Fatty acids and related lipid mediators in the regulation of cutaneous inflammation

The 2018 review article examined the significance of fatty acids and lipid mediators in managing cutaneous inflammation. It explained that the skin's unique fatty acid profile and lipid mediators are essential for skin health, immune response, and inflammation regulation. Sebum lipids, including sapienic acid and others, act as antimicrobial agents and aid in immune cell communication and skin balance. Essential fatty acids, such as linoleic acid, are crucial for the skin barrier, while polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) lead to various bioactive compounds that are involved in inflammation and tissue remodeling. The review suggested that modifying the skin's fatty acid composition through diet or supplements could help treat inflammatory skin conditions. It also noted that the anti-inflammatory effects of many fatty acids result from their bioactive derivatives, emphasizing the need for further research on these compounds within the skin's metabolic network.