Berlin: Scientists found that eating oily fish packed with omega-3 can lead to a clearer complexion.
They believe consuming salmon, mackerel and other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as chick peas can help prevent acne.
The discovery, presented at a medical conference this weekend, will give parents a much-needed additional weapon in the eternal battle to get teenage children to eat their evening meal.
German dermatologists made the link after examining the diets of 100 people over 12 with acne, and examining levels of certain nutritional markers in their blood. They found 94 of them had omega-3 below recommended levels.
The team, from the Department of Dermatology and Allergy at Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich, think these fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties which help stop acne from forming.
Lead author of the study, Dr Anne Grtler, said: omega-3s, which can also be taken as a supplement in capsule form, appear most promising as a way of clearing up acne due to their anti-inflammatory effects.
Assistant Professor Asli Bilgic, of Akdeniz University in Turkey, said: This exciting research helps us get one step closer to providing effective treatments for the millions of people who face embarrassment and stigma from this skin condition.
