Is there a relationship between diet and acne?

The possible relationship between diet and acne has been investigated for decades. It is a disease that is triggered in the pilosebaceous follicle, which is characterized by the presence of small pimples or bumps in different parts of the body.

Androgens produce a double effect, stimulate sebaceous production and obstruct the duct where sebum must be eliminated. This process ends with the inflammation of the gland and its colonization by bacteria.

Acne is a very frequent dermatological disorder in the population. Its incidence is huge among teenagers, exceeding 85%. Further, It can also appear in 54% of women and 40% of men over 25 years.

Until a few decades ago it was advised not to consume chocolate, nuts, fried or sausages because they allegedly worsened the symptomatology of the disease. However, the results of the studies carried out They find no evidence between the presence of these foods in the diet and the appearance of acne.

Diet and acne: the key could be in the glycemic index

During the last years the influence of the consumption of foods with high glycemic index on acne has been studied. The results suggest that Consumption of refined and dairy sugars could have an influence on the onset of disease symptoms.

These foods promote androgen secretion, which they are the basis of the changes that occur in the sebaceous follicle, triggering with their inflammation.

White bread and industrial bakery products are not the best option to enjoy healthy breakfasts.

Ketogenic diet as acne treatment

Some authors propose the follow-up of a ketogenic diet for the improvement of the disease. The restriction of carbohydrates and high glycemic foods could significantly improve the symptoms of the disease and reduce inflammation processes.

There are no randomized clinical trials that relate the consumption of milk to acne, nor the influence of dietary fat on it. Thus, the best method of prevention, according to the evidence today, would be make a restriction of carbohydrates and processed foods.

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Beware of excess protein

The scientific literature warns of the possible occurrence of acne derived from high protein supplementation. Anyway, the results they do not allow the protein load of the diet to be associated with high evidence with the onset or severity of the disease, since in all studies there are quite a few biases.

On the one hand, these are always individuals with a high body mass index; on the other hand, some of them use doping substances, which It would modify the amount of androgens in the body, which are the basis of the pathology.

Genetics presents an important role

Acne is a disease that occurs in 85% of adolescents between 15 and 24 years. Despite this, genetic inheritance determines the appearance of this pathology.

People with dry skin are less prone to acne development since they present less sebum in the follicles and, therefore, less likely to swell them due to bacterial loads.

There are many factors associated with the appearance of acne. Among these, genetics could play an important role.

Effective treatments

Beyond the role that diet can play in the prevention or reduction of acne signs and symptoms, the most effective treatments against this disorder are pharmacological.

The bacteria that produce these inflammations They are sensitive to many drugs such as benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin. These treatments usually occur in topical creams, although in the most severe cases an oral treatment is chosen.

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Conclusions

Acne is a highly frequent disease among teenagers. Hormonal changes and androgenic load represent the main risk factor. However, The diet can influence the severity of the disease.

Diet and acne have been linked for years with a lot of myths involved. Nowadays, It is suspected that the only one of these possible relationships is that existing with foods rich in simple sugars that stimulate the production of insulin.

Anyway, It is advisable to go to the dermatologist when the symptoms of the disease begin in order to assess whether it is necessary to resort to medication to prevent major injuries.