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 authors of this study report numerous indigenous peoples who, as a whole, show a significantly lower rate of acne than that of western society, whose rate of adolescent acne has been reported at 79%-85%. The subjects of the study were from Papua New Guinea and Paraguay and the objective of the inquiry was to compare the rate of acne incidence between modern and non-industrialized societies. During the course of this study over 1,300 individuals were examined and not a single incidence of acne was recorded in either population. The explanation provided by the researching doctors is 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.

Both of the populations that were examined as a part of this study maintained diets of minimally processed plant and animal products. Americans and other westerners typically consume highly processed foods which are referred to as high-glycemic load foods. These foods, which have an elevated rate of glucose, contribute to many health problems, including obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. 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.

However, these results may not end the discussion surrounding acne and diet. In an editorial piece submitted to the Archives of Dermatology , Dr. Diane Thiboutot examines other factors which may have contributed to the absence of acne in the non-westernized populations. She states that due to the close knit nature of these societies, genetics may play a larger role than the researchers allowed. Dr. Thiboutot also points out that there may be an important connection between the overall health of the groups studied, the age of puberty onset, and the incidence of acne. The individuals studied reported experiencing puberty years later than their western counterparts. Because this period is when individuals are most susceptible to acne, Dr. Thiboutot theorizes that a later onset may make the individual less at risk of the acne caused by hormonal changes in adolescence.

Of course, a healthy diet is beneficial for all aspects of human development. And while there is no definitive results regarding which foods or types of food contribute to acne, it stands to reason that maintaining a healthy lifestyle will improve all aspects of our physical and psychological well-being.