Does eating certain foods make acne vulgaris worse?

    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    There is no clinically confirmed association between nutrition and acne vulgaris, but certain foods like dairy products, high-glycemic index foods, and saturated fats may worsen symptoms in some people. Responses to these foods can vary from person to person.

    While several hypotheses exist on types of food and nutrients that may worsen acne , there is no clinically confirmed link between nutrition and acne. However, individuals will respond differently to various foods that may impact their symptoms. The following nutritional factors have been shown to have at least some impact on worsening acne symptoms:

    • Dairy products: milk, yogurt, ice cream, cheese
    • Whey protein or casein protein
    • Hyperglycemic or high-glycemic index foods: sugar, sweets, pasta, bread, and soft drinks
    • Saturated and trans fat: butter, cream, fried food
    • Salt (sodium chloride)[1]
    Does eating certain foods make <em>acne vulgaris</em> worse? - Examine