Amy Snow, MSPAS, PA-C, on Treating Acne Beyond Topicals: Diet, Myths, and Influencer Trends

Amy Snow, MSPAS, PA-C, founder of Snow Dermatology in Bend, Oregon, and Project Happy Face, emphasized the growing role dermatology professionals can play in combating skin care misinformation through strategic partnerships with credible social media influencers. In a continuing conversation with Dermatology Times, Snow stressed that these collaborations can help dermatologists “shape the culture and protect the vulnerable populations,” particularly teenagers, who increasingly rely on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat for health information.

Snow discussed her recent collaboration with friend and wellness influencer Nicole Keshishian Modic, known online as “Kale Junkie,” whose audience of more than 3 million followers provides an opportunity to amplify evidence-based messaging. Snow stressed that partnerships with influencers outside the traditional skin care space may be particularly effective because they can reach broader populations and provide health education within the context of overall wellness.

“We all know that misinformation spreads much faster than research-based dermatology evidence, and so if you can get ahead of that and find an influencer that does have that good audience—that's not just a skin influencer—I think it's really, really important,” she said.

The need for accurate education is especially important, Snow said, as dermatology clinics continue to see increasing rates of conditions such as contact dermatitis and perioral dermatitis that may be linked to unsafe skin care routines promoted online. Adolescents in rural or geographically isolated communities may be particularly vulnerable because social media often serves as their primary source of skincare information.

Beyond topical products, Snow highlighted the growing interest in the relationship between diet and acne. While dermatologists historically downplayed dietary influences on acne development, emerging evidence has prompted a more nuanced discussion. Snow now routinely incorporates nutritional counseling into acne visits, encouraging patients to focus on overall dietary patterns rather than striving for perfection.

For adolescent patients, she advocates moderation rather than restriction, acknowledging that social activities often involve foods such as pizza, ice cream, and sugary beverages. Instead of eliminating these foods entirely, Snow encourages families to evaluate dietary habits over the course of a week and prioritize nutrient-dense choices when possible. She also specifically cautions against frequent consumption of energy drinks, citing concerns about overall health and observations of elevated liver enzymes among some patients receiving isotretinoin therapy.

For adult patients, Snow often recommends increasing dietary diversity by aiming for approximately 30 different plant-based foods each week. Colorful fruits and vegetables, she explained, provide anti-inflammatory nutrients that may support overall skin health. Her message to patients is simple: “eat the rainbow,” focus on whole foods, and view nutrition as one component of a comprehensive approach to acne management.

Project Happy Face would like to thank all of its sponsors: Sun Pharma, Eli Lilly, La Roche Posay, EltaMD, CastleBiosciences, and Elevate-Derm Alliance. Click here to learn more!