Fish Oil Cream for Skin: Benefits, Science, and How to Use It

Omega-3 supplements promise a lot — but without the right dose, you could be wasting your money.

When most people think of fish oil, they picture yellow capsules taken for heart and brain health. But one of the most striking benefits of omega-3s shows up where you can see it – on your skin.

For centuries, nordic communities rubbed cod liver oil directly on cut hands and sores. Doctors in the early 20th century used cod liver oil topically to speed up wound healing after burns. Today, new science is helping explain why this traditional remedy was so effective.

Let’s take a closer look at what happens when omega-3s meet your skin—and why fish oil cream could be your skincare routine’s new best friend.

Why Your Skin Craves Omega-3s

Your skin works around the clock to protect you from the outside world. Like any hardworking organ, it needs the right nutrients to stay strong and healthy. That’s where omega-3 fatty acids come in.

Think of omega-3s as your skin’s personal secretaries. They work behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly, supporting your skin in three key ways:

Locking in Essential Moisture

Your skin isn’t just a pretty surface. It’s your body’s frontline defense against UV light, pollution, and invading microbes. To stay strong, it relies on a healthy lipid barrier—a microscopic “seal” of fats that lock in hydration while keeping irritants out.

Essential fatty acids like EPA and DHA are building blocks of this lipid barrier [1]. When they’re missing, the skin is more prone to dryness, infection, and accelerated aging. When they’re present in abundance, they help the skin feel softer and more supple.

Calming Inflammation and Redness

Omega-3s are among nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatories. These fatty acids dial down the overactive inflammatory pathways behind stubborn skin problems, like psoriasis, rosacea, and slow-healing wounds.

Research also shows that omega-3s play a role in calming TRP (transient receptor potential) channels [2]. The TRP channels are like the skin’s “alarm bells.” When they get overactive, you feel burning, itching, and redness. Omega-3s can help quiet these pathways, reducing sensitivity and discomfort.

Supporting Skin’s Natural Repair

Your skin is constantly renewing itself, and omega-3s play a crucial role in this process. They influence collagen production, the protein that keeps your skin firm and smooth [3]. This can translate into fewer fine lines and a more youthful appearance over time.

Omega-3s also seem to boost the body’s production of filaggrin—a key protein for healthy skin [4]. That’s especially important for people with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, since up to 50% struggle with impaired filaggrin production [5].

Five Ways Fish Oil Cream Transforms Your Skin

The beauty of fish oil cream lies in its versatility. Here’s how it can make a real difference in your daily skincare routine:

1. Deep, Lasting Hydration

Unlike surface-level moisturizers that might wear off during the day, fish oil cream works with your skin’s natural processes to lock in moisture from within [1, 3]. Whether you’re dealing with winter dryness or the effects of air conditioning, this deep hydration keeps your skin comfortable and supple.

2. Gentle Relief for Sensitive Skin

If your skin tends to react to products or gets red easily, fish oil cream’s anti-inflammatory properties can be a game-changer [3]. It helps calm irritation without the harsh chemicals that ofte make sensitivity worse.

3. Natural Anti-Aging Support

Rather than just covering up signs of aging, fish oil cream actually helps your skin function better. By supporting collagen production, it can give your skin that plump, youthful bounce that we all want to maintain.

4. Clearer, Calmer Complexion

Breakouts often come with inflammation and irritation. Omega-3s have been shown to lessen acne severity when taken orally [6, 7]. Applying them topically may offer similar benefits, leading to clearer skin and faster healing of existing blemishes.

5. Stronger Defense Against Daily Stress

Every day, your skin faces challenges: pollution, UV rays, temperature changes. Fish oil cream helps build your skin’s resilience, making it better equipped to handle whatever the day throws at it.

