What They Are
SPMs (Specialised Pro-Resolving Mediators) are bioactive molecules made from omega-3 fatty acids — mainly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).
Unlike traditional anti-inflammatories that block inflammation, SPMs don’t suppress the immune response; they resolve it once healing should begin.
They’re the body’s natural “off switch” for inflammation.
How They Work
When tissue is injured or stressed, the body releases pro-inflammatory signals (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) to fight infection and begin repair. Normally, once the job is done, SPMs are produced to:
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Stop further recruitment of white blood cells
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Clear cellular debris
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Signal tissue regeneration
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Return the tissue to a balanced state
If the body doesn’t produce enough SPMs — because of low omega-3 intake, chronic stress, poor sleep or metabolic imbalance — inflammation stays switched on.
That’s what underlies many modern conditions: acne flares, joint pain, autoimmunity, slow healing, and accelerated skin ageing.
The Science
Discovered in the early 2000s by Dr Charles Serhan at Harvard Medical School, SPMs include several families:
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Resolvins (from EPA and DHA)
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Protectins (from DHA)
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Maresins (from macrophage enzymes acting on DHA)
Research in Nature Immunology and The Journal of Lipid Research shows that adequate omega-3 levels allow immune cells to make these compounds efficiently.
SPMs actively restore tissue homeostasis without compromising defence against infection — a key difference from long-term use of NSAIDs, which blunt both protection and healing.
Impact on Skin and Systemic Health
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Calms chronic inflammation that drives acne, rosacea and psoriasis.
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Supports wound healing and barrier repair after procedures.
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Improves resilience against oxidative stress by reducing cytokine excess.
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Balances immune response in both gut and skin microbiomes.
How to Support SPM Production
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Diet: regular oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), chia, flax, walnuts, or algae-based DHA/EPA supplements.
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Lifestyle: adequate sleep, stress regulation and balanced blood sugar improve enzymatic conversion of omega-3s into SPMs.
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Clinical context: chronic stress, poor diet, and low omega-3 status are the main reasons people underproduce them.
In essence:
Inflammation begins on purpose — but it’s meant to end on purpose, too.
SPMs are the molecules that close the loop, allowing healing without harm.
