| Is My Diet Causing My Acne? How many time do we ask this question? Now, research shows that a low glycemic diet theory prevents elevated insulin levels. Elevated insulin levels after eating has been associated with the initiation of a cascade that increases androgens. More specifically, foods with high glycemic indexes are known to give rise to hyperinsulinemia, which can then lead to an increase in plasma concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1. Free IGF-1 may promote acne by inducing hyperkeratosis and epidermal hyperplasia which is an initial step in the formation of a follicular obstruction. IGF-1, in addition to insulin, can also stimulate androgens, which are known to cause an increase in sebum production. A study recently revealed that a low glycemic index diet consumed for 12 weeks resulted in weight loss, reduced free androgen index, and lower IGF-1. Clinically, there was a marked decrease in the active new lesion counts. Clinical improvement in acne has also been observed in women with PCOS treated with metformin. The androgen-insulin-IGF 1 pathway of PCOS and metformin is complex, but serves as a solid model for understanding the rational between food intake and skin disorders. The lesson here is: Don’t eat high glycemic index foods and expect to have a non- acne complexion. |
| Aesthetic Medicine Today |
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