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The western diet is typically composed of high-glycemic meals, which have shown in various studies conducted, to produce acne breakouts. These foods that have a high glycemic index (GI) include refined sugar and starchy foods like breads, cereals, milk, grains, and processed meals.

As some studies report, the increase in the level of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and insulin hormone in the human organism, 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 sebum or oil produced inside the organism may block the skin's pores, creating a bacteria-friendly environment and thus promoting acne vulgaris. Also, there is an overproduction of skin cells caused by the previously mentioned hormones, further aggravating the clogging of the pores and nourishing the acne-causing bacteria.

A certain research conducted had discovered that participants who only ate natural meals rather than the strongly processed meals taken in a western diet, showed minor or no acne problems at all.

Furthermore, they conducted the same research on immigrants living in westernized locations. Strangely, these persons, who used to eat just natural foods and did not ever suffered acne before, have developed the condition when they arrived to their actual western home and have adapted the western diet that is composed of highly processed meals. Also, consumption of western diet in young adolescents causes a strong rise in the sex hormones, causing an even higher incidence of acne.

Studies have also demonstrated that too much caffeine can also elevate the levels of stress hormones inside the organism. The high amounts of these stress hormones can further stimulate the acne formation, or exacerbate existing acne conditions. The western diet typically includes high-caffeine beverages, like tea, soda, and coffee.

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

Studies further show that dietary modifications oriented to low glycemic carbohydrates, like fruits and vegetables, have beneficial endocrine effects that are therapeutically effective in treating acne. Such beneficial endocrine variations keep a healthy skin and a healthy growth of its cells, as well as promote normal production of sebum.

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