acne Archives - Elan Medical Skin Clinic LTDElan Medical Skin Clinic LTD
in acne, Diet and Acne, News. Tags Tags: acne, keto, ketogenic diet, lowcarb
Most people follow a low-carb or keto diet expecting to lose weight, achieve better blood sugar control, and/or lower their blood pressure. In most cases, these are exactly the type of results that occur.
However, some individuals may also experience an unexpected bonus: improvement in skin quality, including a decrease in the frequency and severity of acne.
Indeed, there’s emerging evidence that this way of eating may help control acne due to its effects on hormonal health.
Although nearly 90% of adolescents and teens have acne, it’s fairly common in adults as well. In fact, it’s estimated that in Western countries, around 50% of people in their 20s and 30s struggle with acne. On the other hand, it’s very rare in many cultures who follow traditional diets.
Acne develops as a result of complex interactions that take place within the skin. Sebaceous glands located in the skin’s outer layer are connected to hair follicles. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the hair and skin cells, which are constantly being shed and replaced.
In the case of acne, this system is impaired. Elevated levels of androgens (male hormones) cause increased sebum production, leading to oily skin. In addition, skin cell production ramps up, and dead skin cells aren’t shed in the normal fashion. Instead, these cells combine with excess sebum, causing blocks or plugs. While this process is occurring, bacteria that feed on sebum also enter the picture.
Similar to the gut microbiome, skin maintains its own bacterial balance. One type of bacteria known as P. Acnes lives deep within the hair follicles and is normally present in the outer skin layer in small amounts. However, during acne, concentrations of P. Acnes increase dramatically, causing inflammation that leads to whiteheads, pustules and cysts.
The role of diet in acne
Up until the 1960s, based on early studies, diets high in sugar and refined carbs were believed to worsen acne. However, after experimental research failed to show a link between specific foods and acne, diet was no longer considered much of a contributor.
Today, the tide has turned yet again, in light of mounting research published within the past decade suggesting that carbohydrates may be the main dietary culprit in acne due to their negative effects on hormonal regulation.
Carbohydrates may be the main dietary culprit in acne due to their negative effects on hormonal regulation.
For instance, a 2007 controlled study in 43 young acne-prone men by Smith, et al, found that a low-glycemic-load diet led to a greater reduction in acne lesions than a higher-glycemic-load diet. What’s more, the low-glycemic-load group experienced a decrease in androgen and insulin levels, improvement in insulin sensitivity, and weight loss. By contrast, the other group had increases in weight, insulin levels, and insulin resistance.
It’s important to point out that this wasn’t really a low-carb diet; the low-glycemic-load carbs accounted for about 44% of the total dietary intake. Would there have been an even greater improvement with a low-carb or keto diet providing less than 15% of energy from carbs?
Low-carb and ketogenic diets for acne
Many people have reported that their skin has become much clearer as a result of following a low-carb or keto diet.
Although controlled research on carb restriction for acne has yet to be done, many people have reported that their skin has become much clearer as a result of following a low-carb or keto diet.
Moreover, there are logical reasons why minimizing carb intake would be helpful for acne sufferers.
A 2012 article by Italian researchers discusses the potential benefits of ketogenic diets for acne, including the following:
Reduction in insulin levels: Elevated insulin levels stimulate increased production of skin cells, sebum, and androgens – setting the stage for acne eruptions. Ketogenic diets decrease insulin levels, often dramatically.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Inflammation drives acne progression. Very-low-carb and ketogenic diets have been shown to reduce inflammation.
Decrease in IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1): Ketogenic diets decrease levels of IGF-1. Like insulin, IGF-1 increases sebum production and has been found to play a large role in acne.
In a compelling 2013 review on therapeutic uses of ketogenic diets for various conditions, Paoli, et al, state that although the emerging evidence for the use of keto diets in acne is promising, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm these benefits.
Keto or low carb: Which is best for acne?
As there aren’t yet any studies on stricter low-carb or keto diets for acne at this time, it’s difficult to determine the degree of carb restriction needed to achieve the best results. Similar to losing weight or reducing blood sugar, the necessary carb reduction for potential acne control likely varies from person to person. It’s possible that stricter low-carb diets are more effective.
Tips for maximizing the benefits of a keto or low-carb diet for acne
Below are some additional dietary tweaks that may or may not be useful. They are based on preliminary evidence, small studies that need to be repeated to know for sure whether the suggested effects are real.
Consume fatty fish often: Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are anti-inflammatory and have been credited with possibly improving acne. The best sources include salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring and anchovies.
Eat low-carb vegetables: Leafy green and cruciferous vegetables may help promote hormonal regulation and improve skin health. Notable dermatology researcher Bodo Melnik recommends a Paleo diet rich in vegetables for acne management.
Avoid or limit dairy: Dairy has been shown to increase levels of insulin and IGF-1. Although skim milk seems to have the the strongest link to acne, cheese has also been implicated as a potential issue.
