Research – Acne Research

European guidelines for treatment of acne (updated for 2016) do not mention the words sugar or diet. Recommendations include systemic and topical antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, light therapies, isotretinoin, zinc, and others.

In a study of Nigerian women, acne sufferers had significantly higher blood levels of lead and copper

Vitamin D deficiency was more frequent in patients with acne, and serum 25(OH)D levels were inversely correlated with acne severity

The following lifestyle factors were associated with the appearance of acne: working an office job (versus unemployment or being a housewife), stress, low intake of fruits & vegetables, low intake of fresh fish

This article presents the latest findings on a potential impact that diet can have on pathogenesis of acne vulgaris.

Consumption of low fat milk, but not full-fat milk, is positively associated with acne

Strong evidence that carbohydrates are a primary cause of acne

This article presents the latest findings on a potential impact that diet can have on pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. The association between diet and acne can no longer be dismissed.

The results of this study show that fractional laser treatment in these patients is fast and practical. Depending on the scar condition it could be made 6 treatments, and even if the scar is not completely disappeared after the treatment, it significantly improves the look. In 35% of cases there is a complete reduction of scarring, and in 40% a significant reduction of scars with more than 50%.

Consumption of low-fat/skim milk, but not full-fat milk, was positively associated with acne.

Overall, there is early evidence that turmeric/curcumin products and supplements, both oral and topical, may provide therapeutic benefits for skin health.

Must Reads

Our findings suggest that a history of teenage acne might be a novel risk factor for melanoma [cancer] independent from the known factors.

A Zinc-less Zinc Regimen for Adults: A brilliant theory by acne.org user databased

Cordain: Acne Vulgaris – A Disease of Western Civilization

Recent Acne Studies

“We used to think that comedones preceded inflammation, but we now know that inflammation is involved in the development of comedones”

Teenage acne correlated to melanoma.

There is some low-quality evidence from single trials that LGLD, tea tree oil, and bee venom may reduce total skin lesions in acne vulgaris, but there is a lack of evidence from the current review to support the use of other CAMs, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, or wet-cupping therapy, for the treatment of this condition

Body mass index is negatively associated with acne lesion counts in Taiwanese women with post-adolescent acne. I can’t get access to the full text of this study, but it appears that researchers found evidence that heavier people have less acne than thin people.

Perimenstrual flare of adult acne.. 56% of women with acne report that the condition worsens before their period.

Diet and Acne

Stress, lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, and menstruation aggravate acne.

A low-glycemic-load diet improves symptoms in acne vulgaris patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Study Assessing the Effect of Chocolate Consumption in Subjects with a History of Acne Vulgaris.. Conclusion: Eating chocolate makes acne worse in acne-prone men.

The Relationship of Diet and Acne

Does Diet Really Affect Acne?

In this study of Chinese students, desserts and fruit juices were linked to increased acne, and dairy and soy linked to decreased acne

A high glycemic load diet, dairy food intake, high fat diet, and iodine in Korean foods appear to play a role in acne exacerbation

Glycemic index, glycemic load: new evidence for a link with acne

High glycemic load diet, milk and ice cream consumption are related to acne vulgaris in Malaysian young adults: a case control study

2009 acne study. Milk and high glycemic load diets increased acne prevalence and severity

Acne Research Paper: Skim milk associated with Acne in teenagers

“Positive association between intake of milk and acne” in a study of 6000 teenage girls

Role of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, hyperglycaemic food and milk consumption in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris

Human skin condition and its associations with nutrient concentrations in serum and diet

Organic crops had significantly higher antioxidants than conventional crops, including 19% higher levels of phenolic acids, 69% higher levels of flavanones, 28% higher levels of stilbenes, 26% higher levels of flavones, 50% higher levels of flavonols, and 51% higher levels of anthocyanins.

Genetics and Acne

Family history linked to acne in teens

Stress and Acne

Stress is associated with increased acne, but not with increased sebum production.

Link Found Between Teens’ Stress Levels And Acne Severity

The Response of Skin Disease to Stress

Stress

Yoga reduces stress.

Blood tests showed that, after three months of yoga practice, three markers for inflammation were reduced by 10 to 15 percent.

Superoxide Dismutase and Acne

Superoxide Anions mixed with P. acnes triggers skin inflammation. — everyone has p. acnes bacteria, so the real culprit behind acne may be superoxide anions (O2-).

Superoxide Dismutase levels unusually low in 32 out of 34 individuals suffering from acne.

Taking melatonin for 30 days can increase ZnSOD (superoxide dismutase) by 31%.

Acne Rosacea linked to high levels of superoxide anions.

Acne Rosacea

Consensus recommendations from the American Acne & Rosacea Society on the management of rosacea, part 5: a guide on the management of rosacea.

The quality of life impact of acne and rosacea compared to other major medical conditions.

Mast Cells Are Key Mediators of Cathelicidin-Initiated Skin Inflammation in Rosacea.

Therapeutic Update on Rosacea.

Psychology of Acne

Understanding the Burden of Adult Female Acne

The impact of acne vulgaris on quality of life and psychic health in young adolescents in Greece.

Evaluating of Life Quality in Patients with Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris significantly affects patients’ quality of life. Regardless of the severity of acne, older adults were more affected by their acne.

Acne linked to suicide thoughts in students

Quality of Life and Emotional State in Chronic Skin Disease. Chronic skin disease is associated with depression, insomnia and anxiety. Patients with chronic skin diseases had low emotional well-being and general health ratings.

Medications / Topical Products

Cleanser with glycolic acid improved mild acne after 6 weeks of use

Skin Care and Acne

Topical epidermal growth factor reduces acne by 33.5%

The Use of Isotretinoin in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Accutane might work because it suppresses the retina’s ability to see light at night.

Classification of benzoyl peroxide as safe and effective

Clindamycin gel + Benzoyl Peroxide wash appears safe and well-tolerated in participants with mild to moderate acne vulgaris.

Observational study of Arctium lappa in the treatment of acne vulgaris. The homeopathic medicine lappa was effective in treating acne.
Probiotics and prebiotics in dermatology.

The Melatonin Cycle and Acne

Antiinflammatory Activity of Melatonin in Central Nervous System

Melatonin and its relation to the immune system and inflammation.