How Diet Influences Skin Inflammation
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and what you eat plays a big role in keeping it calm or setting off inflammation. Inflammation shows up as redness, itching, or flare-ups in conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. Certain foods can trigger this response in some people, while others help fight it.
Foods that may worsen skin inflammation include dairy, sugar, and ultra-processed items. For eczema, these can spark symptoms because they promote inflammation in sensitive bodies.[1] Spicy foods might bother a small group of people with eczema, around 2 to 5 percent.[1] Other culprits listed by experts are skim milk, seed oils, bread, artificial sweeteners, processed meats, and soy. These can lead to acne, extra inflammation, and even early aging signs.[3] Gluten and nickel-rich foods like legumes, nuts, oats, and soybeans may also play a part for some.[1]
No single food causes these issues for everyone. People’s triggers differ, so what bothers one person might not affect another. Eczema raises the chance of food allergies, especially in kids.[1]
On the positive side, anti-inflammatory foods can ease skin problems. Colorful fruits and vegetables pack antioxidants and nutrients that cut down swelling. Think berries, broccoli, and kale.[1] Omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fish oil have anti-inflammatory effects too.[1]
Vitamin D stands out in research on inflammatory skin diseases. Low levels link to worse symptoms in conditions like psoriasis and eczema, though results vary.[4] Studies on plaque psoriasis patients show vitamin D supplements lower severity scores and certain inflammation markers.[2] Other helpers include curcumin, probiotics, and fish oil, which may improve quality of life and reduce inflammatory proteins without major side effects.[2]
A balanced diet low in processed foods supports healthier skin overall. While diet alone won’t cure inflammation, cutting personal triggers and adding nutrient-rich options can make a difference alongside basics like moisturizing.
Sources
https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/eczema/diet-eczema
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1718828/full
https://economictimes.com/magazines/panache/doctor-warns-about-7-foods-which-may-damage-your-skin-one-of-them-will-leave-you-shocked/articleshow/126039190.cms
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41340803/?fc=None&ff=20251207061817&v=2.18.0.post22+67771e2
