In a perfect world, there would be no such thing as acne. No pre-event breakouts, no last-minute attempts to pack it with concealer, and no urge to pick at the skin because, surprise, there’s nothing to pick at. This perfect world exists—and it’s Kitava, a quaint island tucked somewhere in the south of Indonesia. But how is this possible, and what’s the secret behind this acne-free paradise?
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Acne is a Western Disease
Is an apology due for the harsh headline? Perhaps. But let’s not confuse rudeness with reality—it’s science, not opinion.
Acne haunts 50 million Americans per year. It’s also common in Westernized societies, meaning those seduced by the dairy lattes and fries with twelve-syllable ingredient lists. Up to 95 percent of adolescents battle breakouts, and 54 percent of adults still find themselves with acne well past puberty. So we ask: is this a localized thing? The answer is yes, but read further before you call it reverse prejudice.
Some doctors examined 1,200 islanders from Kitava in the Trobrian Islands. Not one had acne. The same study observed 115 Aché hunter-gatherers of Paraguay, and in over 843 days, more impressive results emerged: still no acne, not even the Grade 1 type characterized by blackheads, whiteheads, or a few pustules.
What’s on Their Menu?
They fish, they garden, they tend to their crops. And if executive checkups existed in their space, it’d read perfect: no obesity, no hypertension, no signs of malnourishment. This is a wild finding given that three out of four are daily smokers.
Same story with the Aché: no diabetes, asthma, or hypertension. Their diet? Tubers, fish, coconuts, fruits, and vegetables.
But before you reduce it all to a “it’s the diet” narrative, know that researchers say it’s a trio: diet, little to no Western exposure, and genetics. But since we can’t edit our DNA or erase urban living, it’s best we focus on the diet.
How to Eat Like an Acne-Free Islander
Eat more fish. Kitavans thrive on fresh fish, packed with omega-3 fatty acids that do wonders for your skin. But if becoming a full-blown pescetarian is too much, start by resisting greasy temptations and indulging in fish. Grilled, stewed, or sashimi—whatever form, let it become your main protein source.
Have tubers. Don’t fear carbs so much; just make sure they’re not processed. Sweet potatoes, yams, and taro are complex carbs that balance blood sugar and fight inflammation (and if you’ve dealt with acne, you know anything non-inflammatory is a hero).
Keep it organic. The Kitavans eat what’s local and seasonal. This means no weird additives, processed sugars, and no mystery ingredients. It pays to go the extra mile to a farmer’s market or your local organic aisle, as your skin will notice the difference.
Go coconut crazy. It’s their superfood. Apart from drinking your daily eight glasses of water, have more coconut water or flesh as this tropical wonder is loaded with hydrating fats and antioxidants that detoxify, heal, and replenish your skin.
For those battling acne, it’s probably your umpteenth time reading a piece on how to change your diet for better skin. But let this one stick. The Kitavans are real, the Aché are real, and it’s real that they don’t have a sliver of acne.
Featured Image and Photos: MEGA ARCHIVES, JACQUES AND PAULE VILLEMINO, MZLE LE (via Instagram) and BRITANNICA (via website)