The Science Behind the Results

Research into the skin benefits of topical omega-3s is gaining momentum. A 2025 review highlighted their potential across a wide range of applications, including:

Psoriasis
Wound healing
Skin inflammation and irritation
Skin cancer

Just as important, the review found that omega-3s were consistently well tolerated in skincare formulations and safe. None of the studies reviewed reported any adverse events or local skin reactions [4].

How to Make Fish Oil Cream Work for You

Adding fish oil cream to your routine doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are four simple tricks to get the most out of this powerful ingredient:

Start with the Right Product

Some skincare products advertise that they contain omega-3s, but most rely on weaker, plant-based forms. To see real results, choose formulas made with fish oil or other marine sources. These deliver EPA and DHA—the omega-3s with the strongest anti-inflammatory effects.

Time Your Application Right

For maximum benefit, apply fish oil cream as part of your evening routine after cleansing. This gives it all night to work with your skin’s natural repair processes. You can also apply it to particularly dry or irritated areas during the day as needed.

Layer Smart

Fish oil cream normally plays well with other skincare products, especially because it absorbs quickly into the skin. Use it before SPF during the day for UV protection.

Test Before You Commit

Even gentle products can sometimes cause reactions. Apply a small amount to your inner wrist to make sure your skin agrees with the formula before using it on your face.

Barristrong®: Where Science Meets Skin Comfort

If you’re ready to experience what cutting-edge fish oil skincare can do, Barristrong is the first of its kind. Inspired by Nobel Prize-winning research, this isn’t just another moisturizer, it’s a comprehensive skin care solution.

Why it’s special:

Packed with an exceptional dose of omega-3s from purified, full-spectrum fish oil (it’s the second ingredient).
Blends EPA/DHA with antioxidants and botanicals known to improve skin quality.
Helps calm stressed skin, leaving it soft and balanced.
Supports the skin’s natural barrier.
Designed with care to support dryness and sensitivity while being versatile enough for everyday use.

Customers consistently share that Barristrong not only soothes the skin but also brings relief to irritated eyes and nose.

Learn more about Barristrong and see what users say here >

Your Next Step Toward Healthier Skin

Fish oil cream isn’t just another skincare trend. It’s a scientifically-backed approach to giving your skin what it needs to look and feel its best. From deep hydration to natural anti-aging support, the benefits extend far beyond what you might expect from a simple cream.

Ready to see what omega-3s can do for your skin? Add Barristrong fish oil cream to your routine and experience the difference that proper nutrition can make for your skin’s health and appearance.

Shop Barristrong now

Frequently Asked Questions About Fish Oil Cream

Can I use fish oil directly on my skin?

While you can apply fish oil directly to your skin, specially formulated fish oil creams are usually a better choice. These products are designed for optimal absorption and comfort, without the greasy feel that straight fish oil might have.

How does fish oil help with eczema?

A number of studies suggest fish oil may be beneficial for preventing eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis). For instance, one study showed that increased omega-3 intake during pregnancy reduced the likelihood of the child developing eczema [8].

Omega-3s’ anti-inflammatory properties may also help soothe the dry, itchy, irritated skin that comes with eczema. Several small-scale studies, including one on children, have found that fish oil helped atopic dermatitis patients [9, 10].

While fish oil cream can be a helpful addition to your skincare routine, it’s always best to work with your dermatologist on a comprehensive treatment plan.

What changes will I notice in my skin?

With Barristrong, comfort comes quickly — skin and eye sensitivity often ease within 5–10 minutes. Over time, users report less redness, deeper hydration, and stronger resilience to everyday stressors. With consistent use, fine lines may also appear smoother as the skin’s natural renewal kicks in.

Is it safe to use omega-3s on my face?

Yes. In well-formulated creams, omega-3s are typically very gentle and well tolerated on facial skin and beyond. They help restore moisture balance, calm sensitivity, and support a healthy, radiant complexion.

Does fish oil cream smell bad?

No. A well-formulated fish oil cream should not have a bad or fishy odor. Barristrong has a light herbal scent from natural botanicals like eucalyptus and rosemary – without any synthetic fragrances.