Zehn Skin and Health

Below is an efficient review regarding the interconnection between diet and acne. Summarized from a 2024 review in the Journal Nutrients

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16101476

Milk and Dairy Products

• Study: Ulvestad et al. (2017) – Adolescents consuming at least two glasses of full-fat dairy products daily were more likely to have moderate to severe acne.  
• Study: Adebamowo et al. (2005) – Positive association between whole and skim milk consumption and acne in female adolescents.  
• Study: Adebamowo et al. (2006) – Whole, low-fat, skim, and chocolate milk linked to acne in adolescent girls.  
• Study: Adebamowo et al. (2008) – Skim milk consumption positively associated with acne in adolescent boys.  
• Study: LaRosa et al. (2016) – Low-fat/skim milk, but not whole milk, positively associated with acne in teenagers.  
• Study: Pereira Duquia et al. (2017) – Weak positive association between daily whole milk consumption and inflammatory acne in young men.  
• Study: Burris et al. (2014) – Young adults with moderate to severe acne reported higher milk intake compared to those without acne or with mild acne.  
• Study: Pontes Tde et al. (2013) – Protein and calorie supplementation over two months associated with acne, particularly in women and those without existing acne or a family history of acne.  
• Study: Semedo et al. (2016) – Acne associated with higher consumption of full-fat and reduced-fat milk in adults.  
• Study: Penso et al. (2020) – Significant association between current acne and milk consumption in adults.  
• Study: Heng et al. (2022) – Frequent milk consumption associated with a protective effect for moderate acne, while frequent butter intake had a detrimental effect on acne scarring.  
• Study: Juhl et al. (2018) – No observational or genetic link found between milk consumption and acne in adults.  
• Study: Aalemi et al. (2019) – Whole milk consumption at least three days per week associated with moderate to severe acne, but the association was less pronounced for skim milk.  
• Study: Juhl et al. (2018) – Meta-analysis showed any dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese) associated with increased odds of acne in individuals aged 7 to 30 years.  
• Study: Di Landro et al. (2012) – Increased milk consumption (more than three servings per week) associated with increased risk of moderate to severe acne, particularly with low-fat milk.  
• Study: Kara et al. (2020) – Positive correlation between cheese consumption and acne severity.  
• Study: Say et al. (2021) – Frequent intake of breakfast foods, including butter and milk, associated with reduced risk of acne and acne scars.  

In summary, milk, cream cheese, and other dairy products may worsen acne, particularly low-fat/skim milk and cheese. However, some studies suggest a protective effect of milk or butter, and the association may be influenced by various factors such as age, gender, and other dietary habits.

Chocolate

• Study: Caperton et al. (2014) – Chocolate consumption positively correlated with acne severity in men with a history of acne.  
• Study: Vongraviopap et al. (2016) – Dark chocolate consumption worsened acne in acne-prone men.  
• Study: Chalyk et al. (2018) – Chocolate consumption increased corneocyte exfoliation and bacterial colonization on facial skin.  
• Study: Suppiah et al. (2018) – Chocolate consumption was significantly higher in individuals with acne compared to controls.  
• Study: Karadağ et al. (2019) – Positive association between chocolate intake and acne severity.  

In summary, chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, may worsen acne due to its high sugar content and potential to increase inflammation and bacterial colonization.

Fatty Foods

• Study: Penso et al. (2020) – Significant association between current acne and consumption of fatty foods.  
• Study: Aalemi et al. (2019) – Consumption of crisps, pizza, and red meat positively associated with acne.  
• Study: Wei et al. (2010) – Fried food identified as an acne risk factor.  
• Study: Abo El-Fetoh et al. (2016) – Consumption of fatty meals identified as an acne risk factor.  

In summary, high intake of fatty foods, particularly fried foods and those rich in saturated and trans fats, may worsen acne due to their potential to increase inflammation and sebum production.

Other Dietary Factors

• Alcohol: Several studies suggest a link between alcohol consumption and increased risk of acne, potentially due to its impact on testosterone levels, inflammation, and the skin microbiome.  
• Salt: High salt intake may also be associated with acne, possibly due to its effects on hormone regulation and inflammation.  
• Other Products: Other foods that have been suggested to potentially worsen acne include eggs, cola, soft drinks, corn, candy, fruit juices, cakes, and high-gluten foods.

In conclusion, the study highlights the complex interplay between diet and acne, with various food groups and dietary factors potentially influencing acne development and severity. More research is needed to fully understand these relationships, but adopting a healthy and balanced diet may be beneficial for overall skin health.