Research from King’s College London indicates that adhering to a Mediterranean diet may lower the likelihood of acne in adults. The study, which involved analyzing data from 228,757 participants in the UK Biobank, found that those who consumed a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats were less prone to acne reports, particularly among women. Conversely, men with diets lower in carbohydrates and higher in animal-based foods displayed a greater prevalence of acne.
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The study also identified specific foods associated with acne risk. Cooked vegetables, cheese, and yogurt were linked to a lower likelihood of acne, while skimmed milk and milk-based desserts were associated with a higher risk. Acne, although commonly experienced in adolescence, affects about 1 in 10 adults in the UK, with evidence suggesting that hormonal factors may contribute to its prevalence, especially among women.
Lead author Bochen Li, a PhD student at King’s College London, emphasized the study's aim to explore the relationship between overall diet quality and specific food groups with adult acne. The findings might support future dietary guidance for those dealing with acne. Notably, the results suggest a gender difference in how diet relates to acne, potentially influenced by biological factors, eating habits, and healthcare utilization.
The study also highlighted significant variations among dairy products in relation to acne risk. Unlike skimmed milk and milk-based desserts, fermented dairy products like yogurt and cheese showed different associations, indicating that dairy should not be considered a uniform category in acne research.
Professor Wendy Hall, the corresponding author, noted the implication of diet on adult acne while stressing that the research does not establish direct causality. Instead, it suggests important patterns that warrant further investigation in clinical trials to determine if a healthy diet, including foods like cheese and yogurt, could alleviate acne symptoms.
This research aligns with King’s College London’s ongoing studies about diet and health, which have previously established connections between the Mediterranean diet and improved health outcomes, including healthy aging and gum disease. The study is published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.