Kelli Vogt - Department of Dermatology
Acne is one of the most common and profound dermatological conditions affecting millions of young individuals annually. When you think of acne, you may think of hormonal changes, excess bacteria, and poor hygiene but you may not know that someone’s diet and nutritional habits also play an essential role in their skin health. For example, Vitamin A is an essential vitamin that contributes to skin health. It can be found in sebaceous glands in the skin expressing retinal receptors. This vitamin can also be contained in many foods such as leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, fish oils, milk, and eggs. In someone with a Vitamin A deficiency, they may experience abnormal visual adaptation, dry skin, dry hair, severe or mild acne, and broken fingernails.
Another example of this phenomenon is that several studies have found that an increase in the omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid ratio can increase inflammatory acne because omega-6 fatty acids can increase pro-inflammatory mediators. Whereas, an increase in omega-3 fatty acids (a lower fatty acid ratio), found in seafood, contributes to a decrease in inflammatory markers. Overall, even though fixing our diet may not completely treat acne, it certainly can influence it for the better.
Reference:
Pappas A. The relationship of diet and acne: A review. Dermatoendocrinol. 2009 Sep;1(5):262-7. doi: 10.4161/derm.1.5.10192. PMID: 20808513; PMCID: PMC2836431.
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