NATURE OF SKIN LIPIDS IN ACNE

Abstract

ACNE IS a disease of the pilosebaceous apparatus, but the exact cause of the condition is not known. It is generally accepted that acne is associated with high levels of skin lipids, although it is not necessarily restricted to persons with obviously oily skins. While dietary factors have received consideration, the influence of foodstuffs on the normal lipid content of the skin has not been adequately studied. The intake of fats is, however, commonly restricted by physicians in the treatment of acne. This restriction has been overemphasized. Years ago Rosenfeld¹ showed that increased carbohydrate intake increased surface lipids. Increased fat intake does not do so. Decreased fat ingestion did not lower the amount of skin lipids. Actually the reverse may be the case. Kuznitzky² also reported that the production of skin lipids is greatly increased by a diet high in carbohydrates. That sensitivity to certain foods