High glycemic diets exacerbate acne

The authors of a paper recently published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology observe that dermatologists have often dismissed the relationship between diet and acne:

"Historically, the relationship between diet and acne has been highly controversial. Before the 1960s, certain foods were thought to exacerbate acne. However, subsequent studies dispelled these alleged associations as myth for almost half a century. Several studies during the last decade have prompted dermatologists to revisit the potential link between diet and acne."

Thankfully the perspective is becoming more realistic:

"Dermatologists can no longer dismiss the association between diet and acne."

Although much work remains to be done in order to make evidence based recommendations pertaining to various dietary factors and acne, on thing is clear:

"Compelling evidence exists that high glycemic load diets may exacerbate acne."

This is not surprising considering the inflammatory and hormonal consequences of overstimulating insulin production.