What do I do with acne

Manage acne with consistent red and near-infrared light therapy, dietary adjustments, and supportive lifestyle habits.

1. Red and near-infrared light: If you try phototherapy, use it about 1–2 feet from the light source for 10–15 minutes, 5–7 days a week. It may help reduce acne symptoms, though improvement is not guaranteed and is generally mild to moderate. 1
2. Whole, low-glycemic foods: Favor minimally processed foods and limit sugary, highly processed foods that can drive insulin responses and inflammation. Dairy effects can vary; consider a short personal trial of reducing dairy or whey, and note that low-fat or nonfat dairy may worsen acne for some people. 2 3
3. Fiber, fermented foods, and nutrients: Get fiber from fruits and vegetables, and consider low-sugar fermented foods such as kimchi and sauerkraut. The episode also highlights vitamins, minerals, micronutrients, and collagen-containing foods as potentially useful for skin health. 4 5
4. Fried foods, sleep, and alcohol: Limit high-temperature fried foods, prioritize consistent good sleep, and reduce or avoid alcohol, which can aggravate skin issues. 6 7

These steps can support acne management; a dermatologist can advise on direct treatments as well. 8