Battle Acne with Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Most Asian diets include rice and various herbs and spices, but have a lower intake of dairy products in comparison with Western food. However, only a few studies have examined the influence of Asian cuisine on acne. Therefore, Dr Katewadee roengritthidet and his team conducted a study to examine the association between dietary factors and acne in Thai adolescents and adults using a self-reported survey.

In this cross-sectional study the researchers included 2,476 Thai adolescents and adults at a mean age of 26 years. The study was conducted through a web-based survey in March 2020. They collected the data using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. In Thai adolescents and adults, the prevalence of mild acne was 52%, moderate acne 22%, and severe acne 8%.

Key findings of the study:

♦ Upon analysis, the researchers found that the dietary factors were associated with increased severity of acne were consumption of

• Chocolate >100 g/week (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.29),
• Oily and fried food >3 times/week (aOR 1.84) and
• White rice (aOR 1.80; 95% CI 1.24–2.63).

♦ They also found that the factors associated with decreased severity of acne were consumption of sugar-free milk-free tea (aOR 0.61) and vegetables (aOR 0.74).

The authors concluded, "Acne is a multifactorial skin disease; both individual and environmental factors play an important role. Chocolate, white rice and oily/fried food, which is high in fat with a high GL, are dietary risk factors for acne severity. Conversely, regular consumption of vegetables and sugar-free milk-free tea are identified as protective factors."

For further information:

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2340/actadv.v101.569