Student essay 

A high-fat diet is associated with a reduction in the diversity of the gut microbiota

Oct 13 / Cristina Salomia

Diet and acne

Diet plays a key role in the appearance of acne since it is closely tied to the makeup and variety of the intestinal microbiota. A Western diet that is high in ultra-processed foods, saturated fats, and refined sugars increases the risk of acne outbreaks. A recent systematic analysis found that while consumption of fruits and vegetables was preventive, diets with a high glycemic index/load, dairy products, fatty foods, and chocolate promoted the production of acne lesions. 

A high-fat diet is associated with a reduction in the diversity of the gut microbiota and an increase in endotoxemia, which in turn causes the intestinal epithelial tissue integrity and barrier function to deteriorate, the thickness of the intestinal mucosa layer to thin, and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines to rise.
“Excess sebum is an essential contributor to the onset and development of acne and a risk factor for severe acne, although not all people with hyper seborrhea develop it. Sebum secreted by the sebaceous glands is an oily mixture that contains free fatty acids (FFAs) among other compounds such as squalene.”
Heng, A.H.S.; Chew, F.T. Systematic review of the epidemiology of acne vulgaris. Sci. Rep. 2020

High-glycemic foods and inflammation

High glycemic index foods are positively associated with acne, according to observational research. Many items in the Western diet with a high glycemic load raise insulin and IGF-1 levels which leads to release of cytokines.

While vegetarian and vegan diets involve limited or no intake of meat and dairy, a Western diet is also incredibly rich in red meat. Leucine is more abundant in meat- and dairy-based diets than it is in vegetarian or vegan diets. Leucine activates the mTOR pathway, which suggests a rise in sebaceous gland lipogenesis.

The gut–skin axis and adult acne

More information is being discovered about the mechanisms of action relating to the role of acnes in the beginning and progression of acne as well as the significance of the gut-skin axis.
Empty space, drag to resize

“Adult acne after adolescence can be persistent, recurring, or late-onset. It occurs more in women than in men. In a study with more than 700 subjects over 25 years old, facial acne was observed in 12% of women and 3% of men. In these women, there was an androgenic influence in which there may have been an increase in androgen production in the ovary or adrenal glands, an increase in androgen production in the skin, or an increase in the sensitivity of the androgen receptor.”

Goulden, V.; Clark, S.M.; Cunliffe, W.J. Post-adolescent
acne: A review of clinical features. Br. J. Dermatol. 1997

Empty space, drag to resize
Studies in this area have revealed intestinal dysbiosis in these patients, even if the exact pathways by which the gut microbiota can influence the onset and progression of acne are unknown.
Likewise, diets rich in animal protein decrease the diversity of the intestinal
microbiota, while plant-based diets increase it.
Zmora, N.; Suez, J.; Elinav, E. You are what you eat: Diet, health and the gut microbiota. Nat. Rev. Gastroenterol. Hepatol. 2019

REFERENCES

  1. Heng, A.H.S.; Chew, F.T. (2020). Systematic review of the epidemiology of acne vulgaris. Scientific Reports.
  2. Zmora, N.; Suez, J.; Elinav, E. (2019). You are what you eat: Diet, health and the gut microbiota. Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology.
  3. Goulden, V.; Clark, S.M.; Cunliffe, W.J. (1997). Post-adolescent acne: A review of clinical features. British Journal of Dermatology.
My name is Christina and I am a certified beautician. Food lover. Health addict. Food recipes writer. Becoming skin nutrition educator.
CRISTINA SALOMIA | SKIN NUTRITION INSTITUTE GRADUATE

Frequently Asked Questions About Diet, Gut Microbiota and Acne

What is the gut–skin axis and how does it relate to acne?

The gut–skin axis describes the connection between intestinal health and skin condition. An imbalance in the gut microbiota (known as dysbiosis) can increase systemic inflammation and alter sebum production, both of which contribute to acne development and severity.

How does a high-fat diet affect the gut microbiota?

A high-fat diet reduces the diversity of beneficial gut bacteria and increases endotoxemia (the presence of bacterial toxins in the blood). This damages the intestinal barrier, promotes inflammation, and may trigger or worsen acne through the gut–skin axis.

What foods are most associated with acne?

According to research, diets high in refined sugars, dairy, red meat, and processed or high-fat foods are associated with an increased risk of developing acne. These foods raise insulin and IGF-1 levels and activate pathways that increase sebum production and inflammation.

How does the gut microbiota influence hormones and adult acne?

The gut microbiota affects hormone metabolism and inflammation. In adults, especially women, gut imbalance may amplify androgenic activity, leading to increased sebum production and acne flare-ups. Balancing the gut through a nutrient-rich, plant-based diet can help regulate these effects.
Write your awesome label here.

Do you want to be as knowledgeable in skin nutrition as Cristina Salomia?

Enrol on our master diploma programme.
Created with