I. Acne and carbohydrates Dietary carbohydrates are the main nutrients that sustain life activities. Studies have shown that high glycemic load carbohydrates can increase the severity of acne, while low glycemic load carbohydrates can reduce the extent of acne lesions. This may be related to the fact that high glycemic load carbohydrates significantly increase plasma insulin concentrations, and increased insulin causes an increase in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and a decrease in insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3), which decreases the amount of the transcription factor FoxO1 in the nucleus. Important factors in the pathogenesis of acne, such as androgen receptor activation, increased sebum production, and inflammation occurrence are associated with reduced FoxO1 in the nucleus.
Second, acne and milk and dairy products The relationship between milk and the development of acne has also been a hot topic of research in recent years. Based on current research, it is believed that milk and dairy products, especially skim milk, have a promoting effect on the occurrence of acne; it may be related to the fact that milk can promote insulin secretion, and whey protein is an inducer of intestinal gastric peptide, which can stimulate insulin secretion.
Third, acne and Omega 3 fatty acids The literature confirms that for acne patients, Omega 3 fatty acids have significant anti-inflammatory effects and few side effects. Their therapeutic mechanisms may include activation of G protein-coupled receptor 120 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (NR1C3), thereby controlling inflammatory cell signaling and gene expression and suppressing inflammatory responses; inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes activity; and regulation of psychostress immune abnormalities and inflammatory responses, thereby promoting skin wound healing. However, the comparison of its oral or topical use with the efficacy of existing drugs has yet to be confirmed.
IV. Acne and other diets In addition to the above studies, some studies on the relationship between common diets and acne are also being conducted. Foods rich in vitamins A, E and zinc may be beneficial for acne recovery. Oral probiotics may improve acne levels through the “brain-gut-skin axis”. Pure cocoa powder without sugar can worsen acne. These studies all suggest that acne is closely related to diet, but there is a need for more randomized controlled trials to explore the dietary factors in the pathogenesis of acne in order to better guide clinical practice.
V. Acne and the diets of people with different body types et al. studied acne patients by dividing them into two groups according to Chinese medicine theory: yin and yang body types. The results showed that without grouping, there was no clear relationship between a variety of common diets and acne. After grouping, in the yin group, street food (generally rich, heavily seasoned, and overly fried food) was negatively associated with acne; in the yang group, desserts and juices with higher sugar content were positively associated with acne, while dairy and soy products were negatively associated with acne.
Hint: It is possible that the previous study controversy was caused by individual heterogeneity; to resolve this issue, the sample size of the study should be increased.