The dietary supplement Borage & Evening Primrose combines borage and evening primrose oils, two of the best sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is a polyunsaturated fatty acid known for helping to nourish, protect and regenerate the skin.

The supplement Borage & Evening Primrose will thus help keep your skin looking fresh, supple, moisturised and radiant. And for women who have yet to go through the menopause, it also helps prevent discomfort before and during periods.

Composition and benefits of this borage and evening primrose oil supplement

Borage & Evening Primrose contains:

1. borage oil standardised to 20% GLA. Borage (Borago officinalis) is a hardy annual with downy leaves which thrives in stony Mediterranean soils. The oil is obtained from the plant’s seeds and is widely used in cosmetics for its moisturising and reparative properties. Perfect for dry, mature or irritation-prone skin, it strengthens the skin barrier, nourishes the skin and improves its elasticity and radiance. In addition to topical applications, borage oil is often recommended for oral use by naturopaths, always with the aim of caring for and enhancing the skin (1-2) ;
2. evening primrose oil standardised to 10% GLA. Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a tall-stemmed plant with yellow flowers which generally grows in temperate zones. The oil is also obtained from the plant’s seeds and contains important polyunsaturated fatty acids (including GLA), which are excellent for maintaining or restoring healthy, problem-free skin (3-4). In encouraging the production of anti-inflammatory compounds, evening primrose oil also helps to prevent the discomfort associated with pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) and periods (5) ;
3. vitamin E. As well as protecting the oils from oxidation, vitamin E helps to shield skin cells from oxidative stress, a primary cause of skin ageing (6).

How does the GLA in borage and evening primrose affect the skin?

GLA, the key active ingredient in this supplement

The skin benefits provided by our supplement come largely from the gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) in the borage and evening primrose oils.

GLA is an extensively-studied and invaluable omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, of which there are very few dietary sources (borage oil, evening primrose oil, blackcurrant seeds, spirulina, breast milk …). The body also produces small amounts of GLA from linoleic acid (LA), which is found more widely in the diet: from vegetable oils, seeds, oilseeds, etc.

In reality, many people struggle to convert LA into GLA efficiently for a variety of reasons: alcohol consumption, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, ageing...

GLA’s mechanisms of action on the health, hydration and appearance of the skin

GLA is converted in the body into DGLA (dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid), an important component of the phospholipids that form cell membranes. DGLA affects skin health in a number of ways (7-8) :

• as an integral part of the cell membrane, DGLA improves its integrity and fluidity, promoting a cellular environment that supports fluid balance and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier. This helps to keep moisture inside the skin cells, reducing water evaporation and helping to make the skin more hydrated and supple. Increasing GLA intake is therefore particularly beneficial for those with dry skin;
• DGLA is also a precursor of series 1 (PGE1) and 2 (PGE2) eicosanoids and prostaglandins, molecules which help regulate inflammation and reduce the redness associated with various skin conditions. A good intake of GLA is therefore beneficial for those with sensitive or inflamed skin;
• DGLA also seems to encourage the regeneration of skin cells (aiding healing), smooth out wrinkles and regulate the production of sebum. Supplementing with GLA can thus be helpful for those with damaged, wrinkled or acne-prone skin, etc.

4 strengths of this borage and evening primrose oil supplement

Borage & Evening Primrose stands out for:

• its high daily dose of 1000mg of borage oil and 1000mg of evening primrose oil which provides 300mg of GLA a day;
• the cold-pressed method of extracting the oils which avoids the use of heat, thus ensuring optimal preservation of essential micronutrients, a marker of superior quality;
• its high content of antioxidant vitamin E: 26.8mg per daily dose, ie, 223% of the RDA, and also a guarantee that the oils are protected and remain effective over time;
• the choice of mini softgels making the supplement really easy to swallow.