Acne vulgaris, or common acne, is a skin disorder of the pilosebaceous unit that generally develops in adolescence and improves in adulthood. Adolescent males, in particular, can be severely affected by acne, which, if left untreated, can cause scarring. Acne vulgaris treatment is very difficult in some cases.
   Use of isotretinoin, the active ingredient in the acne drug Accutane, raises the risk of depression.

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For more details, see Acne vulgaris and diet

At least four causes are important in the development of acne vulgaris: plugging of the hair follicle with abnormally cohesive desquamated cells, sebaceous gland hyperactivity, proliferation of bacteria (especially Propionibacterium acnes) within sebum, and inflammation.

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Natural Acne Vulgaris treatment
Acne vulgaris is difficult to treat. We do not claim to have any definitive answers, but over the past three decades of trying to find a dietary solution to acne vulgaris problem, We have come to realize that diet does play a role, even though the medical profession denies that food has anything to do with acne. Here are some suggestions to treat or prevent acne:

Avoid friction or contact with acne vulgaris pimples. Leave them alone, do not play with or pop pimples.
Avoid androgenic hormones such as DHEA, testosterone, and androstenedione. Stress can make acne vulgaris worse by releasing certain hormones.

Reduce intake of sugar (including excessive amounts of fruit juices), sweets, processed flour, baked goods, and trans or hydrogenated fats. Examples include donuts, cookies, pastry, etc. Substitute Stevia, the no calorie natural sweetener rather than sugar.
Reduce intake of nuts. Peanuts and peanut butter may provoke acne in some individuals.
Reduce intake of milk products. There is a high amount of hormones produced in the milk of cows, particularly in the milk of pregnant cows, which makes up the bulk of marketed milk and dairy products. Milk from pregnant cows contains progesterone, 5-alpha reduced steroids, and other steroid hormones. These hormones, when consumed, can break down into dihydrotestestosterone (DHT), the final molecule that turns on oil-making cells. Studies show there is an association between milk consumption and acne, and it didn't matter whether the milk was whole, lowfat, or skim. For those who eliminate or significantly reduce milk products from their diet, calcium supplements could be helpful.
Reduce or avoid vitamin E. I have come across some patients who have noticed acne pimples after taking vitamin E. I am not certain of this connection, but until more is known you may wish to stop taking supplements of this vitamin.

Increase intake of foods that may improve acne such as fish (halibut, salmon, tuna, sardines) and eat a wide variety of vegetables. Eat fish eggs also called salmon roe or salmon eggs. These are the best foods to eat. They will make a difference in the health of your skin.
You may consider taking fish oil capsules if your intake of fish is fewer than twice a week.
Increase your intake of water. Drink a glass or two of cold water first thing in the morning to eliminate the bowels. Drink 4 to 8 glasses of water per day, more in hot weather.

Relax, meditate, do yoga, take long walks, attempt to change your response to perceived stressful experiences. Teen-agers who claim that stress makes them break out are telling the truth: The stress of taking an exam can make pimples worse. Inflammation may be to blame for the worsening of acne vulgaris, and not greasy skin. Many people notice that when they are stressed, their acne gets worse.

Acne and low glycemic diet
Foods that produce a high glycemic load -- such as sugared drinks, white bread and white potatoes -- cause a quick rise in blood sugar. More complex carbohydrates with fiber, such as unrefined cereals, grains, or beans, lead to a more gradual change and have a low glycemic index. Eating low-glycemic foods can help you stave off obesity and diabetes. And it can also help clear up unsightly acne. Dr. Robyn N. Smith, from the RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, evaluated acne symptoms in 43 male patients. The participants - who ranged from age 15 to 25 - were randomly assigned to a low glycemic load diet or a normal diet. After three months, the low-glycemic diet was associated with a significant reduction in acne compared with the normal diet. In addition, the low-glycemic diet produced greater reductions in body weight and body mass and a greater increase in insulin sensitivity. One reason for the success of this low glycemic diet is that it limited the rise in high insulin levels. Chronically high levels of insulin may lead to blockages in skin pores and extra oil building up under the skin. Along with sticking to low-glycemic foods, eating lots of fish full of omega-3 EPA and DHA oils is very helpful for acne. Even with the best diet, many teenagers will still be bothered with pimples, but the skin problem is likely to be less severe when they adopt a healthier diet.