Posted by Heather Urquhart on November 3, 2015

What is GLA?
GLA stands for Gamma Linolenic Acid, which is an essential fatty acid that is naturally-occurring in plant seeds such as borage, black currant and evening primrose seeds.  GLA is essential to human nutrition, as it is an Omega-6 fatty acid which the body is able to convert into health-benefiting substances which are key to proper brain function, maintenance of healthy bones, regulation of metabolism and reproductive system, and healthy skin and hair growth.  GLA is not created by the body and must therefore be added to your diet in the form of supplements; black currant or borage seed oil supplements are the best sources and may be found at your local health food store or in the health section of your local grocery store.

GLA for Health
GLA provides a host of health benefits from reducing inflammation and disease prevention, to some studies indicating a potential for GLA to protect human DNA from damage.  In fact, research has only just begun to uncover the potential health benefits of GLA- it is believed that future generations will uncover and benefit from GLA’s true power.  Studies have demonstrated that a GLA-supplemented diet incorporated into a healthy lifestyle may actually result in significant improvements for various conditions; from rheumatoid arthritis, breast cancer treatment, hypertension, diabetic neuropathy, menopause, PMS, osteoporosis, ADHD, and in healing various skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and acne.

GLA for Skin
For beauty from the inside out, it’s recommended to incorporate GLA-supplements sourced from black currant seeds or borage seeds into your diet.  Additionally, GLA may be applied topically to skin to deliver significant improvements in skin health and appearance.  Several skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and dry, dehydrated skin may be improved or even completely resolved with GLA.  Applying borage, black currant or evening primrose oils directly to the skin will deliver GLA’s effective skin regenerating, healing, anti-inflammatory and deeply moisturizing benefits.

With regular use of GLA-rich oils applied on skin, improvements may be seen in moisture balance and retention, wrinkles and fine lines, skin elasticity, scars, dark spots, blemishes and overall radiance.   A further bonus is that borage, black currant and evening primrose all deliver additional botanical benefits to skin, in the form of phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Borage (aka ‘starflower’) is nature’s richest source of GLA containing approximately 20-27% GLA, and has the added benefit of increasing skin cells’ ability to absorb oxygen, which provides skin with a rejuvenated appearance.  Borage oil is lightweight, easily and quickly absorbed by skin- so it really makes an ideal treatment for skin.

huna Natural Apothecary has developed its own unique “GLA-Complex” which contains all three of nature’s sources of GLA from plants- borage, black currant and evening primrose. Revitalize Featherlight Face Lotion with rose, silk + GLA-complex is a natural-derived daily moisturizer that has been specially formulated to deliver GLA-rich essential fatty acids, vitamins, phytonutrients and botanical skin nutrition in a light-feeling formula.  It goes on smooth, silky, and leaves skin with a radiant, healthful glow.

Take care + keep well!
Heather