Expert weighs in on the frugal diet that ‘cured’ Victoria Beckham’s acne – can food REALLY transform your skin?

Popstar-turned-fashion mogul Victoria Beckham has claimed that her frugal diet of steamed veg and grilled fish, ‘cured’ her adult acne — but dermatologists aren’t convinced.

The fashion designer, 50, revealed she struggled with the painful skin condition at the height of her Spice Girl fame and still abides by a strict set of rules to keep it in check.

In addition to giving up eating meat as a child, she now avoids eating wheat (which means most bread and cake) she told The Telegraph.

According to her husband David, she has eaten the same meal for the last 25 years — grilled fish and steamed veg.

But dermatologists stress that while a nutritious and balanced diet is important for maintaining healthy skin, a restrictive diet is not.

‘There is no need to follow a strict diet, limited to only fish and vegetables, for a radiant complexion,’ said Dr Thivi Maruthappu, consultant dermatologist, nutritionist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson.

‘In fact it can actually have negative effects on our wellbeing in the long term.’

Dr Maruthappu added that while getting sufficient vitamins and protein from the diet can help promote plumped, clear skin, it won’t necessarily cure acne.

Diet may have some benefit for improving the signs of ageing, like wrinkles and sagging, experts say.

For instance, fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants that help reduce cell damage which can lead to premature skin ageing, according to Dr Maruthappu.

What’s more, getting enough lean protein such as fish, tofu and chickpeas can help ‘repair and regenerate collagen in the skin’.

Collagen is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the body’s tissues, including the skin, keeping it plumped and preventing sag.

However, there is little evidence that the collagen we absorb from food has any effect on our skin health.

According to the British Association of Dermatology (BAD), there is not enough research to prove the link between diet and acne.