Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

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I've been hearing more about adding in some GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) for those following a strict paleo diet while still having some acne breakouts, especially even after adding in some fish oil.

Robb Wolf mentioned that some can try adding around 40-50mg/day in one of the Paleo Solution podcasts, and I've read that Dr. Barry Sears encourages a 10:1 ratio of EPA to GLA. I'm wondering if too much GLA (240mg from 1 gram of borage oil) will help with acne? Maybe it would be better to take it every other day or once every four days?

What is the ideal dose of borage oil (GLA) and fish oil (EPA/DHA) for acne?

flag	asked Mar 30 2011 at 3:31 Eric 41●2●5

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Maybe taking Spirulina is a better option for getting 15-30mg of GLA/day. The more I read of the dangers of oxidation of fish oil from Kurt Harris, Chris Kessler, Chris Masterjohn, etc... the more I am trying to just stick with natural food sources for EFAs (FCLO, sardines, wild caught salmon, eggs, liver). Perhaps the borage oil, or evening primrose oil oxidizes too easily apart from the whole food. It only seems to work for some and not for others. What do you think of taking a teaspoon or two of some 100% Natural Spirulina powder once a day for the GLA to treat "paleo 2.0 acne"? – Eric Apr 1 2011 at 16:37

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I checked out Spirulina. I'm cautious of the over 26,000 Vit A in a serving. Also, I just listened to Robb Wolf mention experimenting in taking 10-15 mg of GLA for acne, in paticular to someone's question on breaking out with fish oil. I can't seem to find a low enough dose of GLA. I agree with you on the dangers of the oxidation of fish oil and how primose or borage supplements are probably oxidizing too easily. I also stumble when I see GLA supplements with more LA than GLA. I have a hard time limiting LA as it is. What's the deal... – henrydrn Apr 19 2011 at 9:08

allstarhealth.com/f/now-spirulina_powder.htm – henrydrn Apr 19 2011 at 9:08

So taking I guess taking a tiny of about 2 grams would get you the 10-15 mg of GLA? – henrydrn Apr 19 2011 at 9:12

Stabby · Answer 1 · 2011-03-30 03:37:40Z UTC

Give it a try. I don't remember it ever helping with my acne, but I might not be one of those who benefits. You might be. I would stick by what Robb Wolf says. It is easier to attain his recommended amounts from evening primrose oil every other day. Really cheap and generally accepted as better than borage oil.

If that doesn't work, start looking into gut health. Healing the intestinal barrier, eliminating possibly inflammatory foods (there are a whole hell of a lot of them. Mostly neolithic) and healing the flora. Check for nutrient deficiencies in things like zinc, vitamin d, selenium, and others, and really try to get a good omega 3:6 ratio, that will definitely help with inflammation and making them smaller/heal faster.

Oranges13 · Answer 2 · 2011-03-30 12:26:45Z UTC

I have recurring acne and unfortunately for me, I find a solution and then after 30 days or so it becomes totally ineffective. Check out the oil cleansing method - it might work for you. It worked wonders for me but then it just stopped working. Also, make sure you're adequately moisturizing your skin. I found that occurrence of pimples went way down when my skin was hydrated. I just still get the annoying painful deep deep huge pimples.

ben61820 · Answer 3 · 2011-04-01 02:25:26Z UTC

I use Solgar GLA Super 300 MG. It's the highest concentration of GLA I could find. Better then both Barlene's options and Royal Brittany's options. I take two pills each day which gets me 600 MG of GLA each day. You wanna make sure you don't get down a bunch of other n6s along with the GLA so I like Solgar for this. Amazon. Also, I greatly reduced my omega six intake from poultry and pork lately and I think the combo of less chicken and pork and then supplementing with GLA has helped with zits. Of course eat NO NUTS.

Shari Bambino · Answer 4 · 2011-04-01 02:37:47Z UTC

I think it's definitely worth a try. I tried this a few years ago but didn't find any relief. For some it seems to have helped. Acne treatments are totally YMMV and anything that that seems reasonable is worth a shot IMO.

I found my solution a couple of years ago with a 50mg/day chelated zinc supplement combined with a niacinamide (B3) "toner" (dissolving the niacinamide in witch hazel or water and applied topically.) Cleared me completely and has kept me clear for a couple of years now. Not exactly paleo but many people on a skincare board I frequent have found good results with these additions.

Maxim · Answer 5 · 2011-03-30 05:33:07Z UTC

Cleansing your face is necessary to avoid pimples or ACNE. You can make a homemade guava cleanser if you love the smell and feel of the guava fruit. Mix a 50 g of pure honey with 5 ml guava vinegar, 1 tsp grated lemon rind, and 1 tsp guava powder. Massage the natural cleanser to your face. Please note that this needs a moist skin during application. You can do this after taking your shower. Rinse with water. Apply the cleanser at least twice a day. The job of toning is to take your skin to its original level. Facial toners complete the cleansing process by removing traces of cleansers or oil that could be left behind. After the toner evaporates, the skin starts glowing & shines to make your face look shining & beautiful. Source: http://www.cliniquebonus-time.com Toners also help to tighten pores. You should use toners that have high alcohol for oily skins & avoid alcohol containing toners for dry skins as your skin will really burn when applying the toners.

GLA-240 from Borage Oil for Acne

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