Study Finds Mediterranean Diet May Reduce Acne in Adults

The study also revealed that certain foods, including cooked vegetables, cheese, and yogurt, were linked to a decreased likelihood of acne, while skim milk and milk-based desserts were associated with increased acne risk.

Acne, often considered a teenage affliction, continues to affect approximately 1 in 10 adults in the U.K., with a noted prevalence among women, suggesting hormonal influences. The interplay of genetics and environmental factors is recognized, but the connection between diet and adult acne has not been extensively studied.

This new research addresses this knowledge gap by analyzing data from 228,757 participants in the UK Biobank. Out of these, 1,603 individuals were identified as currently having acne based on health data and self-reports.

The findings were published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Lead author Bochen Li, a doctoral student at King's College London, stated the study aimed to assess the relationship between overall diet quality and specific food groups with adult acne. Li noted that the results could inform dietary recommendations for those suffering from the condition, particularly highlighting potential differences in dietary impacts based on gender.

Wendy Hall, the corresponding author, emphasized that the relationship between diet and adult acne is complex. She noted that adults with acne generally have less healthy overall diets, and dietary associations may vary between men and women. Hall pointed out significant differences seen in various dairy products, suggesting that further investigations into specific dairy types could enhance understanding of their association with acne.

The findings underscore the need for clinical trials to explore dietary patterns and their potential effects on acne, particularly focusing on the benefits of including foods like cheese and yogurt in a balanced diet.