Best supplement for troublesome acne
Key Takeaways
Patients with acne are often deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, according to a prospective intervention study.
Participants with mild to moderate acne who increased their intake of this essential nutrient for 16 weeks reported improvements in their skin appearance.
While further studies are needed, this low-cost option may benefit patients hoping to improve their skin through diet.
Patients with acne are often deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, according to a new study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.[]
Those with mild to moderate acne who followed a plant-focused Mediterranean diet and took omega-3 fatty acid supplements for 16 weeks reported improvements in the appearance of their skin.
“Lifestyle interventions, including dietary recommendations, should not be considered in opposition to prescription medications, but rather as a valuable adjunct to any modern acne treatment plan,” said corresponding author Anne Guertler, MD, of the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, in Germany.[]
Omega-3 fatty acid use in dermatology
Prescription medications are essential for the treatment of acne vulgaris, especially in severe cases, to avoid long-term suffering and scarring. Dietary recommendations, such as omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, are not at odds with these medications, and may act as a valuable addition to the acne treatment plan. The omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and alpha-linolenic acid provide anti-inflammatory properties, but evidence is lacking on the ability of these essential nutrients to lessen the severity of acne.[]
An earlier review published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery included 38 studies on the dermatological uses of omega-3 fatty acid supplements.[]
The review found that these supplements helped in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and skin ulcers, along with reducing the incidence of skin cancer.
According to the review authors, given the "high safety profile, low cost, and ease of supplementation,” omega-3 fatty acid is a “reasonable supplement that may benefit patients wishing to improve inflammatory skin conditions through diet.”[] They highlighted omega-3 fatty acid supplementation as a potential adjuvant treatment for acne to reduce inflammatory lesion count.
Acne study
Looking at the clinical effects of omega-3 supplementation on patients with acne, the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology investigators assessed increasing EPA/DHA levels, via a Mediterranean diet and oral supplements.
Related: The secret ingredient to the Mediterranean diet
The prospective intervention study included 60 patients (96.7% male, mean age 26.1 years, 23 with acne comedonica [mild acne], 37 with acne papulopustulosa [moderate acne]), of which 63.3% were unsatisfied with previous acne treatments due to inadequate clinical improvement and side effects.[]
For 16 weeks, the patients followed a plant-focused Mediterranean diet, incorporating oral algae-derived omega-3 fatty acid supplements. The diet comprised unprocessed, nutrient-heavy, seasonal ingredients, and limited ultra-processed foods, dairy products and meat.
Supplementation comprised 600 mg DHA/300 mg EPA daily for the first 8 weeks, and 800 mg DHA/400 mg EPA daily for the second 8 weeks. During four visits, the blood levels of EPA/DHA were tracked via the HS-omega 3 Index, which is calculated as the EPA/DHA percentage of total identified fatty acids in erythrocytes.
Of the patients, 98.3% showed an EPA/DHA deficit at baseline, with a HS-omega-3 Index below 8.0% in 67.8% and a severe deficit below 4.0% in 30.5%. The primary objective was to raise the mean EPA/DHA levels to the target level of 8%–11% by week 16. Patients underwent clinical assessments of the severity of their acne. They also completed questionnaires on their dietary habits and quality of life.
The mean HS-omega 3 index increased from 4.9% at the first visit at baseline to 8.3% on the fourth visit at 16 weeks, with greater improvements in patients with acne comedonica than those with acne papulopustulosa.
Both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions improved, according to dermatologic evaluation. Of the patients, 79.2% reported improvement in the severity of their acne, 13.2% reported no change, and 7.5% reported worsening of their acne. Overall, patients reported an improved quality of life, more so in those with acne papulopustulosa. The more severe the clinical presentation of acne, the poorer the patient’s quality of life at baseline and 16 weeks.
Reduced dairy consumption
At the first visit, the patients believed consuming vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains would be most beneficial in improving their acne, while refined sugar, alcohol, chocolate, cow's milk, and saturated fats were considered the most aggravating.
Patients with acne papulopustulosa consumed more cow's milk, cornflakes, fries, and potato chips than those with acne comedonica. All patients reported consuming less cow's milk and other dairy products by week 16.
“Future studies should build on the foundation laid by our current findings in a randomized, placebo-controlled design to improve dietary recommendations for acne patients,” said Dr. Guertler.[]
What this means for you
A recent study found patients with acne are often deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, but their skin improved if they increased their intake of these essential nutrients by following a Mediterranean diet and taking supplements. Further studies are needed, but this easy, low-cost option may benefit patients hoping to improve acne through diet.