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Cited by 18Acne and Rosacea Treatments and EffectsDermatology and Skin DiseasesDermatologic Treatments and Research

A randomized controlled trial of topical benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel with a low glycemic load diet versus topical benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel with a normal diet in acne (grades 1-3)

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Upadya, GathaM, Pavithra, G, Rukmini, MS·2019·Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
DOI 10.4103/ijdvl.ijdvl_109_17
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The improvement in insulin resistance and acne lesions on low glycemic load diets in various studies suggests that diet plays a significant role in acne pathogenesis. AIMS: To compare the efficacy of a low glycemic load diet plus topical benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel with that of only topical benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel in grades 1, 2 and 3 of acne vulgaris. METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, 84 patients with grades 1, 2 and 3 acne vulgaris were divided into two groups, to receive a low glycemic load diet and no dietary intervention respectively. Acne lesions (face) were scored and graded at baseline and 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and body mass index were measured during the first and last visits. Statistical analysis was done with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 17.0. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant reduction in acne counts at 12 weeks (P = 0.931) with no statistically significant difference between the groups. The differences in body mass index and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance between the groups were statistically significant (P = 0.0001). Group 1 showed reductions in body mass index and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance values at the end of the study, whereas group 2 did not. LIMITATIONS: Application of mild topical cleanser in both the groups might have contributed to the improvement in epidermal barrier function, and topical application of 2.5% of benzoyl peroxide gel in both groups contributed to the improvement in acne counts. CONCLUSIONS: A low glycemic load diet did not result in any significant improvement in acne counts.

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  • All interventional trials included examined the effect of GI/glycemic load on acne.

    “All the interventional trials included examined the effect of GI/glycemic load on acne (Table IV).47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52”

    From Diet and acne: A systematic review (2022) · cites this paper as [52]

  • Pavithra et al, in their sole negative trial, did not show significant improvement with a low-GI diet, likely in part due to substantial improvement among all participants from baseline because of their participation in the trial and associated counseling.

    “Pavithra et al,52 in their sole negative trial, did not show significant improvement with a low-GI diet, likely in part due to substantial improvement among all participants from baseline because of their participation in the trial and associated counseling.”

    From Diet and acne: A systematic review (2022) · cites this paper as [52]

  • In another 12-week trial of a low-glucose-load diet, no significant differences were found between the intervention and control.

    “but in the other, which was a 12-week trial of a low-glucose-load diet, no significant differences were found between the intervention and control.52”

    From Diet and acne: A systematic review (2022) · cites this paper as [52]

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Cited by

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Authors
Upadya, G., Pavithra, G., & Rukmini, M.
Affiliations
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (IN)
Venue
Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology
Publisher
Scientific Scholar
Published
2019
Volume
85
Issue
5
Pages
486
ISSN
0378-6323 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.4103/ijdvl.ijdvl_109_17
OpenAlex
W2892498733
Cited by
18
References
1
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 4 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 1 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 1
FWCI
0.79
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Indian Journal of Dermatology Venereology and Leprology (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Acne and Rosacea Treatments and Effects
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Dermatology and Skin Diseases
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Dermatology › Dermatologic Treatments and Research
Keywords
acne, low glycemic load diet, benzoyl peroxide, topical treatment, insulin resistance, body mass index, dietary intervention, acne lesion count, skin barrier function
MeSH terms
Glycemic Load, Acne Vulgaris, Administration, Cutaneous, Adolescent, Adult, Benzoyl Peroxide, Dermatologic Agents, Drug Compounding, Female, Gels, Humans, Male, Treatment Outcome, Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted, Young Adult

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