Bollywood actor Jacqueline Fernandez has shared a simple yet effective lifestyle change that she believes transformed her skin: adopting a fully vegetarian diet. In a recent interview, Fernandez revealed that this dietary shift played a key role in calming her persistent adult acne, a change she describes as significant after years of dealing with skin flare-ups.
The Diet Change That Made a Difference
Speaking to Curly Tales, Jacqueline Fernandez explained that the decision to cut out meat from her meals led to noticeable improvements. Her skin began to calm down, with fewer constant breakouts. Alongside the clearer complexion, she experienced better digestion, reduced bloating, and more stable weight management. Fernandez emphasized that the transformation wasn't dramatic or overnight but represented a steady shift towards feeling more balanced overall.
What Science Says About Diet and Acne
Dermatologists have long pointed out that acne is not solely a topical issue; what you consume matters greatly. Research indicates that diets high in refined carbohydrates, sugar, and certain dairy products can exacerbate acne. These foods can cause insulin spikes, which in turn disrupt hormones and increase sebum (oil) production in the skin. More oil typically leads to more clogged pores and breakouts.
A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found a clear link between acne and high-glycaemic foods, as well as dairy intake. This provides a scientific basis for understanding why dietary changes can impact skin health.
The Benefits of a Plant-Based Approach
Plant-based diets, like the one Fernandez adopted, are typically richer in fibre, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory nutrients. A review in the journal Nutrients highlights that vegetarian and plant-forward diets support gut health and help reduce systemic inflammation. This is crucial because of the well-established gut-skin axis; a healthier gut often manifests as healthier skin.
Further supporting this, a controlled study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that participants on a low-glycaemic diet—focusing on vegetables, whole grains, and legumes—saw a significant reduction in acne lesions compared to those on a standard Western diet. Since vegetarian meals often naturally align with a low-glycaemic pattern, it offers a plausible explanation for the skin benefits some people experience.
Not a Miracle Cure, But a Helpful Tool
Medical professionals caution that acne is a multifactorial condition. Hormones, stress, sleep patterns, genetics, and skincare routines all contribute. Therefore, adopting a vegetarian diet is not a guaranteed or universal solution for clear skin. However, for some individuals, reducing inflammatory foods and incorporating more whole, plant-based ingredients can make a visible difference.
For Jacqueline Fernandez, the dietary shift appears to have helped her body find a better equilibrium. As she suggests, when the body feels calmer and more settled internally, the skin often reflects that state outwardly—naturally and without excessive effort.
