Omega-3s and Eczema: Why EPA & DHA Matter for Skin Healing

If you’re raising a child with eczema, or navigating it yourself, you probably already know this: eczema is never just about the skin.

The itching, flares, cracked patches, and cycles of “better… then worse again” can feel exhausting. 

Many families come to us after years of steroid creams, prescriptions, and topical products that temporarily quiet symptoms but never truly heal what’s underneath.

TL;DR:

  • Eczema is not just a skin issue, it’s driven by inflammation, immune imbalance, and a weakened skin barrier.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA) help calm inflammatory pathways linked to eczema flares.
  • Omega-3s support the skin’s lipid barrier, helping reduce dryness, itching, and reactivity.
  • A healthier omega-6 to omega-3 balance can support calmer, more resilient skin.
  • High-quality omega-3 supplements for eczema can support healing eczema from the inside out when paired with gut health and nutrition.

At Serawise, we’ve always taken a different approach: eczema healing from the inside out.

That means looking at inflammation, gut health, immune balance, nutrient sufficiency, and the skin barrier as one connected system, not just isolated problems. One of the most overlooked (yet powerful) tools in this process is high-quality omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA. 

This post isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about understanding why omega-3s matter for eczema, how quality makes a difference, and how they fit into a holistic approach to healing eczema naturally.

Eczema Is an Inflammatory Condition

Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) is far more than “dry skin”, dryness is only what we see on the surface. While the flakes, redness, and itching show up on the surface, eczema is inflammation.  Eczema is not a “dry skin problem.” Dry skin is the end result.

At its core, eczema is driven by:

  • An overactive immune response
  • Imbalanced inflammatory signaling
  • A weakened skin barrier (specifically the fat layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out)
  • Gut dysfunction that interferes with nutrient absorption and immune regulation

I break this down in much more detail in my blog What Causes Eczema in Children, but the takeaway is simple: eczema flares are fueled by inflammation, not a lack of lotion.

Understanding these root causes is the first step toward healing eczema from the inside out.

Why Omega Imbalance Matters for Eczema

Most Western diets are overloaded with omega-6 fatty acids (from seed oils like soybean, corn, canola, and processed foods) and severely lacking in omega-3s. 

Omega-3s are essential fats, meaning your body cannot make them on its own. You have to get them from food or supplements. 

In many modern diets, kids and adults are consuming 10 to 16 times more omega-6 fats than omega-3s, when a much healthier, skin-supportive balance is closer to 2–4 parts omega-6 for every 1 part omega-3.

So why does this matter for eczema? For families dealing with eczema, this imbalance can mean:

  • More reactive, sensitive skin
  • Slower skin barrier repair
  • Increased itching and redness
  • Flares that are harder to calm

Omega-6 fats tend to promote inflammatory pathways, while omega-3s (specifically EPA and DHA) help resolve inflammation. The two omega-3s that matter most for eczema are found primarily in fatty fish and correcting this ratio can happen with consistent, high-quality omega-3 supplementation and dietary changes. 

How Omega-3s Support Eczema Healing

 

1.Omega-3 can help calm inflammatory signaling

EPA and DHA are converted in the body into resolvins and protectins, specialized lipid mediators that help the immune system turn inflammation off once it’s no longer needed.

This is critical in eczema, where inflammation often gets “stuck on,” keeping the skin in a constant state of irritation.

By supporting normal inflammatory resolution, omega-3s help create an internal environment where the skin can finally begin to calm.

2. Omega-3 Supports the Skin Barrier

Healthy skin relies on a strong lipid matrix. Omega-3s help maintain:

  • Skin hydration
  • Elasticity
  • Barrier integrity

When the barrier is supported, skin becomes less reactive, less dry, and more resilient. This is especially important for eczema-prone skin, where the barrier is often compromised.

3. Omega-3 Supports the Gut–Skin Connection

About 70% of the immune system lives in the gut, and gut inflammation often shows up on the skin.

Omega-3s support:

  • Gut lining integrity
  • Healthy microbial balance
  • Reduced systemic inflammation

This is why many families notice eczema improving when digestion improves. There are fewer flares after meals, less redness, and calmer skin overall. It’s also why omega-3s are commonly included in high-quality supplements for eczema, especially for families committed to healing eczema from the inside out.

Why Not All Omega-3 Supplements Are Equal

Many families are already “taking fish oil” but still not seeing results. That’s because quality matters when it comes to supplements.

