Does eating certain foods make acne vulgaris worse?

    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    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]