We aimed to understand how eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) affects psoriasis, a skin condition known for causing redness, irritation, and thickened skin. By creating skin models that reflect both healthy and psoriatic conditions, we were able to assess the impact of EPA directly on lipid profiles—a key factor in skin health.
Our research revealed that in psoriatic skin models, there was a notable increase in certain fatty acids linked to inflammation, such as arachidonic acid (AA) and linoleic acid (LA). However, when we supplemented the media with EPA, we noticed a significant shift. The levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), rose in both epidermal and dermal tissues.
More importantly, the addition of EPA helped to balance the production of lipid mediators in the skin. We observed increases in several anti-inflammatory molecules, such as prostaglandin E (PGE) and 12-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (12-HEPE), indicating a move toward a more stable and healthier skin environment. These results suggest that EPA could play an important role in managing psoriasis by promoting a healthier lipid balance in the skin, potentially easing symptoms and encouraging skin healing.