Raise your hand if you don’t have a whole series of clichés in mind about acne and nutrition, from the foods that cause it to “grandmother’s” solutions to cure it. But acne is serious, a skin problem that can cause psychological distress, blemishes and scarringand which therefore must be addressed with the help of a dermatologist.

This is why we asked the doctor Ines Mordente, surgeon, specialist in dermatology and specialized in acne, to clarify. In SOS Acne. The Skin Doctoron Real Time (channel 31, every Wednesday at 9.20pm), Ines Mordente meets patients with various dermatological problems, to guide them in the treatment of their skin pathologies.

Acne and nutrition: interview with Dr. Ines Mordente

Doctor, are there really foods that cause acne?
«Scientific literature tells us that some foods, those with a high glycemic index, increase the risk in acne-prone skin. It would therefore be good practice to avoid sugary, fried and cured foods. But, in particular, one type of food seems to promote acne.”

Which?
«Milk and dairy products, which seem to favor the production of sebum. Better to avoid them for those with acne-prone skin.”

But also the lactose-free ones?
«Yes, because the problem seems to be above all the presence of some proteins. Better to replace cow’s milk with vegetable drinks, such as almond or soy drinks, but always making sure that it has no added sugars.”

And the chocolate? It is said to cause acne. Is this really true or is it just a cliché?
«The problem is not dark chocolate, but milk chocolate, precisely because of the discussion we made before. In addition to containing milk, this chocolate contains many sugars: sweets have a high glycemic index. When we don’t eat properly, the bacteria naturally present in our body go into “dysbiosis”, which is an alteration in the composition and gene expression of the colonic microbiota with an increase in pro-inflammatory forms to the detriment of anti-inflammatory ones. The bacteria, however, must remain in synergy.”

Otherwise what happens?
«The symptoms of dysbiosis at the intestinal level are swelling and the sensation of air in the body, produced by unwanted bacterial fermentation. At a skin level, flushing (redness) or the appearance of acne, but also allergic dermatitis and some forms of eczema.”

So, which foods are best to choose to keep acne away?
«Antioxidant and detox substances are needed, with vitamin C and E, iron, zinc and copper to promote the natural balance of the skin and skin appendages. They are all nutrients that our Mediterranean diet provides us, which is varied and contains fruit, vegetables, fish, white meats and pasta. In the correct doses, it is a balanced diet that helps us to biochemically improve the blood sugar level.”