Researchers say a Mediterranean diet can supplements can help reduce skin lesions.
Following a Mediterranean diet and taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements led to significant reductions in inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin lesions, as well as improved quality of life in patients with mild to moderate acne, say researchers.
They also found the majority of participants (98.3%) had omega-3 fatty acid deficits at the start of the study. Acne severity lessened significantly in those who reached target omega-3 fatty acid levels during the study.
The findings have been published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
“Lifestyle interventions, including dietary recommendations, should not be considered in opposition to prescription medications, but rather as a valuable adjunct to any modern acne treatment plan,” said corresponding author Anne Guertler, MD, of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany.
“Future studies should build on the foundation laid by our current findings in a randomised, placebo-controlled design to improve dietary recommendations for acne patients.”
Patients aged 12 years and over with mild AC (acne comedonica) to moderate AP (acne papulopustulosa) acne vulgaris were enrolled in the single-centre intervention study for a period of 16 weeks. They were not using any prescription acne medication four weeks prior to study inclusion and throughout the study. Daily skin care use consisting of a wash lotion and moisturiser was allowed.
Patients were encouraged to follow a plant-focused, varied Mediterranean diet, comprising mainly unprocessed, seasonal, nutrient-dense ingredients, and to prepare home-cooked meals. They were advised to reduce their intake of ultra-processed foods, milk/dairy products, and meat. Adherence to the dietary recommendations was recorded using standardised food frequency questionnaires.
They were also supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids – 600mg DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)/300 mg EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) for weeks one to eight; and 800 mg DHA/400 mg EPA during weeks eight to 16.
Patients reported the most significant clinical change after an average of 40 days. By this time only one patient still had a severe omega-3 fatty acid deficit.
“This again supports the hypothesis of clinical benefit from supplementation of deficits,” the authors wrote.
“Although most patients benefited, three patients reported a subjective worsening of their acne during the study, and two withdrew from the study due to worsening.
“It is therefore important to tailor treatment plans individually, especially when there is an inadequate response to treatment, and to always offer patients prescription medication when needed.”
