Popstar-turned-fashion mogul Victoria Beckham has claimed that her frugal diet of steamed veg and grilled fish, ‘cured’ her adult acne — but dermatologists aren’t convinced.
The fashion designer, 50, revealed she struggled with the painful skin condition at the height of her Spice Girl fame and still abides by a strict set of rules to keep it in check.
In addition to giving up eating meat as a child, she now avoids eating wheat (which means most bread and cake) she told The Telegraph.
According to her husband David, she has eaten the same meal for the last 25 years — grilled fish and steamed veg.
But dermatologists stress that while a nutritious and balanced diet is important for maintaining healthy skin, a restrictive diet is not.
‘There is no need to follow a strict diet, limited to only fish and vegetables, for a radiant complexion,’ said Dr Thivi Maruthappu, consultant dermatologist, nutritionist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson.
‘In fact it can actually have negative effects on our wellbeing in the long term.’
Dr Maruthappu added that while getting sufficient vitamins and protein from the diet can help promote plumped, clear skin, it won’t necessarily cure acne.
Victoria Beckham, 50, has revealed the real reason for her extreme diet which according to husband David has seen her eat the same thing for the last 25 years
Diet may have some benefit for improving the signs of ageing, like wrinkles and sagging, experts say.
For instance, fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants that help reduce cell damage which can lead to premature skin ageing, according to Dr Maruthappu.
What’s more, getting enough lean protein such as fish, tofu and chickpeas can help ‘repair and regenerate collagen in the skin’.
Collagen is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the body’s tissues, including the skin, keeping it plumped and preventing sag.
However, there is little evidence that the collagen we absorb from food has any effect on our skin health.
According to the British Association of Dermatology (BAD), there is not enough research to prove the link between diet and acne.
However the body says there is compelling evidence that sugary foods may increase oil production in the skin, which can trap bacteria, leading to acne.
Sugary foods can lead to higher blood sugar levels, which raises levels of the hormone IGF-1 in the body, the BAD explains.
She said she keeps her complexion radiant with a £2,000 Dermalux LED device which she uses for 30-minutes every morning (pictured left). Victoria has long been open about her insecurity with her ‘problematic’ skin and struggled soaring to fame in her twenties while having skin issues
This triggers a rise in the hormones testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which cause the sebaceous glands on the skin to expand — increasing oil production and pimple-causing blockages in the skin.
Experts have also warned that restricting wheat is not a surefire way to get perfect skin.
Harley Street dermatologist Dr Justine Kluk, who specialises in managing acne, stressed that wheat in itself is not a cause of acne.
‘Eating lots of sugary foods and refined carbohydrates, like white bread, white rice, white pasta, may be associated with more acne flare-ups, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution,’ she told MailOnline.
‘Nutrient-rich diets that include plenty of whole grains, healthy fats, fruit and veg support skin health more consistently than eliminating specific foods,’ she added.
Acne is a very common skin condition that usually begins in puberty, but can continue long into adulthood.
It is caused by a combination of factors including hormonal fluctuations — which affect the amount of oil produced by glands under the skin — some medications ane certain skin products.
There is also evidence of a genetic link, as the skin problem tends to run in families, according to the BAD.
Treatments consist of topical treatments such as benzoyl peroxide and topical azelaic acid to dry out the pustules, and oral antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the zits.
The oral contraceptive pill can help to stabilise the release of spot-causing hormones.
In more severe cases, dermatologists can prescribe stronger medications such as isotretinoin and spironolactone tablets.
In addition to her ‘disciplined’ diet Victoria also uses a £2,000 light therapy device on her face for 30-minutes every morning.
Using a combination of red and infrared light, the tool claims to boost circulation, smooth skin texture, and stimulate collagen production, leaving skin looking plumper and younger.
Dr Kluk explained that there is some potential in this device. She said: ‘Red light therapy can potentially help stimulate collagen production and reduce inflammation, while blue light targets acne-causing bacteria.
‘Studies in a clinic or hospital setting suggest that LED use may contribute to a clearer, more radiant complexion, though at-home LED devices produce modest improvements at best.’
But Dr Kluk said spending £2,000 on a device with ‘uncertain outcomes’ isn’t realistic for most people.
Instead, Dr Kluk urged people who struggle with acne to seek support from a dermatologist.
‘A tailored treatment plan, including evidence-based prescriptions, lifestyle and skincare interventions, provides better, longer-lasting results for most people,’ she said.
