A new study by dermatologists in Germany has identified a potential link between low levels of omega-3 fatty acid in the blood and acne. Of the 100 patients with acne studied by the dermatologists, 94 percent were found to have below recommended levels of omega -3 fatty acids in their blood.
Omega-3 fatty acids are key for fighting acne, as they reduce inflammation by stimulating the production of anti- inflammatory prostaglandins E1 and E3, leukotriene B5, and lower levels of the insulin-like growth Factor (IGF) , the central hormone that induces acne.
Dr. Anne Gurtler, the lead author from the team at the department of dermatology and Allergy at Ludwing- Maximilian, Munich, says, “Nutrition plays a pivotal role in the prevention, onset, and course of many diseases, including dermatologic disorders such as acne vulgaris”.
Assistant professor Asli Bilgic adds, “As dermatologists, we are acutely aware of the impact on a sufferer’s quality of life that a highly visible condition like acne can have.
Although this path needs further exploration, it can give hope to people looking for a way to manage their condition”.
Source: professional beauty.co.uk
