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Diet, Insulin and IGF-1 in Acne: The Metabolic Signaling Link Explained
Does diet cause acne? Researchers have debated it for years, and the current picture is nuanced. The most interesting evidence involves insulin and IGF-1, two peptide hormones.
The proposed pathway
- A high-glycemic diet raises blood sugar and insulin
- Insulin increases IGF-1 activity and lowers a protein (SHBG) that binds androgens
- IGF-1 and free androgens stimulate oil glands
- More sebum and a stickier follicle lining feed the acne process
The mTORC1 link
IGF-1, insulin and certain amino acids activate a cell-growth pathway called mTORC1. In oil glands and follicle cells, mTORC1 activity is associated with more lipid production and growth. This offers a molecular explanation for the diet-acne correlation.
What the studies show
- Several trials report that low-glycemic diets reduce acne lesion counts
- Observational work links frequent dairy and sugar intake with more acne
- Populations eating traditional, low-glycemic diets show very little acne, though other factors differ too
Why metabolic peptide research is relevant
Many metabolic peptides act on insulin and growth-hormone signaling, so researchers are curious how they affect skin. Compounds such as GLP3-RT and GLP2-TZ are studied in metabolic research, and skin effects are a secondary question that needs dedicated studies. NAD+ is studied in cellular energy metabolism.
The caution
Diet affects people differently, and acne is not caused by diet alone. A clinician or dietitian can guide changes responsibly.
Browse the research compounds
See GLP3-RT, GLP2-TZ and NAD+. Every compound is sold for laboratory research use only, and batch-specific lab reports are on the COA page. You can also browse the full shop.
Related reading: how acne forms in four steps, the acne and peptides FAQ and the research library.
This article is educational and summarizes published laboratory research. It is not medical advice. Compounds mentioned are sold for research use only, not for human or veterinary use.
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For laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary use, and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. This article is educational and is not medical advice.