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The occidental diet is usually composed of high-glycemic foods, which have indicated in various studies conducted, to produce acne episodes. These foods that have a high glycemic index (GI) include refined sugar and starchy foods like milk, cereals, grains, breads, 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, results to the elevation of testosterone level in men. Consequently, as testosterone directly affects the secretion of sebaceous glands, increased testosterone brings about an excessive sebum production. The oil or sebum secreted inside the organism can clog the pores of the skin, creating a bacteria-friendly condition and thus triggering 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 certain study conducted had discovered that people who only ate natural foods rather than the highly processed foods taken in a western diet, suffered minor or no acne episodes at all.

After that, they made the same study on immigrants on westernized locations. Surprisingly, these people, who used to consume only natural foods and did never suffered acne before, have acquired the condition when they moved to their current western residence and have adapted the occidental diet that is composed of highly processed foods. Also, incorporating the occidental diet in young adolescents causes a strong increase in the sex hormones, producing an even higher incidence of acne.

Researches have also shown that a caffeine excess can also increase the levels of stress hormones inside the organism. The high stress hormones levels can further stimulate the development of acne, or exacerbate existing acne conditions. The occidental diet typically includes high-caffeine beverages, like soda, tea, and coffee.

Other researches have also presented the importance of the high amounts of dairy products and red meats in the occidental diet to the incidence of acne skin problems. This protein diet increases the IGF-1 levels, which, as mentioned before, can also increase the level of testosterone, indirectly over stimulating the production of sebum, as well.

Studies further demonstrate that dietary modifications concentrating on low glycemic carbohydrates, like vegetables and fruits, have beneficial endocrine effects that are therapeutically efficient in treating acne. Such beneficial endocrine changes maintain a healthy skin and a healthy growth of its cells, as well as promote healthy production of sebum.

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