The Influence of a Plant-Based Diet on Skin Health: Inflammatory Skin Diseases, Skin Healing, and Plant-Based Sources of Micro- and Macro-Nutrients

Abstract

Dietary patterns have been shown to worsen or alleviate several dermatological diseases. A well-balanced, plant-based diet is known to have anti-inflammatory, probiotic, and antioxidant properties, along with weight loss-promoting effects. Moreover, a plant-based diet has a low glycemic load, improving metabolic disease. Due to these qualities, plant-based diets may have beneficial effects on inflammatory skin conditions. In this review, we aim to discuss the possible mechanisms by which a plant-based diet reduces disease severity in psoriasis, acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, and atopic dermatitis. We also aim to clarify how a plant-based diet may influence skin healing and identify sources of vitamins, nutrients, fatty acids, and protein in a well-balanced, plant-based diet. We performed a literature search on PubMed/MEDLINE databases with the following keywords: “plant-based” OR “vegan” OR “vegetarian” OR “meat” OR “diet” AND “psoriasis” OR “hidradenitis suppurativa” OR “acne” OR “atopic dermatitis” OR “skin healing” OR “dermatology”. Our findings demonstrate that plant-based foods may improve inflammatory skin diseases by supporting the gut microbiome, exerting anti-inflammatory effects, providing barrier support, and improving glycemic control. With the proper education, there is an abundance of plant-based food sources or supplements that contain riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, thereby ameliorating the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Thus, a plant-based diet may have therapeutic potential in dermatology. In spite of the evidence available, there is a paucity of clinical studies focusing specifically on plant-based diets and dermatologic conditions and further investigation is warranted.