"The groundwork of all happiness is health." - Leigh Hunt

Do you could have a pimple? Eat your salmon

July 15, 2024 – Eating salmon, sardines and other fatty fish could possibly be a promising treatment for pimples problems. These fish are wealthy in omega-3 fatty acids, which can play a task in stopping and treating stubborn pimples.

According to a report from Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology The study followed 60 patients with mild to moderate pimples for 16 weeks. The patients – over 98% of whom were omega-3 deficient – ate a Mediterranean weight-reduction plan and took each day omega-3 supplements. According to the outcomes, they showed a major improvement of their pimples as their omega-3 levels increased.

“Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and regulate the skin's sebum production, thereby treating acne,” said Dr. Aanand Geria, a board-certified dermatologist at Geria Dermatology. “They soothe inflamed skin and reduce acne lesions by inhibiting pro-inflammatory chemicals.”

However, the outcomes raised pressing questions for some experts.

“There is no control group, which means we don't know whether the improvements in acne they observed are related to the Mediterranean diet, reduced dairy consumption and omega-3 supplementation, or are due to something else, such as their skin care routine or natural fluctuations in acne,” said John Barbieri MD, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School and director of the Advanced Acne Therapeutics Clinic at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.

Still, a Mediterranean weight-reduction plan — which is high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in meat and a few dairy — is filled with antioxidants and minimally processed foods that may “improve almost every aspect of skin,” in accordance with Geria. “Nuts and fish, which are powerful anti-inflammatory, can help with eczema and acne, while olive oil adds vital moisture and softness to the skin,” he said. “A low glycemic load from healthy grains and fewer refined sugars regulates blood sugar and reduces breakouts.”

You should seek the advice of your doctor before beginning to take omega-3 supplements, as our bodies sometimes react in a different way to different supplements, says Dr. Rajani Katta, a board-certified dermatologist and professor of clinical medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and McGovern Medical School.

“[Recent studies] We have found that they can cause increased heart rhythm disturbances, particularly atrial fibrillation, in some people. For this reason, I would not recommend these supplements to everyone,” she said.

An necessary reminder: The appearance of pimples is usually not on account of weight-reduction plan, but relatively to genes or hormone levels (corresponding to during puberty), Katta said.

“I think it's encouraging for people to realize that in some cases their dietary choices can partially help their skin. In most cases, patients will still need medical treatment,” she said. “But this is something that can be added to a medical treatment.”