There is increasing scientific evidence showing the important role of diet in acne management. Changing dietary behavior and incorporating nutrients that reduce the severity of symptoms is a promising adjunctive treatment option.
According to new research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, adopting a Mediterranean diet and taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements can lead to a remission of acne in patients with mild to moderate acne, reducing both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. The study also showed that increased omega-3 levels lead to a better quality of life, due to improved skin appearance.
“Acne is a misunderstood disease. Misconceived by most as a teenage skin disease, it is one of the most common reasons adults between the ages of 20 and 40 visit dermatologists. For example, clinical trial data has shown that approximately 50% of women aged 20-29, 33% aged 30-39 and 25% aged 40-49 have acne.
This common condition manifests itself with various types of lesions on the face, arms, trunk and back. It is a complex condition in which genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors contribute to its appearance. Its clinical severity and duration depends on a combination of components, such as skin care, pollutants, occupational factors, climate and psychosocial problems”, notes Dermatologist – Venereologist Dr. Christos Stamou.
Although there are many treatments available, scientists are struggling to find new, alternative and complementary ways to treat it, especially in people with severe clinical manifestations, in order to avoid their suffering and limit the skin and psychological effects.
Nutrition has a catalytic role in this effort. While certain choices, such as highly processed foods with added refined sugars and saturated fats, cow’s milk and dairy products in general are detrimental, there are dietary interventions with nutrients that calm the severity of acne.
Researchers from the Ludwig Maximilian University Hospital in Munich conducted a study to evaluate the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the two most important representatives of omega-3 fatty acids, in patients with acne. They also aimed to examine the effect of dietary interventions and supplements on disease severity.
The study included 60 patients who were not taking acne medication and for 16 weeks followed a nutrient-dense Mediterranean diet emphasizing seasonal vegetables, fruits and nuts. They were asked to prepare their own meals at home and cut down on highly processed foods, dairy products and meat.
They also received 2 different doses of oral kelp-derived omega-3 supplements throughout the study and were evaluated at baseline and then at weeks 6, 12, and 16.
It was found that 98.3% of patients were deficient in EPA/DHA at the start of the study. During the 4 months the average Omega-3 index increased significantly, from 4.9% to 8.3%. The researchers also observed a significant reduction in the number of inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions. Participants saw more dramatic improvement in symptoms after about 40 days when the dose of omega-3 supplements was increased.
More specifically, vegetables, fruits, nuts and whole grains were considered the most beneficial, while refined sugar, alcohol, chocolate, cow’s milk and saturated fats were the most aggravating factors for patients. Finally, it was found that even a small clinical improvement significantly improved quality of life – the more severe the symptoms, the greater the improvement.
“Acne treatment is based on four pillars – personal skin care, lifestyle choices, medication and medical technology-based treatments.
Alternatively or in combination with medication, phototherapy has proven to be an excellent option. Studies have shown that the visible light emitted by these machines, especially blue, has a significant effect on inflammatory acne lesions and is sufficient to treat the disease. In addition, the combination of blue-red light radiation brings even better results.
Photodynamic therapy is even used in nodular and cystic acne, with excellent results.
For scars, there is laser treatment. Non-invasive lasers uniformly remove the superficial parts of the skin, while invasive Co2 lasers cause controlled tissue sublimation and activate skin regeneration, ultimately offering elimination of marks and smoothing of scars.
Diet actually contributes to the worsening of symptoms as well as to their remission. If the study is confirmed by subsequent ones, then we will have gained another ally in the fight against acne”, concludes Dr. Stamou.
#foods
**Interview with Dr. Christos Stamou: The Role of Diet in Acne Management**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Stamou. Your insights into the relationship between diet and acne are very timely. Can you start by explaining the significance of the recent research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology?
**Dr. Stamou**: Thank you for having me. The study highlights the beneficial effects of a Mediterranean diet combined with omega-3 supplements in managing acne. It’s a significant step forward because it underscores that diet can serve as an effective adjunct treatment, especially for those with mild to moderate acne. Given that acne is often dismissed as just a teenage problem, it’s essential to recognize its prevalence among adults as well.
**Editor**: You mentioned that acne is often misunderstood. Can you elaborate on that?
**Dr. Stamou**: Absolutely. Many people associate acne solely with adolescence, but studies show that around 50% of women in their 20s experience it, with rates decreasing but still significant in their 30s and 40s. Acne can occur in various forms and locations on the body, influenced by factors like genetics, hormones, and environmental triggers. This complexity explains why traditional treatments may not work for everyone.
**Editor**: What specific aspects of the Mediterranean diet and omega-3 fatty acids did the study focus on?
**Dr. Stamou**: The researchers evaluated the impact of a nutrient-dense Mediterranean diet, rich in seasonal vegetables, fruits, and nuts. They aimed to enhance the levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the two main omega-3s. The results were compelling—participants showed a substantial increase in their omega-3 levels, coupled with a notable reduction in acne severity.
**Editor**: That sounds promising! What were some of the challenges or considerations you found in the study?
**Dr. Stamou**: One significant challenge was dietary adherence. It required patients to prepare meals at home and avoid processed foods, dairy, and excessive meat, which can be difficult in today’s fast-paced lifestyle. Additionally, the study indicated that nearly all participants started the study with omega-3 deficiencies, suggesting a broader dietary issue in the general population.
**Editor**: In light of this research, what advice would you give to those struggling with acne?
**Dr. Stamou**: My advice would be twofold: first, consult with a dermatologist to explore various treatment options tailored to your individual needs. Second, consider evaluating your diet. Incorporating more whole foods, especially those in a Mediterranean diet, and possibly supplementing with omega-3s could be beneficial. It’s essential to remember that what you eat can influence not only your skin health but your overall well-being.
**Editor**: Thank you for those insights, Dr. Stamou. It’s refreshing to see a growing focus on dietary factors in skin health, and we look forward to future developments in this field.
**Dr. Stamou**: Thank you! I’m hopeful that with more research, we can develop comprehensive treatment approaches that include nutrition alongside traditional therapies.
