Cart

Your cart is empty

Continue shopping now

The Link Between Acne and Nutrition

Sporty & Rich Wellness - The Link Between Acne and Nutrition

 

By: @dermahealthnutrition

 

Acne is the most common skin disorder world-wide. It’s considered to be a disease of Western civilization with the “Western diet” playing an important role in its development and severity. A high intake of sugar (often hidden in industrial foods), the consumption of processed foods, large amounts of pasteurized dairy products, and saturated fats have been shown to promote acne. These dietary components can cause a significant release of insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Insulin and IGF-1 promote signaling pathways that increase seborrhea of the skin (oily skin) and induce the release of inflammatory mediators, leading to acne outbreaks.

 

Apart from the foods described above that are known to aggravate acne, dietary changes with potentially preventive and therapeutic effects are currently being investigated in clinical trials as a complementary measure for pharmacotherapy. Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) appear most promising due to their anti-inflammatory effects. ω-3 FA are contained in linseed oil, walnuts, algae, and seeds – particularly chia seeds, hemp seeds, and coarsely ground linseeds. Probiotics are also being discussed as an adjunctive option due to their regulating effects on the gut and skin microbiota. Probiotics are defined as living organisms with a beneficial health effect, including lactobacillus bacteria. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, miso and kombucha naturally contain probiotics and are a great addition to a varied diet.

 

As a basic principle, nutritional recommendations should not focus on single foods nor “superfoods”, but rather, promote a long-term and sustainable lifestyle change that incorporates plant-derived, unprocessed, and seasonal nutrients. Furthermore, intake of dietary supplements is only indicated if a proven deficiency in vitamins or minerals exists.


More…

Less…

Unprocessed foods

(foods without ingredient labels)

Industrial, high-processed, hyperglycemic foods

Whole grain products

White flour products

Omega-3 fatty acids

(e.g. algae, nuts, seeds, avocado)

Fast food/deep-fried food

 

Seasonal fruit and vegetables

(especially legumes and pulses)

Pasteurized dairy products

(especially whey protein)

 

References:

Tan, J.K. & Bhate, K. A global perspective on the epidemiology of acne. Br J Dermatol 172 Suppl 1, 3-12 (2015).

Cordain, L., et al. Acne vulgaris: a disease of Western civilization. Arch Dermatol 138, 1584-1590 (2002).

Melnik, B.C. Acne vulgaris: The metabolic syndrome of the pilosebaceous follicle. Clin Dermatol 36, 29-40 (2018).

Baldwin, H. & Tan, J. Effects of Diet on Acne and Its Response to Treatment. Am J Clin Dermatol 22, 55-65 (2021).

Gurtler, A. & Laurenz, S. The impact of clinical nutrition on inflammatory skin diseases. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 20, 185-202 (2022).

Guertler, A., et al. Clinical effects of omega-3 fatty acids on acne vulgaris. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges (2022).

Yu, Y., Dunaway, S., Champer, J., Kim, J. & Alikhan, A. Changing our microbiome: probiotics in dermatology. Br J Dermatol 182, 39-46 (2020).

Previous
Next

The Wellness Club

Reducing Inflammation Through Exercise

Reducing Inflammation Through Exercise

Translation missing: ko.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By @coreflexpilates founder @chrisbardawil Joint pain after exercise, headaches or brain fog after a bad night's sleep, and digestive distress after eating are all symptoms of systemic inflammation. While there are many articles and discussions about various foods and diets to reduce inflammation, little attention is paid to reducing inflammation through exercise. Inflammation in itself isn't a bad thing....

Read more
Stomach Acid: the Key to Digestion and Glowing Skin

Stomach Acid: the Key to Digestion and Glowing Skin

Translation missing: ko.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co The purpose of the human digestive system is to break down foods, absorb nutrients, and excrete waste; without this, humans would not be able to function. Stomach acid plays a key role in this process, allowing the body not only to survive but to thrive. After chewing, the food we eat travels to the stomach. The stomach churns and combines broken...

