Nutrition and Acne: The Role of Diet in Acne Development

October 2010 in “ Clinics in dermatology ”

F. William Danby

acne Western diet dairy products high glycemic index foods hormones growth factors anabolic steroids 5α-dihydrotestosterone serum insulin insulin-like growth factor-1 IGF-1 androgen production high glycemic foods 5α-DHT

TLDR Diet, especially dairy and high-sugar foods, can cause acne.

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.

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