Almonds an acne buster?

A study presented at AAD 2026 adds to growing evidence showing that almonds can combat acne.

“In this randomized controlled trial, daily almond supplementation was associated with reduced acne lesion counts, prevented sebum increases observed in controls, and increased levels of anti-inflammatory gut bacteria,” the investigators said.

The study included 60 participants aged 15–45 years with non-cystic, mild-to-moderate acne (Investigator Global Assessment 2–3), and at least 10 inflammatory and five non-inflammatory facial lesions. Thirty participants were instructed to snack on 60 g of almonds daily for 20 weeks. For the control group, they snacked on the same amount of non-nut alternatives during the study period. [Min, et al, AAD 2026]

At week 20, the almond group had a 20-percent reduction in total lesion count (p=0.02), while the control group had no significant change. According to the researchers, the total lesion count is the sum of both inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions.

High-resolution facial photos of some participants in the almond group were visibly clearer at week 20 compared with their baseline photos, they added.

Moreover, forehead sebum excretion significantly increased in the control group at week 4 (by 42 percent; p=0.03), more so by week 8 (by 62 percent; p=0.02). Sebum excretion among those who snacked on almonds was stable.

Effect on gut microbiome diversity

“The almond group also showed a higher relative abundance of several anti-inflammatory bacteria (eg, Bifidobacterium, L. rhamnosus) and butyrate-producing taxa (eg, Coprococcus, Butyrivibrio), but there were no significant differences … in short-chain fatty acids or gut microbiome diversity,” the researchers said.

Changes in the gut microbiome (eg, diversity, short-chain fatty acid production, or systemic inflammatory mediators) may influence the integrity of the skin barrier, sebum regulation, and immune responses, thus impacting overall skin health and acne outcomes. [Nutrients 2026;18:625]

The effects of almond supplementation on acne may be attributed to its dietary fibre, polyphenol, and unsaturated fat content, which reportedly increase butyrate-producing genera (eg, Roseburia, Lachnospira) in the gut. [Folia Microbiol 2022;67:825-835; Eur J Nutr 2018;57:1-24] Evidence also shows that whole almonds and almond skins have prebiotic effects, which may, in turn, increase Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus. [J Appl Microbiol 2025;136:lxaf078]

Effect is not merely physical

Acne vulgaris is a common dermatologic condition with a multifactorial pathogenesis that affects over 50 million people (mostly young adults and adolescents) annually. [J Dermatolog Treat 2021;32:277-285]

The effect of acne breakouts goes beyond the physical defacement, as it can also trigger negative psychosocial effects such as anxiety and low self-esteem due to the disfigurement and unpleasant appearance of the breakouts, the dyspigmentation, and/or the scars. [Am Fam Physician 2019;100:475-484]

Furthermore, some currently available treatments contain components that may be harsh on facial skin, leading to adverse effects, hence the need for safe dietary alternatives. [Molecules 2016;21:1063; Cureus 2024;16:e55946]

“Almonds are nutrient-dense and may influence skin health through lipid metabolism and antioxidant pathways,” the researchers said. “Our results suggest that almonds may serve as a safe, whole-food dietary strategy for acne management.”