Background: Acne vulgaris, is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous units. Genetic, environmental factors and nutrition influence on this disease. Recent studies indicate an essential role of nutrition in the development of acne, particularly with the effect on oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. Many studies have reported lower incidence of acne in individuals who receive diets containing large amounts of omega-3. The aim of this study was to determine the probable therapeutic effects of omega-3 for the treatment of acne.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 60 patients with moderate to severe facial acne were randomly divided into two treatment groups: 1) 100 mg doxycycline daily and one placebo capsule Omega -3 2) doxycycline 100 mg daily and one capsule 1000 mg Omega -3. Acne severity was determined based on GAGS system at the beginning of treatment and at the end of the sixth and twelfth weeks of treatment, with photographs obtained from each patient.

Results: There was a significant reduction in acne severity score (GAGS) at the end of sixth and twelfth weeks in the Omega-3 group in comparison to control group that received placebo.

Conclusion: Omega-3 fatty acids can improve moderate to severe inflammatory acne, probably due to their anti-inflammatory properties.