Research

Hormonal

Consumption of Western diet components (hyperglycemic carbohydrates, milk/dairy, saturated/trans fats) promotes acne vulgaris by activating insulin/IGF-1 and mTORC1 signaling, which suppresses FoxO1 and upregulates lipogenic transcription factors (SREBP-1c, PPARγ), leading to hyperseborrhea and comedogenesis.

To reduce acne risk, prioritize a diet low in refined carbohydrates, milk, dairy protein supplements, and saturated/trans fats. Instead, focus on a paleolithic-like diet rich in vegetables and fish. Consider supplements with plant-derived mTORC1 inhibitors and omega-3 PUFAs to support skin health.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Three major food classes that promote acne are: 1) hyperglycemic carbohydrates, 2) milk and dairy products, 3) saturated fats including trans-fats and deficient ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Diet-induced insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)-signaling is superimposed on elevated IGF-1 levels during puberty, thereby unmasking the impact of aberrant nutrigenomics on sebaceous gland homeostasis.
Bodo C. Melnik · Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology · 2015

Why this rating

The paper is a review citing multiple epidemiological, clinical, and translational studies, though it relies heavily on mechanistic inference for some links.

Source

Linking diet to acne metabolomics, inflammation, and comedogenesis: an update

Bodo C. Melnik · Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology · 2015

DOI 10.2147/ccid.s69135

narrative_reviewCited 246×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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