Acne vulgaris is a common dermatological condition affecting an estimated 85% of school-aged adolescents and 43% of individuals in their 30s. Dietary influences on acne have been explored by several clinical studies. Preliminary evidence suggests that dairy products influence the development and severity of acne through the actions of Insulin-like growth factor 1. Additional studies suggest that high-glycemic diets impact acne. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation influences on acne show conflicting results. Further large-scale clinical studies are needed to definitively explore the influence of diet on the development of acne. Providers should consider assessing dietary patterns in patients with acne and counsel those individuals who are found to intake diets that might adversely affect acne.
Theresa Coyner, ANP-BC, DCNP, Randall Dermatology, West Lafayette, IN.
Janet Purath, PhD, ANP-BC, Washington State University, Spokane, WA.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Theresa Coyner, ANP-BC, DCNP, Randall Dermatology, 124 Sagamore Parkway West, West Lafayette, IN 47906. E-mail: tecoyner@gmail.com
