Glossary
An omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (C18:3n-6) found in evening primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant seed oil. GLA is a precursor to anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and has demonstrated effectiveness in clinical studies for reducing inflammation, improving eczema symptoms, and supporting skin barrier function.
GLA is converted in the body to dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), which is then used to produce series-1 prostaglandins, powerful anti-inflammatory mediators. People with eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions often have impaired enzyme activity (delta-6 desaturase) that reduces their ability to produce GLA from dietary linoleic acid.
Supplementing GLA, either topically or orally, bypasses this enzymatic bottleneck and increases the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. Multiple clinical studies have shown that oral evening primrose oil supplementation reduces itch, redness, and scaling in eczema patients, though results are variable.
The richest natural sources of GLA for topical use are borage seed oil (20-27 percent GLA), evening primrose oil (7-14 percent GLA), and black currant seed oil (15-20 percent GLA). These oils can be used alone, blended with other oils, or incorporated into formulated skincare products.
For people with inflammatory skin conditions, adding a GLA-rich oil to a beeswax-based moisturizer routine can provide complementary benefits: the GLA reduces underlying inflammation while the beeswax maintains the protective barrier. This inside-and-outside approach addresses both the symptom (dryness, cracking) and a contributing cause (inflammation).
Topically, oils containing 7 to 27 percent GLA (like evening primrose or borage oil) can be applied directly or mixed with a carrier. Orally, studies have used 240 to 960 mg of GLA daily (from evening primrose capsules) for eczema improvement. Consult a healthcare provider before starting oral supplementation.
GLA is one specific type of omega-6 fatty acid. The omega-6 family includes linoleic acid (LA), gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA), and arachidonic acid (AA). Unlike arachidonic acid (which promotes inflammation), GLA is anti-inflammatory.
Yes. Evening primrose oil is lightweight, non-comedogenic (rating 2-3), and anti-inflammatory. It works well as a facial oil for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. Apply 3-5 drops before your moisturizer in the evening for best results.
Keep Learning
Browse hundreds of terms covering honey, beekeeping, and natural skincare.