

• Overall glow

Your body is beautifully interconnected. When one pathway feels overwhelmed, others follow.

6. What You Can Do Today to Support Your

Oral–Gut–Skin Axis

Here are simple shifts that support whole-body radiance:

✓Try Ion Gut support to strenghten your gut linning, protect from toxins and enhance nutrient absorption.

✓ Switch to a non-fluoride toothpaste

✓ Avoid antibacterial, alcohol-based mouthwash

✓ Choose gentle products that support microbiome health

✓ Explore a biological dentist if you have persistent inflammation

✓ Prioritize gut health (which we also support in consultations)

✓ Keep your lymph moving

✓ Reduce daily inflammation triggers

Glow doesn’t start with a serum —

It starts with alignment from the inside out.

7. How Flawless Can Support Your Healing Journey

At Flawless Skin & Brow Boutique, we specialize in clean, holistic, non-invasive treatments that help calm inflammation, restore balance, and support natural healing.

Many clients who struggle with dermatitis, rosacea, sensitivities, and chronic inflammation see real transformation through the modalities we offer, the best facial to get in if you are struggling with any of these conditions is The Rebalance Facial, designed to immediately lower inflammation and support at a cellular level your skin recovery, we combine microcurrent, light therapy, high-frequency and the most calming mask to support skin barrier as well!

Final Thoughts: Your Glow Is Connected to Everything

We don’t share this to scare — we share it to empower.

Your teeth, your gut, your hormones, your lymph, your skin…

it’s all one beautiful system working together.

We hope this brings some light and shows you the big picture of how everything we do and use matters.

Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body heal and defend itself from harm. However, when inflammation becomes chronic or excessive, it can lead to various health and skin problems. Understanding what causes inflammation and recognizing its symptoms is essential for maintaining good health and preventing complications.

What Is Inflammation and How Does It Work?

Inflammation is the body's response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. When tissues are damaged or invaded by pathogens, the immune system activates a series of events to protect and repair the affected area. This process involves the release of chemicals like histamines, cytokines, and prostaglandins, which increase blood flow and attract immune cells to the site.

There are two main types of inflammation:

• Acute inflammation: This is a short-term response that usually lasts a few days. It helps the body heal by removing harmful agents and repairing tissue.

• Chronic inflammation: This occurs when the inflammatory response persists for weeks, months, or even years. It can damage healthy tissues and contribute to diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.

  
  

Common signs of inflammation include redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function in the affected area. These symptoms are part of the body's effort to isolate and heal the injury or infection.

Inflamed skin with visible redness and swelling

Common Causes of Inflammation

Inflammation can be triggered by a variety of factors. Understanding these causes can help you take steps to reduce inflammation and protect your health.

1. Infections

Bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections are common triggers of inflammation. The immune system responds to these invaders by activating inflammatory pathways to eliminate the threat.

2. Physical Injury

Cuts, bruises, burns, and other injuries cause tissue damage that leads to inflammation. This response helps to prevent infection and promotes healing.

3. Chronic Stress

Long-term stress can disrupt the immune system and increase inflammation throughout the body. Stress hormones like cortisol may initially suppress inflammation but can lead to increased inflammatory activity over time.

4. Poor Diet

Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can promote inflammation. Conversely, foods rich in antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats tend to reduce inflammation.

5. Environmental Toxins

Exposure to pollutants, cigarette smoke, and chemicals can irritate tissues and trigger inflammatory responses.

6. Autoimmune Disorders

In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, causing chronic inflammation. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis.

7. Obesity

Excess fat tissue produces inflammatory molecules that contribute to systemic inflammation and increase the risk of related diseases.

Processed fast food immediately leads to inflammation

Turmeric a powerful Anti-Inflammatory!

When dealing with inflammation, many people turn to over-the-counter medications like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen. However, these drugs work differently.

• Tylenol (acetaminophen) is primarily a pain reliever and fever reducer. It does not have significant anti-inflammatory properties, so it is less effective for conditions where inflammation is the main issue.

• Ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It reduces inflammation by blocking enzymes involved in the inflammatory process. This makes ibuprofen effective for treating pain and swelling caused by inflammation.

  
  

It is important to use these medications as directed and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen. For those interested in natural ways to manage inflammation, exploring anti-inflammatory diets and lifestyle changes can be beneficial.

We recommend opting for natural ways to reduce inflammation, like drinking Turmeric tea or taking Curcumin capsules.

• Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric, known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties.

• It inhibits the activity of inflammatory enzymes and cytokines in the body.

• Regular consumption may help reduce symptoms of arthritis and joint pain.

• Curcumin can enhance the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory medications.

• It may support cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation in blood vessels

turmeric capsules are effective to control internal inflammation with no side effects

Recognizing Symptoms of Inflammation

Inflammation can manifest in various ways depending on the cause and location. Here are some common symptoms to watch for:

• Redness and warmth: Increased blood flow to the affected area causes visible redness and a feeling of warmth.

• Swelling: Fluid accumulation leads to swelling, which can restrict movement or function.

• Pain: Inflammatory chemicals stimulate nerve endings, causing pain or tenderness.

• Loss of function: Severe inflammation may impair the normal function of tissues or organs.

• Fatigue and fever: Systemic inflammation can cause general symptoms like tiredness and elevated body temperature.

  
  

Chronic inflammation may not always show obvious symptoms but can be detected through blood tests measuring markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Practical Tips to Manage and Prevent Inflammation

Managing inflammation involves a combination of lifestyle changes, diet, and sometimes medication. Here are some actionable recommendations:

1. Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet: Focus on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fatty fish. Avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, and trans fats.

2. Exercise regularly: Moderate physical activity helps reduce inflammation and supports overall health.

3. Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing to lower stress levels.

4. Get enough sleep: Quality sleep is essential for immune function and inflammation control.

5. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Both can increase inflammation and damage tissues.

6. Maintain a healthy weight: Reducing excess body fat lowers inflammatory markers.

7. Consult healthcare providers: For persistent or severe inflammation, seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.

   
   

By understanding the causes and symptoms of inflammation, you can take proactive steps to protect your health and improve your quality of life.

Inflammation is a complex but vital process that signals the body’s defense mechanisms. Recognizing its signs and addressing the underlying causes can help prevent chronic health and skin issues. Whether through diet, lifestyle, or medication, managing inflammation is key to maintaining wellness and healthy skin.

At Flawless, we assist you in pinpointing the sources of inflammation impacting your skin and use healing methods to restore your skin's balance.

Our facials are crafted to enhance your skin's natural healing processes and strengthen its inherent immunity.