Researchers from the University of Munich led a study exploring how certain foods influence common skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. The research team published its findings through the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute MDPI. The study focuses on how dietary choices can impact the appearance and progression of these conditions.
Rosacea is a chronic skin issue characterized by persistent facial redness and the appearance of visible blood vessels, often accompanied by irritation. Acne develops when hair follicles become clogged with a mix of dead skin cells and sebum, producing pimples and, at times, inflammation.
Involving 296 participants, the study examined individuals with various acne types, rosacea, and a control group free of skin problems. Researchers measured illness severity, tracked body metrics, and reviewed dietary patterns. Blood samples were collected to assess metabolic indicators such as glucose, insulin, and glycated hemoglobin, among other biomarkers.
Analyses revealed notable differences in eating habits between those with acne or rosacea and those without these conditions. Participants affected by acne and rosacea tended to consume fewer vegetables and fruits, as well as less pasta, soy products, and boiled potatoes, compared with healthier participants. Conversely, the diets of individuals without skin issues showed higher intakes of honey, meat, french fries, and hamburgers. These patterns suggest dietary factors may be linked to the presence or severity of these skin diseases.
Another finding indicated a potential association between high dairy intake and an increased likelihood of acne appearing in the breast area. While this observation does not prove causation, it aligns with broader discussions about dairy consumption and skin responses in some individuals.
Overall, the investigators concluded that increasing the intake of vegetables, nuts, legumes, olive oil, and oily fish while reducing cheese, alcohol, and meat intake could support clearer skin for people dealing with acne or rosacea. The results point to practical dietary adjustments that may complement existing treatments and offer new avenues for managing these conditions through nutrition.
The study adds to a growing body of work on how nutrition affects inflammatory and sebaceous disorders. It underscores the potential value of dietary strategies as part of a holistic approach to skin health, with implications for dietary guidelines and patient counseling in communities across North America and beyond.
Further research is encouraged to refine these associations, understand individual differences in response to foods, and identify practical dietary plans that clinicians and patients can implement with confidence. The work represents a step toward evidence based nutrition recommendations for acne and rosacea, helping people make informed choices about what they eat and how it may influence their skin.