Scientists have found further evidence linking certain foods with the development of acne.

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the oil-secreting glands in the skin are clogged and become inflamed or infected. It most commonly occurs on the face, chest and back. It usually starts in the early teens and if not treated, peaks between the ages of 17 and 21.

While most people are acne-free by their mid-20s, for some, the problem can persist into their 40s and beyond.

According to US scientists, the possible effect of diet on the development of acne has been researched as far back as the late 1800s. Foods such as sugar and fat were thought to play a role, however from the 1960s, studies appeared to suggest that diet did not affect the condition.

"This change occurred largely because of the results of two important research studies that are repeatedly cited in the literature and popular culture as evidence to refute the association between diet and acne," explained the scientists from New York University.

However recently, dermatologists and dieticians have begun to look into this potential link again, they noted.

They decided to investigate this further. They analysed studies that were carried out between 1960 and 2012 and found that foods with a high glycaemic index (GI) and the frequent consumption of dairy foods appeared to be linked to acne.

GI measures the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream have a high GI. These include foods such as white bread, white rice and cornflakes.

Carbohydrates that break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, have a low GI. Low GI foods keep us feeling fuller for longer. They include brown brown, brown rice and wholewheat pasta.

The scientists acknowledged that studies over the last 10 years do not definitively show that certain diets causes acne, however they do indicate that diet can influence or aggravate the skin condition.

The team called on dieticians and dermatologists to carry out more research in this area. They also called on them not to ‘dismiss the possibility of diet therapy as an adjunct treatment for acne'.

"At this time, the best approach is to address each acne patient individually, carefully considering the possibility of dietary counseling," they added.

Details of these findings are published in the Journal of the Academy of nutrition and Dietetics.