Precis Future Med.  2025 Jun;9(2):66-76. 10.23838/pfm.2025.00121.

Evaluating the efficacy of dietary interventions on skin health: a comparative review of outcomes in acne and rosacea

• Bava FSM
• Thalib HI
• Hamisu A
• Makarfi SM
• Fagih SK
• Shehata N

• KMID: 2569768
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.23838/pfm.2025.00121

Abstract

Acne and rosacea are common dermatological conditions that significantly impact patients’ physical and emotional well-being. Acne predominantly affects adolescents and young adults, while rosacea is more prevalent in fair-skinned adults. Both conditions have multifactorial etiologies involving genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Recently, dietary interventions have gained attention for their potential role in managing these conditions. This review evaluates current evidence on dietary modifications and their effectiveness in treating acne and rosacea. Clinical studies indicate that high glycemic index (GI) foods and dairy products, particularly skimmed milk, may exacerbate acne by influencing insulin and androgen pathways, thereby promoting sebum production and inflammation. In contrast, low-GI diets and reduced dairy consumption have been associated with improvements in acne severity. Rosacea is more often triggered by specific dietary factors, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and high-GI foods, which promote vasodilation and inflammation, worsening symptoms. While dietary control plays a clear role in acne management, its effect on rosacea remains less well defined. However, emerging evidence suggests that anti-inflammatory foods and probiotics may help alleviate rosacea symptoms by modulating systemic inflammation and improving gut microbiota balance. Although dietary interventions appear more effective in managing acne, further research is needed to clarify their long-term benefits for rosacea. This review highlights the importance of diet in dermatological care and calls for comprehensive studies to refine clinical recommendations.

Keyword

Acne vulgaris; Diet; Rosacea