MYTH 15 - DIET DOES NOT CAUSE ACNE

People in some indigenous societies do not experience acne at all.  Whether it is genetics or diet - or both or something else - is unclear.  Some studies show acne is linked to milk, which leads to postprandial insulin and basal insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) plasma levels.  Increased insulin/IGF-I signaling activates the phosphoinositide-3 kinase/Akt pathway, thereby reducing the nuclear content of the transcription factor FoxO1, the key nutrigenomic regulator of acne target genes.  Nuclear FoxO1 deficiency has been linked to all major factors of acne pathogenesis, ie, androgen receptor transactivation, comedogenesis, increased sebaceous lipogenesis, and follicular inflammation.  The final evidence is not in, but it seems that acne and diet are linked in ways that we did not suspect tow decades ago.  Make sure your patients have access to information on theories on the usefulness of dairy-free and/or low glycemic load diets.

*Wow!  Did you get that? In a nutshell, if you struggle with acne, try giving up the diary  products and see if that helps.  Soy milk and almond milk are good options.


CONCLUSIONS
People's assumptions about acne, much like their assumptions about other complex matters, often are the result of misunderstandings and require clarification.  It is therefore left to the experts, who often disagree with one another, to dispel myths related to acne in order to enhance our patients' health.  The myths that are particularly important to address are those related to the psychological cost of acne, avoiding isotretinoin, and the role of milk in acne.  Knowing these myths tunes us in to the acne zeitgeist, so when we step into the treatment room we are ready to listen, educate and act.

This concludes the 15 ACNE MYTHS ADDRESSED.  It can be found in total in the June 2011 issue of Skin & Aging www.skinandaging.com  


Feel free to comment or ask any questions!  Have a great day.  Peace, Love & SPF