While acne has long been a problem for adolescents, in recent decades the last fifty years specifically acne has been on the rise among adults as well, particularly among women. Many scientists have traced this upsurge to changes in the dietary habits of North Americans. The Clear Skin Diet is designed to help those who suffer from acne to understand what it is, why they have it, what it has to do with their eating habits, and what they can do to prevent it or lessen its impact.

Research has shown that there is a strong causal link between certain kinds of foods and acne. These same dietary stresses also influence the level of hormones that cause acne.
There is also a strong connection between the brain and the skin. When a person experiences anxiety and depression, acne-producing hormones are released, which can lead to poor dietary choices high in saturated fats and sugars.

Most important, The Clear Skin Diet introduces the acne diet and lifestyle. Dietary requirements for protecting the skin are listed along with suggested food supplements when they cannot be easily met and summarized, as well as mind-body medical interventions that can influence acne hormones and lessen their impact.