Nutrition and Acne: The Role of Diet in Acne Development
October 2010
in “
Clinics in dermatology
”
Studysummary This article reviews the impact of diet on acne, suggesting that dairy and high-glycemic foods may contribute to acne development, but it presents no new clinical findings.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The document discussed the significant role of diet in the development of acne, particularly focusing on the Western diet's high dairy and high glycemic index foods. Dairy products contain hormones and growth factors, such as anabolic steroids and precursors of 5α-dihydrotestosterone, which can stimulate acne. Additionally, high glycemic foods increase serum insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, promoting androgen production and contributing to acne development. The complex interactions between these dietary components and hormonal pathways support the conclusion that diet has a substantial impact on acne.
