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From Your Plate to Your Pores: Diet and Acne Explored

  • kg7414
  • Jun 20
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 8

acne and diet explored

The myth that chocolate or fried food is fuelling your acne has long been debunked. Our understanding of the way the skin works has advanced greatly since then, and we know that genetics and hormones play a far larger part than diet.


However, there is some evidence that high glycaemic foods can make acne worse and in general I do advocate a healthy diet to my patients.


In fact, a new study looking into the benefits of a Mediterranean diet for several skin conditions, including acne, has shown that there may be some benefit in consuming a mostly plant-based diet, rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, alongside any medical acne treatment.


The benefits of diet for your skin


The investigation, carried out by researchers from the University Hospital at Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, included a study cohort of 60 acne patients, none of whom were undergoing medical treatment for their acne.


Over the course of 16 weeks, participants followed a Mediterranean diet that focused on plant-based, seasonal ingredients, and took algae-derived omega-3 supplements throughout. They were encouraged to avoid highly processed foods, dairy products and meat.


At the end of the 16-week period, significant objective improvements in the appearance of acne were noted in a majority of patients.


The acne-diet connection


I have some patients that swear that if they have lots of dairy or sugar, their acne flares up and in those cases I would absolutely say you should avoid it or minimise it as much as possible.


However, large-scale studies have not shown an association between eliminating diary, for example, and lessening acne severity and, in my experience, if you have a severe case of acne, then cutting out whole food groups is not going to be particularly helpful and likely to just add to your stress levels.


As this study shows, there is some link between nutrition and the skin, however diet is not the only cause of acne, and when the causes of a problem are multifactorial, the solution must be, too.


The researchers conducting the study were keen to explain that lifestyle interventions like diet should not be seen as an alternative to prescription medication and treatment, but rather as complementary to a medical treatment plan.


Your acne treatment options


The root cause of acne can vary from person to person, and genetics often have a large part to play. For that reason, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan, and I always ensure that I have a thorough, one-to-one consultation with each patient so that I can identify the best protocol for their individual needs.


Some of the acne treatments I offer are:


  • Topical treatments +/- short-term antibiotics – these are unlikely to be the same things you have been offered before, but are highly specialised treatments, found only at specialist pharmacies

  • Isotretinoin – only available on prescription, this is a highly effective acne treatment. Be aware that you will not be offered this at your first appointment, as rigorous checks are necessary before I can be sure that this is the right treatment for you

  • AviClear laser – this is an alternative for those patients with severe acne who cannot or who choose not to take isotretinoin. It uses laser to tackle acne right at the source

In recognition of Acne Awareness Month, we’re offering £250 off your AviClear treatment when you book in June or July.


There are limited appointments available and a consultation is required to confirm suitability, but get in touch now as clearer skin starts here—with a clinically proven treatment designed for long-term results.


If you would like to discuss any of these treatments in more detail, or find out what might be the most appropriate treatment plan for you, please contact us to book a consultation.

 
 
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