Research Indicates That Omega-3 Fatty Acids & The Mediterranean Diet Can Improve Skin Clarity

In the past decade, a few studies have shown us the complex ways that nutrition can help improve or worsen acne1. For example, skim milk has been linked to an increased risk of breakouts2.

Inflammatory diets and foods with a high glycemic index have also been shown to exacerbate acne3 in genetically predisposed individuals. On the other end of the spectrum, foods that can balance the gut microbiome have been shown to improve the appearance of skin4, blemishes included.

Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of polyunsaturated fat. When people talk about “healthy fats,” they’re usually referring to omega-3 fatty acids. They are found in fish like salmon, tuna, oily fish, flaxseed, chia seed, walnuts, seaweed, and edamame. Folks who follow a Mediterranean-style diet (one of the most studied diets for its longevity benefits) usually consume these healthy fats. 

They have been connected to a wide variety of benefits in the body, including but not limited to: Cardiovascular health, brain and cognitive performance, eyes and vision, and immune function. (Read more about the benefits here.) 

Over the course of the 16 week study, the researchers evaluated 60 participants with mild to moderate acne. The individual’s acne was a mix of comedones, papules, and pustules. Importantly: the patients were not currently on medication or prescription treatments to address the acne. Throughout the study, the researchers measured the participants' blood EPA/DHA levels. 

At the start of the study, an astonishing 98.3% of patients had an EPA/DHA deficit, perhaps suggesting there’s some connection between omega-3 fatty acid deficiency and acne. (Although more research is needed to draw that conclusion.) 

Throughout the study, the participants adhered to a Mediterranean diet and supplemented with algae-derived omega 3 fatty acids: They took 600 mg DHA/300 mg EPA during weeks 1–8 and 800 mg DHA/400 mg EPA during weeks 8-16.

At the end of the study, objective improvements for all kids of acne were observed. For those who reached target omega-3 fatty acid levels during the study, acne severity decreased significantly. 

And the participants also reported having a better quality of life at the end of the study. 

And while the researchers didn’t look at omega 3 fatty acid intake alongside acne-specific medicine, they did note that this may be a useful complementary tool for individuals dealing with breakouts.