Is There A Relationship Between Diet And Acne?
Diet and acne have been linked to a host of myths for years. How true is it that certain foods affect the onset of acne? Here we clarify these issues.
The possible relationship between diet and acne has been studied for decades. Acne is a disease that starts 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 the production of sebum and obstruct the duct through which the sebum must be eliminated. This process ends with the inflammation of the gland and its colonization by bacteria.
Acne is a very common dermatological disorder in the population. Its incidence is huge in adolescents, exceeding 85%. In addition, it can also appear in 54% of women and 40% of men over 25 years old.
Until a few decades ago, doctors advised against consuming chocolate, nuts, fried foods or sausages because they would have worsened the symptoms of the disease. However, the results of the studies conducted do not find any evidence between the presence of these foods in the diet and the onset of acne.
Diet and acne: the key could be in the glycemic index
In recent years, the influence of high glycemic index foods on acne has been studied. The results suggest that the consumption of refined sugars and dairy products could have an influence on the onset of symptoms of the disease.
These foods promote the secretion of androgens, which are the basis of the changes that occur in the sebaceous follicle, triggering inflammation of the latter.
Ketogenic diet as an acne treatment
Some authors suggest following a ketogenic diet to improve the condition. Restricting carbohydrates and foods with a high glycemic index could significantly improve symptoms of the disease and reduce inflammation processes.
However, there are no randomized clinical trials linking milk consumption to acne, nor the influence of dietary fat on it. So the best prevention method, according to the evidence to date, would be to restrict carbohydrates and processed foods.
Beware of excess protein
An investigation published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology warns of the possible occurrence of acne derived from supplementation with high doses of protein.
In any case, the results do not allow for a strong evidence relationship between the protein load in the diet and the onset or severity of the disease, because in all the studies there is considerable bias.
On the one hand, these are always individuals with a high body mass index; on the other hand, some of them use doping substances. The latter would modify the amount of androgens in the body, which are the basis of the pathology.
Genetics play an important role
Acne is a disease that affects 85% of adolescents between 15 and 24 years old. Despite this, the genetic inheritance conditions the appearance of this pathology.
People with dry skin are also less prone to the development of acne. This is because they have less sebum in the follicles and, therefore, less likely to be inflamed by bacterial loads.
Effective treatments
Beyond the role that diet can play in preventing or reducing the signs and symptoms of acne, the most effective treatments against this alteration are pharmacological.
The bacteria that cause these inflammations are sensitive to many drugs such as benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin. These treatments are usually presented in topical creams, although in more severe cases doctors recommend oral treatment.
Diet could be a turning point in acne treatment
Acne is a very common disease among adolescents. Hormonal changes and androgen load are the main risk factor. However, diet can influence the severity of the disease.
Diet and acne have actually been linked to a myriad of myths for years. At present, it is suspected that the only such possible relationship is with foods high in simple sugars which stimulate insulin production.
In any case, it is advisable to go to the dermatologist when the symptoms of the disease begin. In this way, the doctor can assess whether it is necessary to resort to medication to prevent further injuries.
