Associations Among Acne Vulgaris and Western Diet

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatologic conditions, especially among the adolescent population. The pathogenesis of acne is largely multifactorial, with heredity and hormones strongly contributing to one’s risk of developing the chronic inflammatory skin condition. High prevalence rates of acne in the adolescent population cannot be attributed to heredity alone, but by the influence of Western diet (WD) that overstimulates insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). The purpose of this scholarly project is to determine if there is an association between the presence of acne vulgaris and the consumption of WD, and if a physiological link between the high glycemic food and dairy products that compose the typical WD exists. Includes current research that focuses on the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris, the breakdown of high glycemic foods and dairy products and their propensity to cause inflammatory acne,as well as hyperinsulinism. Anticipated to be found that consuming a WD increases IGFs leading to hyperinsulinemia, and furthermore, acne presentation by increased sebum production. More research is needed before universal associations can be established.https://commons.und.edu/pas-grad-posters/1024/thumbnail.jp