Effect of a Low-Glycemic-Load Diet and Dietary Counseling on Acne Vulgaris Severity Among Female Patients Aged 15 to 35 Years

BACKGROUND: Acne is significantly influenced by glycemic load (GL), which is the result of the quantity of carbohydrates consumed and how quickly they are metabolized. There is an association between high-GL foods and severe acne. Such diets increase insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, which then stimulate sebum production and androgen hormone release, which ultimately results in the development of acne. Previous studies have shown a high prevalence of acne in South Asia, but there is a lack of study on acne and its determinants among females in Pakistan. AIM: This study aims to assess the effect of low-glycemic index foods and dietary counseling in potentially improving the quality of life of female acne patients and reducing post-acne lesions and the severity of the disease. METHODS: The sample size consisted of 50 females aged 15-35 years. The study aimed to see how a low-GL diet could affect the severity of acne. The trial included 50 participants, split into two groups: 25 in the control group and 25 in the treatment group. The trial went on for 12 weeks and used a food questionnaire to gather data each month. Participants were given scores based on how much high-GL food they ate. The score range between 0 and 35 showed a low intake of high-GL foods, and a score range between 35 and 55 was considered to be the average intake of high-GL foods. A score range between 55 and 75 showed a very high intake of high-GL foods. Higher scores indicated higher GL food consumption. RESULTS: In the control group, after one month, 18 participants (70%) had GL scores above 55, which correlated with higher acne severity. In contrast, only three participants (12%) had low-GL scores (0-35). The treatment group showed significant improvement; initially, 15 participants (60%) had high-GL scores, but this number decreased to nine participants (40%) by the end of the study. After three months, 10 participants (45%) in the treatment group achieved low-GL scores (0-35), compared to only two participants (10%) in the control group. This improvement was accompanied by a decrease in average acne severity from 2.68 to 1.56 and an increase in water intake and promoted better skin health among females. CONCLUSION: Dietary counseling along with low-GL foods can improve acne severity and lesions in adult females. This treatment also enhanced self-confidence and social acceptance.