In a study published in the journal Cosmetic Dermatology on July 10, which included 60 people suffering from mild to moderate acne, it was found that following a Mediterranean diet and taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements led to a significant reduction in acne, in addition to improving quality of life.
Patients were asked to follow a Mediterranean diet that emphasized plant-based foods and limited intake of ultra-processed foods, dairy products, and meat. This diet consisted primarily of home-cooked, nutrient-rich meals.
Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “healthy fats” that may support heart health, according to the Cleveland Clinic. One of the main benefits of omega-3 fatty acids is that they help lower triglycerides in the blood.
Types of omega-3 acids include DHA and EPA, found in seafood, and ALA, found in plants. Examples of foods that contain omega-3 acids include fatty fish such as salmon, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
It is worth noting that 98.3% of participants were deficient in omega-3 fatty acids at the beginning of the study, and the severity of acne decreased significantly in those who reached target levels of omega-3 acids during the study.
Food and acne
“Lifestyle interventions, including dietary recommendations, should not be considered as an alternative to prescription medications, but rather a valuable addition to any modern acne treatment plan,” said lead study author Dr. Anne Goertler, who works at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in Germany, according to EurekAlert.
“Future studies should build on the foundation laid by our current findings with a randomized, placebo-controlled design to improve dietary recommendations for acne patients,” she added.
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According to the Harvard Medical School website, acne is thought to develop due to a combination of factors including too much oil production in the skin, clogged pores, bacteria in the skin, and inflammation. Hormonal changes that occur during puberty, a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome, and the menstrual cycle can also have a major impact on acne because they affect the skin’s oil production.
Some medications can cause acne, and hair products, makeup, and other products we put on our skin can contribute to clogged pores. Genetics, pollution, smoking, and stress can also be contributing factors.