The ketogenic diet [1] has become more mainstream over the past year thanks to celebrity endorsements from stars like Halle Berry [2], to the amazing before and after weight-loss transformations [3]. While there's still much to learn about the low-carb, high-fat diet and how it affects the body, experts have found that the benefits are greater than weight loss alone.
Steve Phinney, MD, PhD, chief medical officer at Virta Health [5], told POPSUGAR, "Anecdotally, there are many stories of people having clearer skin, more energy, sharper cognition, and reduced symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome [6]. But the fact of the matter is, there is not yet any long term, peer-reviewed data that connects these improvements to nutritional ketosis [7]."
According to Dr. Phinney, "Inflammation is directly associated with conditions such as certain forms of acne [8] and arthritis [9]." Dr. Phinney expressed that it's very possible that reducing inflammation [10] through nutritional ketosis could improve "a whole host of conditions," including acne. There are many variables that cause acne, and if inflammation is what triggers your breakouts, an anti-inflammatory diet could help manage them.
Anna Guanche [12], MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas, California said, "The keto diet and low-carb diets are helpful in making the skin stay pliable and supple." According to Dr. Guanche, a diet high in sugar can mimic diabetes, which then induces glycation [13], "where modified sugars attach themselves to the tissues [of the skin], causing hardening of arteries and other tissues." In turn, the skin becomes less pliable and more likely to wrinkle [14], she said.
Dr. Guanche also busted a common myth about acne: that it's caused by foods like chocolate. "It's not the chocolate itself, but the sugar in chocolate and candies, that make people break out." Her advice for preventing breakouts: "Watch the sugar intake. Dairy products are variable — some breakout from them and some don't."
If you aren't up to following the keto diet to prevent and manage breakouts, Dr. Guanche recommends using the Neutrogena Acne Free Wash [15] ($10) and the Hydrance Light Hydrating Emulsion by Avene [16] ($32). These products are best for people who have oily or acne-prone skin. Be sure to consult your dermatologist to develop a skincare routine that will work the best for you.