The myth that chocolate or fried food is fuelling your acne has long been debunked. Our understanding of the way the skin works has advanced greatly since then, and we know that genetics and hormones play a far larger part than diet.
However, there is some evidence that high glycaemic foods can make acne worse and in general I do advocate a healthy diet to my patients.
In fact, a new study looking into the benefits of a Mediterranean diet for several skin conditions, including acne, has shown that there may be some benefit in consuming a mostly plant-based diet, rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables and whole grains, alongside any medical acne treatment.
The benefits of diet for your skin
The investigation, carried out by researchers from the University Hospital at Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, included a study cohort of 60 acne patients, none of whom were undergoing medical treatment for their acne.
Over the course of 16 weeks, participants followed a Mediterranean diet that focused on plant-based, seasonal ingredients, and took algae-derived omega-3 supplements throughout. They were encouraged to avoid highly processed foods, dairy products and meat.
The acne-diet connection
I have some patients that swear that if they have lots of dairy or sugar, their acne flares up and in those cases I would absolutely say you should avoid it or minimise it as much as possible.
Your acne treatment options
The root cause of acne can vary from person to person, and genetics often have a large part to play. For that reason, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan, and I always ensure that I have a thorough, one-to-one consultation with each patient so that I can identify the best protocol for their individual needs.
Some of the acne treatments I offer are:
Topical treatments +/- short-term antibiotics – these are unlikely to be the same things you have been offered before, but are highly specialised treatments, found only at specialist pharmacies
Isotretinoin – only available on prescription, this is a highly effective acne treatment. Be aware that you will not be offered this at your first appointment, as rigorous checks are necessary before I can be sure that this is the right treatment for you
AviClear laser – this is an alternative for those patients with severe acne who cannot or who choose not to take isotretinoin. It uses laser to tackle acne right at the source
If you would like to discuss any of these treatments in more detail, or find out what might be the most appropriate treatment plan for you, please contact us to book a consultation..
