The Impact of Diet on Skin Inflammatory Disorders and Its Implications for Athletes and Physically Active Populations: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Moamen Abdelfadil Ismail*, Hussam Alrashed*, Raghad Jubran Alqahtani, Juri Abdullah Alghofaili, Safaa Ghanem, Faris Fahad Alhumaid, Hassan Alzubaidi, Hiam Alahmed, Saud Mamdouh Almutairi, Nawaf Mohammed Alsaleem, Raghad Sultan O Alanazi, Zahra Redha Abuayfah, Amjad Ibrahim Alrasheed, Abdulaziz Saad AlQuhaibi

Background: Inflammatory skin disorders such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis are chronic immune-mediated conditions influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, including diet. Understanding how dietary components affect skin inflammation may open pathways for integrative treatment approaches.

Objective: To systematically review current literature examining the impact of dietary factors on inflammatory skin conditions, including mechanisms related to immune modulation, oxidative stress, and the gut–skin axis.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024 were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria were adult human studies assessing dietary influences on inflammatory skin diseases using clinical or biomarker outcomes. Results: Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials and observational designs. Diets high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and probiotics were associated with reduced inflammatory markers (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and improved symptom scores. In contrast, Western dietary patterns and high glycemic load foods were consistently linked to symptom exacerbation.

Conclusions: Diet plays a significant immunomodulatory role in the onset and severity of inflammatory skin diseases. Tailored dietary interventions, particularly those incorporating plant-based, antioxidant-rich foods, may offer a non-invasive therapeutic strategy. Further high-quality trials are needed to standardize recommendations.