Read more
A Naturopathic Approach to Skin Health

A Naturopathic Approach to Skin Health

Translation missing: ko.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

Q&A with Dr. Laura Belus 1) Tell us a bit about yourself    I am a practising naturopathic doctor in Mississauga Canada. My focus is on hormonal health, specifically when it comes to acne, PMS and fertility. My own journey...

Read more
Creating a Self-Care Routine for Busy Professionals

Creating a Self-Care Routine for Busy Professionals

Translation missing: ko.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy If you’re a high-achieving woman, you likely relate to juggling multiple responsibilities, from demanding careers to personal commitments. When we are overwhelmed, it’s easy to believe the limiting stories we tell ourselves about not having enough time. We must willingly embrace a different narrative: that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. Incorporating self-care into your daily routine is...

Read more
Restrictive Diets: The Hidden Costs on your Gut, Mind, and Immune System

Restrictive Diets: The Hidden Costs on your Gut, Mind, and Immune System

Translation missing: ko.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co ‘Restrictive diet’ is an umbrella term that encompasses changes to how, when and what one eats. To some, avoiding junk food is considered restrictive; to others, a restrictive diet may be as extreme as consuming food from only one food group or strictly avoiding others. Regardless, the ultimate question is, when do restrictive diets help and when do they harm?

Read more
Vitamin Sea: 5 Mind, Body, and Beauty Benefits of Ocean Water

Vitamin Sea: 5 Mind, Body, and Beauty Benefits of Ocean Water

Translation missing: ko.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @emma.walsh Author Isak Dinesen famously said, "The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea." We all know that staying active and releasing emotions is vital for our health—and as someone who grew up on the coast going to the beach year round, I also believe...

Read more
Intermittent Fasting: Is It Right for You?

Intermittent Fasting: Is It Right for You?

Translation missing: ko.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By @coreflexpilates founder Chris Bardawil Over the past few years intermittent fasting has become the golden child of the wellness community all due to the miraculous effects it can have on your health.   Intermittent fasting is avoiding eating or drinking...

Read more
Skinimalism: A New Trend in Dermatology?

Skinimalism: A New Trend in Dermatology?

Translation missing: ko.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

A Note from a Dermatologist: @dermahealthnutrition The world of aesthetic dermatology is experiencing a refreshing shift towards a trend known as "skinimalism" (Skin + Minimalism). This movement is a response to the overwhelming abundance of skincare products and complex routines that have dominated the beauty industry in recent years. At its core, skinimalism advocates a minimalist approach...

Read more
Burnt out? Here Are the Signs and Road to Recovery

Burnt out? Here Are the Signs and Road to Recovery

Translation missing: ko.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @ericabassotherapy  Many of us are busier than ever before. We juggle demanding careers, personal responsibilities, and social obligations to name a few, and if you’re a high-achiever this list may never seem to end. Burnout is a growing concern today due...

Read more
How Alcohol Effects Your Gut

How Alcohol Effects Your Gut

Translation missing: ko.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: Megan Tomlin @gooodmoodfoood By now, almost everyone knows that alcohol is not the healthiest thing for our minds and bodies. But what do we know about the effect that alcohol has on our gut microbiome health? Before I answer this, there are a few terms I want to define for...

Read more
The Unseen Mental Health Challenges High Achievers Face

The Unseen Mental Health Challenges High Achievers Face

Translation missing: ko.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

 By: @ericabassotherapy It's hopeful to see how much society has progressed in embracing mental health discussions. But as a mental health provider, I still notice gaps in our understanding of accurate mental health information. We can all get better at recognizing signs of mental health struggles and feeling empowered to seek support when needed. As a licensed...

Read more
The Importance of Skin pH for a Clear, Healthy Complexion

The Importance of Skin pH for a Clear, Healthy Complexion

Translation missing: ko.blogs.article.by Taylor Davis

By: @drmelissa.co The concept of the skin barrier has become a part of many skincare aficionado’s vocabulary, but what does it really mean?  It is important to remember...

Read more