People who suffer from acne often have oilier skin, which leads some to believe that fatty foods like pizza or hamburgers cause acne breakouts on the skin.
“People think that eating fatty foods increases oil in the skin and this causes acne,” says Dr. Rosalind Simpson, a dermatologist at the University of Nottingham. “But this is a misconception. The oil in the skin, known as sebum, is produced by the pores and is mainly influenced by hormones and genetics.”
The main cause of acne is the increase in androgens (male hormones), which occurs in both sexes during puberty. This increase stimulates the increased production of sebum, which, together with dead skin cells, can block pores. This creates a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria that are naturally found on the skin (Propionibacterium acnes), causing inflammation. Other hormonal changes, such as those caused by polycystic ovary syndrome or progesterone-only contraceptives, can also have an impact.
Many people try to treat acne through dietary changes, but diets can be harmful, especially in teenagers.
According to Simpson, environmental factors also play a role, but this does not include the consumption of fatty foods. However, stress and general eating habits can have an impact.
Acne cases have been on the rise over the past century, and some researchers believe this is linked to the increased consumption of foods with a high glycemic index, such as carbohydrates and sweets. Simpson emphasizes that there are still no firm conclusions, but there is growing evidence that processed sugars may contribute. The link between gut health and skin health is also being studied.
If you have acne problems and regular care with mild cleansers and moisturizers has not helped, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
"People try to change their diet to treat acne, but extreme diets can be dangerous, especially for teenagers, if not done under medical supervision," Simpson adds.
Although it seems logical to blame fatty foods for acne, science shows that the main causes are hormonal and genetic, not directly diet. While healthy eating and stress management can help control the condition, effective treatment requires specialized medical care, especially for severe cases of acne.