This  is what led us to thoughtfully formulate our own omega-3 options at Serawise, including Omega Ultra EPA/DHA for adults and a gentle omega-3 designed specifically for kids, both created to support families healing eczema from the inside out as part of a holistic plan.

What Makes our Omega Ultra Stand Out

When it comes to omega-3 supplements for eczema and inflammation, formulation and quality make all the difference! Here’s what sets Omega Ultra EPA/DHA apart:

  • Potent by design: ~1,000 mg combined EPA + DHA per softgel

    • EPA ~600 mg
    • DHA ~400 mg
      (Most products require 2–4 pills to reach this dose.)
  • Natural triglyceride (TG) form: This is the form found in whole fish and is better recognized and absorbed by the body.
  • Ultra-pure & third-party tested: Molecularly distilled to remove heavy metals and environmental toxins which is critical for families already managing immune sensitivity.
  • Fresh & easy to take: Lemon-essenced with mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) for freshness and no fishy burps.
  • Ocean-smart sourcing: Responsibly harvested anchovy, sardine, and mackerel, which are small fish lower on the food chain.

Where Omega-3s Fit in a Holistic Eczema Plan

Omega Ultra EPA/DHA isn’t meant to replace nutrition, lifestyle changes, or deeper gut healing, it’s meant to support them. In my Eczema Transformation Program, omega-3s are often used alongside:

  • Anti-inflammatory nutrition
  • Gut repair strategies
  • Targeted micronutrient support
  • Sleep and stress regulation
  • Thoughtful topical care (without steroids)

Omega-3s are one of those foundational nutrients that support multiple body systems at once.

Who May Benefit Most from Omega Supplementation?

Omega-3 support can be beneficial at many stages of an eczema healing journey, especially when used as part of an inside-out, holistic approach. 

Both our Omega Ultra EPA/DHA and our Omega-3 Liquid for Kids were created to meet families where they are, offering different formats while still delivering the EPA and DHA the skin needs.

Omega-3 supplementation may be especially helpful for:

  • Families supporting eczema-prone or reactive skin, whether symptoms are mild or more persistent
  • Children or adults with dry, inflamed, or sensitive skin, where barrier support and inflammatory balance are key
  • Anyone following an inside-out approach to healing eczema, alongside nutrition, gut support, and lifestyle changes
  • Busy parents who want simplicity, whether that’s a once-daily softgel for adults or an easy-to-use liquid for kids

For adults and teens who can comfortably swallow softgels, Omega Ultra EPA/DHA provides a high-potency option in a single daily capsule.

For younger children, or families who prefer a liquid format, our Omega-3 Liquid for Kids offers EPA and DHA in a gentle, easy-to-dose form that can be mixed into food or taken directly. This allows children to receive the skin-supportive benefits of omega-3s without the challenge of capsules.

As always, parents should consult with their pediatric clinician for age-appropriate dosing and to determine which format is best for their child.

A Gentle Step Toward Calmer Skin

At Serawise, we believe in supporting the body’s ability to heal patiently, intelligently, and with compassion for real family life.

Omega Ultra EPA/DHA was created to meet the same standard as everything we offer: clean, clinically thoughtful, and practical for daily use.

This isn’t about taking more supplements. It’s about taking the right one, consistently.

If you’re already working on gut health, nutrition, and lifestyle and looking for a high-quality supplement for eczema that supports healing from the inside out, this may be a meaningful addition to your routine.

Healing eczema is a journey. You don’t have to do it alone.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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About Dr. Ana-Maria Temple, MD

Dr. Ana-Maria Temple is a board-certified pediatrician, bestselling author of Healthy Kids in an Unhealthy World, and an internationally recognized expert in holistic eczema treatment for children and adults. A mother of three and a physician who practices what she preaches, Dr. Temple has helped thousands of families heal eczema by addressing the root causes: gut health, nutrition, lifestyle, and immune balance.

Her signature program, the Eczema Transformation Program, guides families step-by-step to rebuild gut health, calm inflammation, and achieve lasting skin transformation. If you’re ready to finally understand why eczema happens and how to truly heal it, start by watching her free eczema training and discover a clear path toward better skin and better health for your whole family.

Wellness doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools and support, healing becomes possible.

👉 Start your journey today with Dr. Temple’s free eczema training
👉 Explore the Eczema Transformation Program here

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