Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting millions worldwide, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The disease's progression involves both inflammatory and non-inflammatory changes, leading to disfiguring scars and hyperpigmentation in severe cases. The etiology of acne is complex, involving genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Nutrition and diet have been extensively debated as potential contributors to acne formation. This review examines the scientific evidence linking diet to acne development. The Western diet, characterized by high intake of refined carbohydrates, dairy products, chocolate, and saturated fats, is associated with an increased prevalence of acne. These dietary components can exacerbate acne by activating metabolic cues and influencing hormone levels. For instance, dairy products contain insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which promotes sebaceous cell proliferation and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Chocolate, rich in phenolic antioxidants, can increase corneocyte exfoliation and promote bacterial colonization on the skin. Saturated fatty acids, particularly palmitic acid, contribute to dermal infection and increased sebum production by activating the mTORC1 pathway. Other dietary factors, such as alcohol, salt, and certain processed foods, also play a role in acne development. Alcohol can enhance testosterone levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while salt intake is linked to increased acne severity. The gut microbiome's dysbiosis, influenced by dietary components, further contributes to acne pathogenesis. The review highlights the need for further research to confirm the impact of specific dietary components on acne. Accurate knowledge of these factors will enable clinicians to provide appropriate dietary recommendations to reduce acne lesions and improve patients' quality of life.Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting millions worldwide, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The disease's progression involves both inflammatory and non-inflammatory changes, leading to disfiguring scars and hyperpigmentation in severe cases. The etiology of acne is complex, involving genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Nutrition and diet have been extensively debated as potential contributors to acne formation. This review examines the scientific evidence linking diet to acne development. The Western diet, characterized by high intake of refined carbohydrates, dairy products, chocolate, and saturated fats, is associated with an increased prevalence of acne. These dietary components can exacerbate acne by activating metabolic cues and influencing hormone levels. For instance, dairy products contain insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), which promotes sebaceous cell proliferation and keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Chocolate, rich in phenolic antioxidants, can increase corneocyte exfoliation and promote bacterial colonization on the skin. Saturated fatty acids, particularly palmitic acid, contribute to dermal infection and increased sebum production by activating the mTORC1 pathway. Other dietary factors, such as alcohol, salt, and certain processed foods, also play a role in acne development. Alcohol can enhance testosterone levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines, while salt intake is linked to increased acne severity. The gut microbiome's dysbiosis, influenced by dietary components, further contributes to acne pathogenesis. The review highlights the need for further research to confirm the impact of specific dietary components on acne. Accurate knowledge of these factors will enable clinicians to provide appropriate dietary recommendations to reduce acne lesions and improve patients' quality of life.