Key Takeaways:
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High-glycemic foods show the clearest link to acne by raising insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which increases oil production and follicular congestion; dairy and broader dietary patterns show weaker, more modest associations.
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Diet is a contributing factor, not a substitute for treatment — managing the bacterial, oil, and congestion drivers of acne still depends on consistent skin care.
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In an independent three-month physician study led by Jaggi Rao, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Professor of Medicine, 100% of subjects ages 20 to 29 using the Skin Care Management System™ and Duality™ XC saw a reduction in acne lesion counts, with an average 64% reduction and statistically significant improvement by week four.*
Few skin topics inspire as much conflicting advice as the link between diet and breakouts. The research offers a measured answer: certain dietary patterns, mainly high-glycemic foods and, to a lesser degree, dairy, show modest associations with acne. These are contributing factors, not simple cause-and-effect, and they’re not grounds for food guilt or anxiety.
Acne develops through several overlapping mechanisms, which is why consistent skin care treatment remains the most evidence-based way to manage it. Marini SkinSolutions ® formulas target the bacterial and congestion drivers of acne directly, supported by peer-reviewed published studies on the final formulas.
*Study data on file.
What Does the Research Say About Diet and Acne?
The clearest signal in the evidence involves glycemic index, with dairy and overall dietary patterns playing smaller, less certain roles.
Glycemic Index and IGF-1
High-glycemic foods, think refined carbohydrates, sugary drinks, and heavily processed snacks, cause rapid insulin spikes that raise insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 has been shown to stimulate sebaceous gland activity, increasing oil production, and to speed up skin cell turnover, which can contribute to follicular congestion. Both effects create conditions in which C. acnes bacteria flourish.
Several peer-reviewed studies have linked low-glycemic eating patterns with reduced acne severity in adults. The mechanism is well documented, even though the size of the effect varies from person to person.
Dairy
Some studies point to a modest association between milk consumption and acne , possibly tied to hormones naturally present in milk that may nudge IGF-1 levels upward. The evidence here is less consistent than it is for glycemic index. The AAD acknowledges the association but describes it as modest rather than definitive, and current research does not support eliminating dairy as a reliable acne treatment for the general population.
Inflammation and Dietary Patterns
Acne is, at its core, an inflammatory condition. Diets heavy in processed foods, refined sugars, and inflammatory fats are associated with higher systemic inflammation , the same immune response that produces the redness and swelling of a breakout. Eating patterns rich in vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains may offer modest support for overall skin health. These are general wellness benefits, not acne treatments, and they work alongside clinical care rather than in place of it.
How Can Professional Skin Care Help With Acne?
Acne can be triggered by a combination of C. acnes overgrowth, excess sebum, and follicular congestion. These Marini SkinSolutions® acne solutions are designed and clinically studied to help target each of these key causes for clearer-looking skin.
Duality™ and Duality™ XC
Duality™ and Duality™ XC combine retinol, benzoyl peroxide, green tea extract, peptides, and antioxidants in a dual-chamber dispensing system that keeps potent, previously incompatible technologies apart until use, then delivers them together. The result tackles stubborn adult acne while also softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
In an independent three-month physician study led by Jaggi Rao, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Professor of Medicine, 100% of subjects ages 20 to 29 using the Skin Care Management System™ and Duality™ XC saw a reduction in acne lesion counts, with statistically significant improvement by week 4. Average lesion counts fell 64% (ranging from 36% to 78%), every subject showed significant improvement in skin quality on blinded photographic review, and satisfaction was high, with no reported irritation or excessive drying.*
*A 3-month independent physician study using the Jan Marini Skin Care Management System™ and Age Intervention® Duality MD™ on 21 subjects ages 20-29. Conducted by Jaggi Rao, MD Board Certified Dermatologist, FRCPC, Professor of Medicine, University of Alberta. Study data on file.
BPO Acne Treatment Wash 2.5%
BPO Acne Treatment Wash 2.5% is the most approachable entry point into benzoyl peroxide. Its ultra-micronized 2.5% BPO, the lowest concentration out of our formulas, kills C. acnes bacteria and helps prevent new blemishes from forming.
BPO Acne Treatment Lotion 5% and 10%
BPO Acne Treatment Lotion 5% and 10% deliver the standard daily treatment concentrations suitable for all skin types. The ultra-micronized formula provides benzoyl peroxide with minimized dryness, so you can get the benefits without the concerns that usually come along with it.
Your Skin and Your Diet: The Bottom Line
Diet is one variable in a larger equation. Thoughtful eating may ease a single contributing factor, but it does not address the bacteria, oil, and congestion behind inflammatory acne, which is where consistent skin care treatment earns its place. This is the spirit of results without compromise: meaningful correction without the irritation that derails a routine.
Marini SkinSolutions ® BPO formulas and Duality™ are backed by peer-reviewed published studies to effectively treat acne and acne-prone skin. Explore Marini SkinSolutions ® acne formulas to find your starting point.
FAQs
Does sugar cause acne?
High-glycemic foods, including refined sugars and processed carbohydrates, may contribute to acne in some people by elevating insulin and IGF-1 levels, which increase oil production and skin cell proliferation. The association is documented but not universal. Cutting back on high-glycemic foods may be one supportive factor, but diet change alone is rarely enough to clear acne without consistent professional skin care.
Does dairy cause acne?
Some studies suggest a modest association between milk and acne, possibly linked to hormones in milk that may influence IGF-1. This evidence is weaker than it is for glycemic index, and the AAD calls the link modest rather than definitive. Current research does not support dairy elimination as a dependable acne treatment for most people.
What is the connection between inflammation and acne?
The redness, swelling, and tenderness of a breakout are the skin's immune response to C. acnes activity within the follicle, which makes acne an inflammatory condition by nature. Dietary patterns tied to higher systemic inflammation may amplify that response in some individuals. Clinical anti-inflammatory actives, such as azelaic acid, address inflammation at the skin level directly.
If I improve my diet, do I still need to treat my acne?
For most people, yes. Dietary changes may lower one contributing factor, elevated IGF-1 from high-glycemic foods, but they do not resolve the bacterial activity, excess sebum, or follicular congestion behind inflammatory acne. The AAD recommends clinical treatment as the primary approach, with diet and professional skin care as complementary rather than substitute treatments.
Sources:
Low-Grade Inflammation and Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption: A Review | PMC