In a study published in the Archives of Dermatology , doctors from the United States, Europe and Australia examined the prevalence of acne in two non-western populations. The results of the study support the claim that the most significant difference between western and non-western societies is our diets, specifically our intake of the carbohydrates which chronically elevate insulin levels. The study concluded that the incidence of acne can be lowered by adopting a diet low in glycemic rich foods to improve insulin metabolism and ultimately decrease the production of sebum. The reduction in sebum predicts a reduction in acne. (from http://www.acne-resource.org/dirt-acne/good-diet.html) * Eat a diet high in fiber, including whole grains and fresh vegetables and fruits, to keep your body healthy overall and provide nutrients to your skin. Stay away from junk food, caffeine and salty foods. * Determine whether specific foods aggravate your skin and eliminate them from your diet. * Consider adding zinc supplements to your diet. (from http://www.ehow.com/how_2193_reduce-acne-naturally.html)

When I was around 15 I came across a newspaper article that suggested acne was almost unheard of in rural and tribal communities where refined and processed foods, such as white flour, fast food, refined sugar etc were not eaten. Although I suffered more from a few teenage spots than true acne, I gave this a go- substituting white bread for wholegrain, white rice for brown, white pasta for buckwheat, and cutting out ready meals, fast foods and highly processed snacks such as flavoured crisps. I also started drinking water instead of soft drinks. Within six months my skin was perfectly clear. I wouldn't like to say that my own experience is definitive- possibly the spots would have cleared on their own anyway (considering my age at the time). My doctor swears that acne is hormone related and nothing to do with diet, and I realise I'm in no position to disprove this. I have heard of alternative therapists and holistic dieticians claim that spots around the chin can be a symptom of problems in the intestines and colon- which would obviously be helped by the high fibre content in wholegrains- although I'd stress that there is no real proof either way for this claim. However- I will say that even now that I feel like my skin deteriorates and becomes more spot prone if I eat large amounts of white bread or processed food, and the few people I've suggested to this idea to have said they've seen an improvement. Seeing as eating wholegrains and cutting down on processed junk has beneficial effects elsewhere in the body anyway, if you're fighting acne, I do think the method is well worth a try, even if only along side more conventional treatments.