Omega-3 fatty acid intake may lessen acne severity

Medical Xpress / Wiley / Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology ^ | July 10, 2024 | Anne Guertler, MD. et al

[ConservativeMind]

In a study that included 60 individuals with mild to moderate acne, following the Mediterranean diet and taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements led to significant reductions in inflammatory and non-inflammatory skin lesions, as well as improved quality of life.

Notably, 98.3% of participants had omega-3 fatty acid deficits at the start of the study. Acne severity lessened significantly in those who reached target omega-3 fatty acid levels during the study.

"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. "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."

[ConservativeMind]

98.3% of acne sufferers were found to be deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fats interfere with inflammatory processes and are required for health. We cannot produce them, just like vitamins and minerals.

I imagine many teens could benefit from fish or fish oil supplementation.

I am not sure if ALA, the Omega-3 fat in flaxseed, would be of similar benefit, for this, but some likely wouldn’t hurt.

[ConservativeMind]

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[logi_cal869]

So does Omega 6 fatty acid REDUCTION.

Funny how that works. /s

[ConservativeMind]

That needs to happen, as well.

I will say kids probably have no source of Onega-3s outside of a paltry amount in eggs.

[Roos_Girl]

Zinc helps also

[Lizavetta]

As a former acne sufferer - cystic acne, to be specific - the only thing that worked for me was Accutane.

Normal acne sufferers can find relief with antibiotics, tetracycline, laying off dairy, nuts ... for some the Pill helps.

Cystic acne is a different animal and it's the type that scars you ... and it last for many many years after the teens.

[logi_cal869]

I suffered the same, and also suffered the curse of accutane (it messed me up...but did help). Suffered with cystic acne all the way into my 40s; then I recovered my health.

Acne was just one of over 60 impaired health symptoms resolved, including seasonal allergies.

It IS possible. FWIW.