Intelligent anti-aging skin care based on independent research     
Lose wrinkles, keep your bank account!     
 
Skin Care 101
Skin Care Basics
Skin Protection
Skin Biology
Biology of Aging
Ingredient Guide
Skin & Nutrition
Skin Conditions
 
Anti-Aging Treatments
Topical Actives
Wrinkle Fillers
Noninvasive
Invasive
 
Skin Care Smarts
Smart Choices
Best Practices
Find Good Skin Doc
Quick Tips
Freebie Finder
 
Reviews & Research
Product Reviews
Provider Reviews
Skin Care Research
Clinical Trials
 
How-To Infopacks
Skin Rejuvenation
DIY Skin Care
Skin & Nutrition
Eye Skin Care
Longevity In a Pill
 
Community & Misc
Forums
Polls & Surveys
News and Updates
Search
 
   
You are here: Skin Care Research >

The effect of a low glycemic load diet on acne vulgaris and the fatty acid composition of skin surface triglycerides.

Author: Smith RN, Braue A, Varigos GA, Mann NJ

Author affiliation: School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476V, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia. robyn.smith@rmit.edu.au <robyn.smith@rmit.edu.au>

Publication date & source: 2008.04, J Dermatol Sci., 50(1):41-52. Epub 2008 Jan 4.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

BACKGROUND: Dietary factors have long been implicated in acne pathogenesis. It has recently been hypothesized that low glycemic load diets may influence sebum production based on the beneficial endocrine effects of these diets. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a low glycemic load diet on acne and the fatty acid composition of skin surface triglycerides. METHODS: Thirty-one male acne patients (aged 15-25 years) completed sebum sampling tests as part of a larger 12-week, parallel design dietary intervention trial. The experimental treatment was a low glycemic load diet, comprised of 25% energy from protein and 45% from low glycemic index carbohydrates. In contrast, the control situation emphasized carbohydrate-dense foods without reference to the glycemic index. Acne lesion counts were assessed during monthly visits. At baseline and 12-weeks, the follicular sebum outflow and composition of skin surface triglycerides were assessed using lipid absorbent tapes. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, subjects on the experimental diet demonstrated increases in the ratio of saturated to monounsaturated fatty acids of skin surface triglycerides when compared to controls [5.3+/-2.0% (mean+/-S.E.M.) vs. -2.7+/-1.7%, P=0.007]. The increase in the saturated/monounsaturated ratio correlated with acne lesion counts(r=-0.39, P=0.03). Increased follicular sebum outflow was also associated with an increase in the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids in sebum (r=0.49, P=0.006). CONCLUSION: This suggests a possible role of desaturase enzymes in sebaceous lipogenesis and the clinical manifestation of acne. However, further work is needed to clarify the underlying role of diet in sebum gland physiology.



Indexes of Skin Care Research Abstracts
by Subject Category Most Recent


Google
 
Web SmartSkinCare.com

Home | About Us | Contact Us | Ask a Question | Resources

Copyright © 1999-2009 by Dr. G. Todorov / SmartSkinCare.com
Site Disclaimer | Copyright Certification

   
-- advertisements --