Fish oil, commonly called "brain food," is used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions. It is well known for the benefits it provides to your heart and blood system; however, fish oil can also be used to for the treatment of certain skin conditions and for the protection and strengthening of your hair. If you're prone to acne, eczema, weak hair or hair loss, consult with your physician about the benefits of fish oil.

Incorporating fish oil into your diet may help you reduce acne-related skin problems. If your acne is caused by dry skin and you experience occasional flare-ups, consuming fish oil can help reduce the loss of moisture, which may help to clear up your skin. If you have a more serious acne condition, fish oil can help reduce inflammation of trouble spots on your skin. This can help your acne condition look better and clear up more quickly. Typically for the treatment of acne you'll want to incorporate more fish oil through your diet, however; you should consult your physician before making drastic dietary changes or starting a topical regimen.

Two different uses of fish oil are common in the treatment of eczema: topical and oral. Depending on the type of eczema you have, your physician can better direct you in what is best for your condition. Fish oil can be effective in the treatment of eczema because it will help your skin retain moisture and hydrate spots of inflammation.

Eicosapentaenoic acid is the main omega-3 fatty acid responsible for the prevention of skin aging. Like its role in acne treatment, fish oil can help keep your skin looking youthful. It keeps your skin hydrated, which helps ward off wrinkles. To deter skin aging, make fish oil part of your dietary habits. It should be consumed orally as a supplement or through diet alone.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can facilitate hair growth. Omega-3 fatty acids help nourish hair follicles. This results in both a faster, stronger growth of hair and also in the prevention of hair loss. You should not apply fish oil directly to your hair; rather, it should be incorporated through diet.

Besides helping your hair growth, the use of fish oil can help maintain hair quality. The protein found in fish oil helps your hair stay strong, lustrous and durable. A lack of protein can result in brittle or weak hair. Fish oil consumption also helps your hair to look healthier by keeping it shiny and smooth.

Before you begin taking a fish oil supplement or increasing the amount in your diet, talk to your physician. Although fish oil is thought to be safe if taken in low doses, it may be unsafe in higher doses. There is not sufficient evidence to firmly support the safety or unsafety of fish oil. Too much fish oil can potentially raise your cholesterol levels and weaken your immune system, according to the National Institutes of Health.