In a study published in the National Library of Health, dermatology and diet was investigated.
The study noted: “For decades, it was thought that many common dermatological conditions had no relationship to diet. Studies from recent years, however, have made it clear that diet may influence outcome.
“In some cases, dietary interventions may influence the course of the skin disease, as in acne. In others, dietary change may serve as one aspect of prevention, such as in skin cancer and aging of the skin.
“In others, dermatological disease may be linked to systemic disease, and dietary changes may affect health outcomes, as in psoriasis.
“Numerous studies have found that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables reduces the risk of cancer.
“Rhytids, sagging of skin, and loss of elasticity are all related to changes in the collagen and elastic fibres of the skin, which are themselves impacted by diet. Ingestion of sugar, in particular, can accelerate these signs of ageing, as it promotes cross-linking of collagen fibres.”
The study concluded that dietary interventions have traditionally been an under appreciated aspect of dermatological therapy.
Recent research, however, has found a significant association between diet and some dermatological diseases.