WHAT IS EFAD?
The full significance of EFAD (essential fatty acid deficiency) has not yet been determined. What we do know is that when it comes to skin, essential fatty acid deficiency could result in dry and scaly skin as well as hair loss.
Lack of lipids in the skin barrier is known to cause TEWL (transepidermal water loss), which reflects in reddish, blotchy, irritated, and sometimes flaky skin. Acne could also be associated with EFAD.
But do not cheat with barrier creams. Barrier creams will help with cutaneous homeostasis (our natural skin renewal process), but you still need to do your part in ensuring that you are not deficient in EFAs.