The Clear Skin Diet by Alan C. Logan, Valori Treloar
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Book Reviews of The Clear Skin Diet
Book Review: Highly Recommended - dermatologist's perspective
Summary: 5 Stars
Every acne patient should read this book. I find it very unfortunate that the American Academy of Dermatology has continued to perpetuate the myth that diet is not linked to acne. As someone who has made the choice to lead a healthier lifestyle, I was essentially following this diet for the past several months before I even read the book. I could see wonderful changes in my skin in addition to other changes (lost 30 lbs, was no longer tired and achy). I no longer had monthly flare-ups of the female adult acne, no longer had a drab complexion. People told me my skin seemed to "glow" and that my skin looked like an ad for an Oil of Olay commercial. I was no longer dependent on the latest and greatest topical treatment from the big pharma.
This textbook explains very clearly, and with excellent scientific background, exactly how diet and lifestyle influence the inflammatory and hormonal systems in our bodies to aggravate acne. The Western diet and lifestyle that predisposes to acne is also linked to obesity, diabetes and hormone dependent cancers down the road. For the past year, I have been recommending that acne patients avoid sugar and dairy. More recently, I have been recommending this book to all patients and/or their parents who see me about their acne. The endless antibiotics prescribed for acne lead to unfavorable to changes to bacterial flora, increase antibiotic resistant organisms, and may lead to other changes. I have seen firsthand how acne has now become a problem in much earlier and later ages than before. I see children whose acne starts at 9, adults who have acne well into their 50's. Many of these changes are not a result of genetics but of diet and lifestyle, particularly diets that are high in sugar, dairy, and unhealthy fats.
The diet in this book is not restrictive. The recommendations in this text are also appropriate for anyone trying to lose weight or improve their cardiac risk factors. I strongly believe it is only a matter of time before there is more proof that other inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis would benefit from similar dietary and lifestyle modifications. The only fault I can find with this book is that it is a little textbook-like. The authors explain every study that supports their points - very good for those who are skeptical, but it can make it a bit of a slow read.
I do realize that many of my patients will not pick up this book - they come to me to get a pill, a quick fix, and move on with their lives. I now take the time to explain the dietary and lifestyle contributors to acne and recommend this book, even though it really slows down the clinic. If even a small proportion of patients will make positive lifestyle changes as a result of my recommendations and this book, I will be quite pleased! Recently one of my patients left me a message - her skin improved within weeks of following the dietary changes. I was absolutely delighted to hear it.
Book Review: Practicle, Easy-to-Digest, Research Based
Summary: 5 Stars
This text provides good information both about the causes and remedies for inflammatory lesions. The information about the mechanisms and potential triggers behind an acne breakout are in depth but well explained. Along with the in-depth physiological/ biological data, the authors include research-based and anecdotal information on how to counteract these triggers with changes in diet and dietary supplements. The book provides very insightful information about nutrition (for example the omega 3-6-9 balance of factory vs. free range and omega-3 eggs.)
Overall I have found this text both reasoned and insightful. It provides many suggestions, most of which I have yet to implement. But, I do find that I go back to this book frequently. It doesn't provide a one-size-fits-all cure but it does provide peace of mind. It is very difficult to find resources or doctors who take these issues seriously or have been able to provide the kind of in depth discussions on what is actually going on in my body when my skin is breaking out.
I do wish the index was a little more exhaustive.
As a 31 year old man who struggled with acne and has now grown into papulopustular rosacea, I would recommend this book. I have noticed an improvement in my skin by implementing some of their suggestions and because what I learned from the book has helped me make more informed choices about how I treat my skin and my body.
Book Review: A Must Read for Anyone with Acne
Summary: 5 Stars
This is arguably the most important book on skin care in the last decade. It is not about hearsay, old wives tales etc, and it is not based on opinion or testimonials it is about scientific advances that have clearly shown that diet and acne are linked beyond any doubt. In addition to the updated diet and acne research from Harvard, Australia and other centres, there are some 300 scientific references in the back to support the connections. I thought it was an interesting combination of authors, a naturopathic doctor and a conventional dermatologist, and this seems to pay off for the reader. The chapters provide scientific explanations for why sugar, milk and so-called bad fats can promote acne. On the other hand, they also describe why whole grains, fibre, antioxidants, omega-3 fish oil and green tea can help acne. The authors provide shaded boxes for some specific anti-acne nutrients like zinc, selenium and some others, and they explain why acne patients may need more of these nutrients and where they can be found in foods. I liked the stress-acne chapter, how stress influences dietary choices, and the guidance on stress management was appropriate. This book should be in every high school library and the waiting room of every dermatologist's office.Book Review: Its About Time!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Having read The Brain Diet, I was fairly confident that Dr Logan would do justice to this topic. This book seems even more polished which may be due to the involvment of his dermatologist co-author. The full scientific bibliography of references I found to be helpful.
If you are looking for a superficial book that simply breezes thru what foods to eat and what to avoid, this is not the one. It does provide that, lots of menu plans, recipes etc and an easy to understand plan for diet, but the book is so much more. Lifestyle factors which are also important in acne are well represented. There is lots on the history of why dermatologists turned away talk of, or even consideration of a diet and acne connection. There is a depth to the book not typically found in pop health books. Based on the science and research studies covered in this book, there is full validation for anyone who has ever thought that diet, stress and acne are all interconnected. The book validated my own experiences with acne and provided information on some key nutrients that have helped. The authors write in easy to understand language, even in sometimes complex areas, especially in the area of omega-3 fatty acids and acne. Helpful resources yet no product salesmanship.
Book Review: Changed my life!
Summary: 5 Stars
I've never written a review, but I feel I must because this book was amazing! I'm a 29 yr old woman who's always had acne but it was getting worse, esp around that time of the month. I've tried every product and nothing worked except for birth control, so I knew it was hormonal. I decided to try natural holistic path. So I started accupuncture for hormones and bought this book. Coincidentally my accupuncturist gave me many of the same food recommendations in this book, cut sugar and dairy, limit carbs and red meat. Focus on fiber, whole grains, fish,healthy oils and lean meat. I always believed what you eat doesn't affect acne, but IT DOES! After 3 months I noticed a big improvement in my skin and I believe it was the acupuncture AND diet. Now 6mo. later I'm the clearest I've been in a long time. I've cut down on acupuncture and am hoping to wean off completely. I am sticking to the diet though because it works. It goes into depth on how everything you eat can affect your acne. And the information backed up by proven studies. It's gets scientific, but it's broken down so you can understand. It's honestly one of the most powerful books I've read.