Unlocking Clear Skin: The Impact of Popular Diets on Skin Health

This is a summary of recent medical research on the effects of vegan diets on health, especially skin diseases. The original detailed research article reviewed many studies on popular diets like vegan, Mediterranean, gluten-free, anti-inflammatory, and fasting diets. This summary focuses specifically on the potential benefits of plant-based vegan diets.

The vegan diet completely avoids animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy. Vegans only eat plant foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts and seeds. Research suggests balanced vegan diets can be useful in managing inflammatory skin diseases like acne, psoriasis and eczema. They may also have cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits for diseases associated with obesity.

A major 2017 U.S. survey of over 1,000 psoriasis patients following plant-based diets reported less severe skin lesions compared to non-vegans. A 2022 clinical review also proposed vegan diets can benefit acne, psoriasis and eczema patients by reducing inflammatory factors. Multiple studies suggest dairy, high sugar and high GI foods are linked to acne flare-ups. However, more research is still needed on using vegan diets as medical treatment.

Vegan diets may enhance skin hydration and texture based on a 2023 clinical trial. But they also carry risks like nutritional deficiencies which need active management. Iron, vitamin B12 and other nutrients often need supplementation in vegans. Research also shows vegans can have worse wound healing after surgery versus non-vegans. They may experience more side effects from treatments like phototherapy based on a 2021 photodynamic therapy study.

Overall the limited research suggests balanced vegan diets may benefit certain inflammatory skin conditions, especially acne and psoriasis. But they need to be carefully planned to avoid nutritional shortfalls. More large scale studies are still needed to establish solid clinical recommendations. Consult a doctor and nutritionist when making major dietary changes for health reasons.

Mansilla-Polo M, Piquero-Casals J, Morgado-Carrasco D. Popular Diets and Skin Effects: A Narrative Review. Actas Dermosifiliogr. 2023 Oct 25:S0001-7310(23)00846-3. English, Spanish. doi: 10.1016/j.ad.2023.10.015. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37884260.