The link between diet and acne

Clear skin is not only a sign of good health and vitality, it is critical to helping every young person develop self-confidence and a positive self-image.

The study

The Teenage Anti-acne Diet is based on research about the link between diet and adolescent skin disorders. ^{1 2} The study, conducted by RMIT in collaboration with the Department of Dermatology at the Royal Children’s and Royal Melbourne hospitals looked at the effect of diet on acne symptoms.

Dr Neil Mann, Associate Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry at RMIT University led the groundbreaking study which showed that a higher protein–low GI diet, which included lean red meat, reduced facial acne by 50 per cent after 12 weeks.

The study divided a group of teenage boys with acne into two diet groups:

• One group followed a typical Western teen diet of highly processed foods, such as white bread, sugary ready-to-eat breakfast cereals and snacks such as biscuits and chips
• The other group followed a higher protein–low GI diet containing more natural foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, lean red meat, seafood and wholegrains, with processed food kept to a minimum

After 3 months the higher protein–low GI diet was found to:

• Reduce acne by more than 50 per cent
• Reduce insulin levels, which helped to control the hormonal imbalances associated with acne
• Have a positive effect on energy levels, self-esteem, confidence and overall mood

A practical guide

The Teenage Anti-acne Diet booklet helps turn the science into a practical diet and lifestyle plan that can be used alone or with anti-acne treatments to improve acne and overall quality of life.

You can download The Teenage Anti-acne Diet booklet here which features a two week meal plan and a handful of recipes or call 1800 550 018 to order your copy.

Also read more on:

• Anti-acne diet recipes 
• How to prepare, shop and cook healthy meals

References:

¹ Smith R, Mann N, Braue A, Makalainen H, Varigos G, ‘The effect of a higher protein, low glycaemic load diet vs a conventional, high glycaemic load diet on biochemical parameters associated with acne vulgaris. A randomised, investigator-masked, controlled trial.’ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

² Smith R, Mann N, Braue A, Makalainen H and Varigos G. A low glycaemic load diet improves symptoms in acne vulgaris patients. A randomised controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition