The Experiment: A Dermatologist’s Week of Unhealthy Eating
A dermatologist, known for advising patients to avoid certain foods for better skin health, decided to take a bold step. He chose to eat only the foods he typically warns his patients against for an entire week. The result was shocking—his skin age increased by five years in just seven days.
On the 15th, a video titled What Happens When a Dermatologist Intentionally Ruins His Skin for 7 Days was uploaded to the YouTube channel ‘Pichinnam Lee Seung-joo,’ operated by dermatologist Lee Seung-joo. In this video, Dr. Lee explained the purpose of the experiment: “I will document how my skin changes when I eat only the foods I usually tell patients to avoid for a week.”
The Diet: A Week of Unhealthy Choices
For seven days, Dr. Lee consumed a diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, dairy products, and greasy instant meals—foods he normally advises against. On the first day, he started with Castella cake, sweet snacks, low-fat milk, and drank sweet coffee on an empty stomach. This was followed by snacks, sugary beverages, sweet lattes, burger sets, pizza, tteokbokki, ramen, french fries, carbonated drinks, and other high-sugar and high-fat meals. He also paired pork belly with alcohol.
The Immediate Reactions: Physical and Skin Changes
Within days, his body and skin reacted immediately. He reported facial swelling and severe fatigue. Sebum production noticeably increased, leading to milia-like acne and inflammatory breakouts. His existing atopic dermatitis worsened, causing itching and inflammation on his legs. He added, “After drinking alcohol, the itching intensified due to histamine reactions from alcohol.” Dr. Lee stated, “Not just my skin, but my overall condition deteriorated. I felt extremely tired, and my stomach was constantly uncomfortable.”
Throughout the experiment, he did not stop consuming sugary drinks or late-night snacks, even adding high-sugar beverages like dalgona lattes toward the end. Dr. Lee predicted, “Seeing the breakouts, I expected my skin age to increase.”
The Results: A Clear Increase in Skin Age
The results confirmed his prediction. Skin diagnostic devices showed his skin age had risen from 31 to 36—a five-year increase in a week. His skin type also changed from combination to oily, and UV imaging revealed a significant increase in sebum around the nose and deteriorated pore conditions.
The Message: A Stronger Recommendation for Patients
Dr. Lee said, “I want to show these results to my patients. My advice to be mindful of diet has become more valid.” He emphasized, “Even just one week of this diet caused such changes. Managing eating habits alone can significantly improve skin health.”
Key Takeaways from the Experiment
- Diet Impact: Consuming high-sugar, high-fat, and processed foods can have immediate negative effects on skin health.
- Skin Aging: Even a short period of unhealthy eating can lead to a noticeable increase in skin age.
- Sebum Production: Increased sebum production can lead to acne and worsen existing skin conditions.
- Overall Health: Poor dietary choices can affect not just the skin but overall physical well-being.
- Long-Term Effects: Making small changes in eating habits can have a significant impact on long-term skin health.
Dr. Lee’s experiment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diet in maintaining healthy skin. By sharing his personal experience, he hopes to encourage his patients to make more informed choices about what they eat.
