The Scientific Relationship Between Chronic Acne and Diet

 

Signs of 'Skin Inflammation'? The Scientific Relationship Between Chronic Acne and Diet

Acne is not just a skin problem. It's an important indicator of our body's internal signals, especially the inflammatory response, beyond just having pimples on our faces. Chronic acne, especially one that persists into adulthood, may be a warning that something is going wrong in the body.

In this article, I will scientifically investigate inflammation, the real cause of chronic acne, and teach you how to manage a diet that anyone can easily practice.

1. Acne, not just a pimple, but a starting point for inflammation

Acne begins with excessive buildup of sebum in the hair follicles. Our skin secretes sebum to keep and protect moisture, which can cause problems if the sebum is excessively secreted or the hair follicle outlet is blocked.

At this time, acne bacteria (propionibacterium acnes, now renamed **Cutibacterium acnes**) multiply, causing an inflammatory reaction. Because this bacteria feeds on sebum, it explodes in a sebum-rich environment. In this process, the skin's immune cells are activated, and a substance called inflammatory cytokines is secreted, causing red swelling and pain around the hair follicles. This is what we commonly know as 'inflammatory acne'.

2. Chronic Acne, Inflammation in the Body and the Secret Link to Diet

So why do some people easily lose their acne and others suffer from it chronicly? This is due to differences in inflammatory conditions in the body.

Chronic inflammation is closely related to diet. This is because the food we eat determines our body condition. Foods with a high glycemic Index (GI)** in particular stimulate insulin secretion by raising blood sugar levels dramatically. Insulin affects several hormones, increasing the concentration of a substance called **insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)**.

This IGF-1 causes a lot of problems,

It stimulates the sebum glands to increase sebum secretion.

It promotes keratinization of hair follicles, clogging pores.

It promotes the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, making the inflammatory response worse.

As this vicious cycle repeats, inflammatory acne continues to occur. In the end, the formula of high blood sugar diet → increased insulin and IGF-1 → excessive secretion of sebum and worsening inflammation is established.

3. A Scientific Approach to 'Anti-Inflammatory Diet' to Resolve Acne

In order to catch chronic acne, you need to go beyond simply avoiding 'greasy food' and switch to a 'inflammatory-reducing' diet.

Change to foods with lower blood sugar (GI): White rice, white bread, sugary drinks and snacks can cause acne to worsen by raising blood sugar dramatically. Instead, choose carbohydrates with lower GI, such as brown rice, whole-grain bread, and oatmeal, and supplement your dietary fiber by eating enough vegetables and fruits. Dietary fiber slows down the absorption of carbohydrates, preventing a blood sugar spike.

Increase Your intake of omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3s are nutrients that have strong anti-inflammatory properties. They are abundant in blue-backed fish such as salmon and mackerel, flax seeds, and walnuts. On the other hand, omega-6 fatty acids, which are commonly used in fried foods or fast food, can cause inflammation if consumed in excess, so it is important to balance them.

Probiotics and Prebiotics for Intestinal Health: Intestinal and Skin Are Closely Connected. Intestinal health has a direct impact on skin conditions, with the concept of "gut-skin axis." Probiotics in fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, and soybean paste increase beneficial bacteria in the intestines to reduce inflammation, and prebiotics in vegetables and fruits become food for beneficial bacteria to improve the intestinal environment.

4. Diet Change, Sustainable Key to Acne Treatment

After all, chronic acne can only be caught by improving the underlying condition of the body beyond simply solving external problems.

Of course, diet management alone does not completely eliminate all acne, but it creates an environment where the skin can recover on its own by minimizing inflammatory reactions.

If you continue to practice an anti-inflammatory diet in parallel with medication, it will go a long way toward preventing acne recurrence and maintaining healthy skin. Why don't you pay a little more attention to your diet from today to break the chronic acne vicious cycle and regain healthy skin?