Diet is widely recognized to have significant impacts on our skin. The skin microbiome (SM) is uniquely made up of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This microbial ecosystem interacts with the host through a symbiotic relation and confers several health benefits. Furthermore, gut bacterial DNA has been discovered in the plasma of individuals with psoriasis4, providing further evidence for this microbial interaction. Recent studies suggest that vegetable consumption improves acne5; while dairy products such as cow’s milk with high casein content may promote insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to cause acne flareups. Similarly, soy-based products with high isoflavones and phytoestrogens have been shown to reduce acne flareups since both compounds counteract sebum production driven by androgenic activities6. Nonetheless, dairy products form an important part of our daily diets, and moderate consumption with a vegetable-rich diet may help keep the skin in check and reduce reliance of pharmaceutical treatment for acne.
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