The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

Acne & Insulin Resistance: Why Your Diet Matters More Than You Think

Feb 4, 2025

Explore the surprising link between acne and insulin resistance. Dr. Bikman explains how metabolic factors, particularly insulin's role in increasing oil production, contribute to acne development. He challenges traditional beliefs by highlighting the impact of diet, especially high-carb consumption, on skin health. Learn about innovative treatments like metformin and how low-carbohydrate diets can help improve acne conditions. Discover practical dietary strategies to combat acne effectively.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Acne Defined

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting millions, especially during puberty.
It's characterized by clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and sometimes cysts, commonly on the face, chest, and back.

INSIGHT

Insulin's Role in Acne

Insulin directly stimulates sebaceous glands, increasing oil production and clogging pores.
High insulin also increases androgens, furthering sebaceous gland stimulation, inflammation, and hyperkeratinization.

INSIGHT

Puberty and Acne

Puberty is a time of physiological insulin resistance, which is essential for growth.
However, combined with a high-carb modern diet, this can worsen acne due to even higher insulin levels.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Learn more about becoming an Insider: https://www.benbikman.com

In this week’s lecture, Dr. Bikman explores the metabolic origins of acne, challenging the conventional view that acne is purely a skin issue. While acne is often attributed to excess oil production, clogged pores, bacteria, and inflammation, Ben highlights how metabolic factors—especially insulin—play a significant role.

Insulin directly stimulates sebaceous glands, increasing oil production, and also triggers the release of androgens (such as testosterone), further worsening acne. Additionally, insulin resistance promotes inflammation and hyperkeratinization, both of which contribute to acne severity.

He explains that puberty naturally induces a state of insulin resistance, which helps drive growth and development. However, when combined with modern high-carbohydrate diets, this physiological insulin resistance can be exacerbated, leading to severe acne in some teenagers. He also discusses the role of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which is stimulated by high insulin levels and is known to increase sebum production and accelerate skin cell turnover, worsening acne conditions.

Ben then presents compelling research on metabolic-based acne treatments, including the use of metformin, an insulin-sensitizing drug that has shown promise in reducing acne, particularly in conditions like PCOS. He also highlights dietary interventions, particularly low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets, which have been found to significantly reduce acne severity by lowering insulin and improving skin health. One study found that young women on a ketogenic diet saw a 33% reduction in acne severity and a 50% improvement in skin quality within just 45 days.

He concludes that acne is not just a cosmetic issue but a metabolic condition that can be managed through dietary and lifestyle changes. While conventional acne treatments address symptoms, tackling insulin resistance through proper nutrition provides a long-term solution. He encourages those struggling with acne to focus on cutting out refined carbohydrates, prioritizing protein, and embracing healthy fats to regulate insulin levels and improve skin health.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.