Can diet fix acne? What dermatologists really want you to know

Scroll through social media and you'll find endless advice and anecdotes about how diet can fix your skin. But is it really that simple?

"This is an issue I encounter daily in my clinics," says Dr Anjali Mahto, external, a consultant dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible, who sees many people adjust their diets to improve skin conditions like acne.

"Misinformation is rife, conflicts of interest are not declared and the personal care market is there to sell [products].

"Many people are doing a real disservice to their skin by taking advice from celebrity bloggers, 'clean' eaters and the booming industry of 'wellness'," says Mahto.

For most people, diet has only a small impact on acne, despite social media claims.

Mahto explains: "For a small, select group of individuals, removing dairy can be of benefit for acne.

"Clinical studies suggest, external low-fat dairy seems to be more of a problem than full-fat, but the reasons are unclear. I have also had a small number of people who have cut out whey-based protein supplements and their acne has improved.

"So dairy may have a role to play in this small, select group. The difficulty we have is identifying who they are and recognising that 'dairy' is a large food group – milk may not have the same effect as yoghurt or cheese, for example."

"There's a common misconception that greasy foods can be the cause or trigger for acne. That said, foods with a high glycaemic index, or diets consistently high in refined sugar, may cause acne, according to emerging scientific evidence, external.

"These foods can still be part of a well-rounded, healthy diet, but should be consumed in moderation."

"Acne is often down to hormones and genetics – factors largely outside of our control.

"Telling someone they are eating 'bad food', which is causing their acne, shifts the blame onto the individual and creates a sense of shame around their dietary choices. Often food consumption has little to do with acne."

"This can lead to many people cutting out foods from their diet, or developing disordered eating patterns, for fear of aggravating their skin disease".

Mahto says there aren't really 'good' or 'bad' foods. Instead, "diet is more about eating in a sustained, healthy manner across the course of your lifetime. Moderation is key."

Probiotics, external, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc and vitamins A and E have been linked to improvements in acne-prone or spotty skin.

"The data for all these is limited," explains Mahto. "It's difficult to say if supplementation of any of the above will have a true benefit for acne.

"The doses of the supplements suggested may be difficult to tolerate – zinc sulphate can cause gastrointestinal side-effects (if consumed in excess)."

"A vitamin A derivative, isotretinoin... is already used in prescription acne treatment.

"Exercise caution with over-the-counter supplements. The evidence is limited, and they may lead to unnecessary expense and potential side-effects."

Because there are reported health risks associated with taking too much of certain nutrients – such as vitamin A, external – Mahto says it's important to speak to a healthcare professional before adding supplements to your diet.

"This is particularly important if you are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking other prescribed medications."

"Nobody should have to feel miserable or self-conscious because of their acne. Being concerned about your skin is not vanity – and acne is not a beauty or cosmetic problem – it's a medical one with medical treatments.

"Don't suffer in silence and don't get conned into spending a fortune on beauty products or supplements.

"Seek professional help from your GP or a consultant dermatologist who will diagnose the type and severity of acne you have and tailor a treatment plan for you.

"Acne is related to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and poor body image, and in an ideal scenario we would like to treat you before you develop physical or mental scarring because of it."

While what you eat can certainly impact all areas of your health, it's unlikely to fix acne on its own for most people.

Originally published July 2020. Updated April 2026.

Want more? Visit BBC Food on Instagram, external, Facebook, external and Pinterest, external or watch the latest Food TV programmes on BBC iPlayer.