It’s a well-known fact that the diets of most Americans leave much to be desired. Consider that the US obesity rate exceeded 42 percent in the years 2017-2018. Aside from the common health problems associated with poor diets, a recent report has concluded that consuming high levels of fat and sugar could damage your skin. 

Two Diets, Two Results 

Conducted by a team from University of California – Davis Health, the study based its findings on experiments conducted with laboratory mice. Over a span of four weeks, a group of these rodent subjects were fed a steady diet of items high in both sugar and fat content. In contrast, a second group of mice was given a controlled, healthier diet. 

After the four week period had elapsed, the mice in the high fat/sugar group were much worse for the wear. The study authors noted that these mice not only exhibited visible dermatitis (a condition usually characterized by dry, reddened and itchy skin), but also had developed noticeable ear swelling. In comparison, such skin issues were absent amongst rodents who were placed on the healthier dietary plan.

Zhenrui Shi, the study’s lead author and a visiting assistant researcher at UC Davis’ Department of Dermatology, summed up her team’s findings by stating that “”eating an unhealthy diet does not affect your waistline alone, but your skin immunity too.”

Fast Facts

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), psoriasis affects over 8 million people in the United States. A 2013 estimate put the total cost of annual treatment for this condition at $135 billion. The NPF further states while psoriasis first becomes apparent between the ages of 15 and 25, it can make its first appearance either before or after this ten year window.