Can Diet Cure Acne? Dermatologists Offer Recommendations

In Turkey, the conversation around acne often gets tangled with social media trends and the booming wellness industry. Dermatologist Anjali Mahto, author of 'The Skincare Bible,' offers a dose of reality, cutting through the noise of influencer advice and 'clean eating' fads. She points out that while many are led to believe that diet is the key to clear skin, the reality is far more nuanced.

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This is a topic I encounter every day in my clinics.

Mahto explains that for the vast majority of individuals, dietary changes have a minimal impact on acne. The primary drivers, she notes, are often hormonal and genetic factors, which are largely beyond our control. This perspective challenges the common narrative that blames personal food choices for skin issues, potentially alleviating guilt and shame associated with acne.

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Contrary to what is claimed on social media, for most people, diet has only a limited effect on acne.

While acknowledging that some specific groups might see improvements by cutting out dairy or reducing high-glycemic foods, Mahto stresses that these are exceptions rather than the rule. She cautions against the oversimplification of 'good' and 'bad' foods, advocating instead for a balanced and sustainable approach to eating. The focus, she argues, should be on moderation and overall dietary health, not on restrictive diets that can sometimes lead to unhealthy eating behaviors.

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So dairy can be effective for this small group. But the real challenge is identifying who belongs to this group and understanding that what we call 'dairy' is a broad category. For example, milk, yogurt, or cheese may not have the same effect.