Butterfly effect and acne—The role of diet

Abstract

The authors aim to present the butterfly effect, a concept based on the theory that small changes might have a powerful effect, as an example of the important connection between diet and acne. Western diet is currently a well-known environmental factor which, mainly via the overstimulation of mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1), is responsible for the development and aggravation of acne and other age-related diseases of civilization. From the authors' point of view, "the butterfly effect" extrapolated to acne and diet depicts the importance of dietary interventions in acne so as to prevent more serious mTORC1-driven diseases of civilization like obesity, diabetes, and cancer.

Psychodermatology of acne: Psychological aspects and effects of acne vulgaris

“…Patients with acne are often mislead by myths and misconceptions and seek medical attention later on, sometimes more than a year, and often seek other remedies, rather than going to dermatologist 8‐10 . Some misconceptions are about factors that exacerbate acne lesions, like poor hygiene, hormones and premenstrual flare, dietary factors like sweets, diary, fats, cosmetic, emotional stress, infection, sweating, exercise, and others 9‐11 . Other that some factors improves acne evolution, like cosmetic treatment (comedo extraction), sun, UVA, drinking water or shift to healthier dietary habits, factors that are recently supported by studies results 8,12 …”

“…The power of false myths and poor medical education has a great impact on the evolution of acne, and a new concept may be in focus: “the butterfly effect.” This represents in chaos theory the sensitive dependence on initial condition that is associated with large difference in a later state 10 …”

The Link Between Obesity and the Skin

“…It has a certain link to obesity, insulin resistance, and altered peripheral skin receptor sensitivity to sex hormones ( 54 , 55 ). High glycemic index and Western diet have been linked to acne worsening ( 56 ).…”

The influence of cosmetics dedicated to oily and acne‐prone skin on skin parameters

“…It is also important to avoid triggers such as oily foundation to makeup, stress, sweets, and fatty foods. [4][5][6][7] Importantly, well-chosen care can minimize the side effects of the treatment.Patient compliance with care recommendations is closely related to the role of cosmetics in delaying or preventing the side effects of anti-acne medications, as treatment is effective if the skin is not irritated. Dréno et al 8 assessed adherence to recommendations for…”

“…It is also important to avoid triggers such as oily foundation to makeup, stress, sweets, and fatty foods. [4][5][6][7] Importantly, well-chosen care can minimize the side effects of the treatment.…”