The occidental diet is typically composed of high-glycemic foods, which have indicated in various researches conducted, to cause acne breakouts. These foods that have a high glycemic index (GI) include industrial sugar and starchy foods such as breads, grains, cereals, milk, and processed foods.

According to some studies, the increase in the level of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and insulin hormone in the human body system, produces the elevation of testosterone level in males. Consequently, as testosterone directly affects the secretion of sebaceous glands, an excessive sebum production is caused by the increased testosterone levels. The oil or sebum secreted inside the body may clog the pores of the skin, creating a bacteria-friendly environment and thus promoting acne vulgaris. Also, the previously mentioned hormones cause the overproduction of skin cells, further aggravating the clogging of the pores and nourishing the acne-causing bacteria.

A specific research conducted had discovered that people who only ate natural foods rather than the strongly refined foods taken in a western diet, suffered minor or no acne problems at all.

After that, they made the same research on immigrants on westernized areas. Surprisingly, these people, who used to eat just natural foods and did not ever suffered acne before, have acquired the disease when they arrived to their current western residence and have adapted the occidental diet that is composed of highly refined foods. Also, consumption of occidental diet in young adolescents causes a strong rise in the sex hormones, producing an even higher occurrence of acne.

Studies have also shown that too much caffeine can also elevate the levels of stress hormones inside the body. The high stress hormones levels can further stimulate the acne formation, or worsen existing acne conditions. The occidental diet commonly includes high-caffeine beverages, such as soda, tea, and coffee.

Other studies have also shown the importance of the significant amounts of dairy products and red meats in the occidental diet to the incidence of acne skin problems. This protein diet rises the levels of IGF-1, which, as mentioned before, can also rise testosterone levels, indirectly over stimulating the production of sebum, as well.

Studies further demonstrate that dietary changes oriented to low glycemic carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, have positive endocrine effects that are medically effective in treating acne. Such positive endocrine variations keep a healthy skin and a healthy growth of its cells, as well as promote normal production of sebum.

Although there is actually no sound evidence on the influence of certain foods in the occidental diet and acne occurrence, it is still best to control the amounts (neither too little nor too much) of whatever types of food that we take.

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