Nutrition and acne by the dermatologist Laura Habib in Bogotá

Diet influences acne both directly and indirectly due to certain substances in food that have been shown to worsen it, as well as their relationship with the body's various processes. It is important to highlight that this occurs in patients already prone to acne. Diet influences acne by creating a general hormonal environment, as well as local skin conditions that lead to breakouts.

Each patient should aim for a balanced diet and limit inflammation triggers that worsen acne flare-ups.

Yes, it does.

Positively: Exercise generates substances that help reduce inflammation, promotes toxin elimination through sweat and urine.

Negatively: In cases of very intense and repeated exercise, such as in competitors, marathon runners, or high-performance athletes. Excessive free radicals are generated, which must be counteracted with a proper diet and the inclusion of antioxidants prescribed by a doctor.

A complete, sufficient, and adequate diet—what we know as a balanced diet—should also be personalized to fit each individual, avoiding extreme restrictions or excesses. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help fight and eliminate free radicals—those harmful elements that are generated daily and threaten our cell health. Probiotics and prebiotics contribute to gut health, indirectly influencing the skin through the gut-skin axis.

These foods should be part of the diet of all acne patients. Additionally, proteins and other foods tailored to each patient’s lifestyle can complement proper nutrition, promoting skin health.

Sugar, including its synonyms such as syrups and refined flours, is pro-inflammatory and thus promotes worsening acne lesions. This is also the case with processed carbohydrates (packaged foods, cold cuts, sauces, etc.).

Dairy products contain pro-inflammatory proteins, growth factors, and hormones, which significantly increase acne breakouts.

Sports supplements such as whey protein (isolated milk protein) combined with dairy, vitamin B, sugars, and other components that enhance inflammation can significantly worsen acne.

Everything matters and everything has an influence.

We have studied the concept of the exposome, which refers to all the external factors we are exposed to that influence skin health, acne, and many other conditions. In addition to nutrition, this includes genetics, stress, pollution, sun exposure, exercise, alcohol consumption, smoking, environmental temperature, and the quality and quantity of sleep.