Health Debunked: Do Greasy Foods Give You Acne?

The idea that greasy foods give you acne is a common belief. But looking at what the science says about this claim can help set the record straight.

What is acne?

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition. It occurs when oil glands located at the hair follicle become clogged with oil and/or dead skin cells. This can cause pimples like whiteheads and blackheads. Sometimes, bacteria that live on the skin can infect plugged follicles, leading to cysts, and other skin issues. 

Acne most often develops on areas of the skin with more oil glands, such as the face, back, and chest. 

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Acne is very common and is estimated to affect almost 10% of the world’s population. It is most common during the teen and young adult years, with as many as 85% of this population experiencing acne at some point. 

Why do people think greasy foods cause acne?

Acne is caused by an overproduction of sebum, an oily substance found on your skin. 

Because of this, people have assumed that eating greasy foods, which are high in oil, can make your skin greasy and lead to an acne eruption. That belief has also been fueled by the fact that greasy foods that are high in less-healthy fats can promote inflammation, which is a main symptom of acne.

These ideas have been further popularized by the media and other, less-reputable sources of health information. In fact, a survey published in the journal Dermatology Practical & Conceptual reported that more than 70% of respondents believed that acne was caused by eating greasy and fried foods. 

While this may seem like a logical conclusion, it doesn’t actually stand up when you look at the science. 

What does the science say?

A report published in Yale Scientific magazine concluded that research does not confirm the idea that greasy foods cause acne. But other scientific sources have been more mixed.

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A study published in JAMA Dermatology reported that the consumption of milk, sugary beverages, and fatty and sugary foods appeared to be associated with adult acne. 

However, a 2016 research paper in the journal Advances in Dermatology and Allergology reported that skim milk was more likely to cause acne than whole milk. The study stated that this could be because skim milk is lower in estrogen than whole milk, and estrogen can play a role in reducing acne. In this case, the fat from milk was not associated with acne. 

What do the experts say?

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) hasn’t confirmed that there’s a direct link between eating greasy foods and the development of acne — per se. But the organization has reported that cow’s milk and high-glycemic foods, which are foods that rapidly raise blood sugar levels, are most likely to contribute to acne breakouts. 

It’s also the AAD’s stance, however, that the research done on the relationship between diet and acne has had limitations and that more is needed. 

What causes acne?

The fat in your diet doesn’t directly produce the oil that develops on your skin. Instead, acne is triggered by clogged pores, bacteria, hormonal changes, and other things.

Common causes and triggers for acne include:

• Hormonal changes, including imbalances that occur during puberty, menstrual cycles, and pregnancy

• Genetics

• Health conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

• Use of certain cosmetic products

• Use of some types of medications

• Irritation to the skin that may lead to blocked pores

• Stress, which does not cause acne but may cause a breakout to be worse

• Lack of sleep, likely due to the stress it puts on the body

So, should I avoid greasy foods? 

The belief that greasy foods cause acne has never been scientifically proven. However, that doesn’t mean that eating these foods is good for your health. 

In general, greasy foods are high in unhealthy fats, like inflammatory omega-6 and/or saturated fats. And many of them are fried in these fats, including french fries, potato chips, deep-dish pizzas, burgers, and doughnuts.

These foods are also typically high in calories and salt and low in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. That particular makeup is likely the reason that eating fried and greasy foods has been linked to health conditions, such as: 

• Cardiovascular disease 

• Irritable bowel syndrome

• Obesity

• Type 2 diabetes

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Joanna Foley, RD

Joanna Foley, RD, is a registered dietitian (RD) and the owner of joannafoleynutrition.com, a private nutrition consulting business. She has previously worked as a clinical dietitian and outpatient renal dietitian.

Edited by:

Kelsey Abkin

Kelsey Abkin has been working as a journalist since 2016. She has held many titles throughout her career, including editor, content strategist, digital strategist, and writer.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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