Drink green tea: Green tea is the best source of the antioxidant EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate). A 2016 study found that green tea extract appeared to significantly reduce acne lesions in adult women with moderate to severe acne.
Avoid or limit dark chocolate: Although earlier studies showed no difference in acne response when chocolate was compared to other sweets, a 2016 study found that even virtually sugar-free 99% dark chocolate might significantly worsen breakouts in acne-prone men. For this reason you may want to limit even dark chocolate intake, just to be safe.
Focus on fresh low-carb foods: Even if you don’t eat sugary and starchy foods, you may still be consuming ingredients that can cause skin issues. Bologna and other processed meats often contain sugar, corn syrup, fillers or other additives that raise insulin levels and potentially provoke inflammation. Stick to fresh food whenever possible, and read labels on processed meats and other packaged foods.
Give the diet some time: Paradoxically, some people report a worsening of acne shortly after starting a keto or low-carb diet. However, this appears to be short-lived and may be part of the keto-adapatation process. Overall, breakouts seem to improve with carb restriction long term in the vast majority of people.
While the evidence is still somewhat preliminary, there are many reasons to believe that low-carb and keto diets can improve acne. Feel free to read several stories below from people who have tried it, and to use our free guides linked below to get started.
By choosing nutrient-dense low-carb whole foods that minimize insulin levels and reduce inflammation, you may be giving yourself the best shot at clearer, healthier skin.
Trying a low-carb diet is safe, and besides the cost of buying real food, it’s also free. So why not try it out for a few weeks, and see what happens to your skin?
Have you already tried a low-carb or keto diet for acne? Feel free to leave a comment below, and share your experiences.
in News. Tags Tags: acne, acne treatment, skin care
What to do instead: Use only makeup, sunscreen, skin and hair care products that are labeled “non-comedogenic” or “won’t clog pores.” These products don’t cause breakouts in most people. Check out the Elan Medical DermaActive skin care range for acne
At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex we are a registered medical clinic. Our Dermatology Nurse Consultant is able to prescribe prescription only medication for the treatment of ace.
in acne, adult acne, PCOS. Tags Tags: acne, acne treatment, Elan Medical Skin Clinic, pcos
Spironolactone is a medication that has been around since the 1950s. It functions as a diuretic medication (promotes water loss) and is licensed in the UK for the treatment of blood pressure and heart failure.
So what does this have to do with acne?
As with many medications, they often come onto the market for a specific medical problem and then we realise the drug itself has a number of other actions. In otherwise fit, young healthy women, without a background of kidney or heart problems, it is also an extremely effective drug for adult acne.
Acne can be distressing if you suffer from PCOS
Acne is caused by an interplay between hormones and genetics. Hormones known as androgens drive oil production in the skin which is part of the process in acne development. Spironolactone is an ‘anti-androgen’ drug and reduces the level of androgen hormones in the skin. The knock-on effect is reduced activity of the oil glands. Scientific studies have shown that it is able to reduce oil production at starting doses of 50-100mg daily.
Who is Spironolactone useful for?
At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we often use Spironolactone in the following circumstances:
Post-teenage women with acne
Acne that flares up with menstruation
Women with acne that aren’t suitable for Roaccutane or do not wish to take it
Women with a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
It is not a suitable treatment for male patients with acne, as it is not a good idea to reduce androgen hormones in men. It is also not suitable for those with underlying heart or kidney problems. It should also not be taken if you are trying to conceive, are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you would like to discuss this or any other treatment for acne, we provide a responsive service that aims to set your mind at ease and ensure you are fully informed before booking your dermatology consultation.
You can either call Elan Medical Skin Clinic on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can click here to fill in a contact form and one of our reception team will contact you by phone or email, whichever you prefer. You will be asked to pay your initial consultation fee by credit or debit card on confirming your appointment.
Published December 11, 2017 by admin.
in acne, adult acne, Consultations, excessive sweating, psoriasis, rosacea. Tags Tags: acne, Bellingham Lane car park, Chelmsford, dermatology, dermatology consultation, Elan Medical Skin Clinic, Elan Medical Skin Clinics, Essex, Market car park Hockley Road, nurse consultant, nurse consultant in dermatology, Rayleigh, rosacea, Sue Ibrahim, Websters Way car park
Show yourself some love in 2018
Fit your own oxygen mask first in 2018. If you have a skin condition that is causing you distress, talk to Sue from Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex.
In a mid-air emergency, we are always told to fit our own oxygen mask first. This is to ensure we are able to help our loved ones in a calm, considerate and efficient manner – whilst being able to breathe ourselves!
It may sound selfish but it is absolutely essential – and not just in a life or death situation. If our own wellbeing isn’t being cared for, our ability to give our love to others is diminished, says nurse consultant in dermatology, Sue Ibrahim.
If we are dealing with a skin condition on top of all of life’s other stresses and strains, chances are the skin condition will worsen if it is ignored or put to the bottom of our list of things to sort. Does this sound familiar?