All of this diffuse undefined "toxins" talk that tends to dominate acne discussions has to go. Here's a little write up on the pharmacology behind, and treatments for acne, including my personal experiences and recommendations.
Acne forms due to an over production of sebum in the skin, which plugs the pores. Bacteria feed on this sebum, and the immune system creates anti bodies (the white pus) and inflammation (the red) to fight the infection. So, there are basically three ways of fighting acne. Either you stop the pores from plugging, or you kill the bacteria, or you decrease the inflammation (though the inflammation is rarely the problem in itself, unless you've got very deep acne or very sensitive skin). For me, anti biotics (topical and oral) have never worked that well. However, topical retinoids (which increase skin renewal and thus prevent pores from plugging, even with no change in sebum production rate) have worked quite well, if only temporarily. I recently completed my isotretinoin (an oral retinoid which inhibits sebum production by shrinking pores) course, and still have a few lesions, some lingering blackheads and red marks but I'm mostly clear. In a short while I'll be using a topical retinoid again to help speed up the healing, since isotretinoin, working by shutting off sebum production, makes your skin very dry and tender. About fighting the inflammation, this should not be the focus since it's a very shallow philosophy of treatment. However, I've found that an NSAID may relieve some of the pain from an especially bothersome acne lesion, and there is an increasingly popular method of treatment that involves topical zinc such as that in dandruff shampoo. I've tried this, though I can't comment. One last note about topical aids regards the concept of using either something a bit acid, or something a bit alkaline as an exfoliant. For example, salicylic acid, vinegar or baking soda have been used to good effect, though none of them did much for me. These exfoliants also work, supposedly, by preventing the formation of plugs (called comedos btw) in pores.
There are some studies that conclude that diet may be related to acne. This is mostly dairy, which contains hormones that might increase sebum production, and fast carbs, which in general make our hormones go a bit crazy. Also, there might be reason to believe that a lack in certain micronutrients may exacerbate acne, and we have some knowledge about how certain foods act as anti-inflammatory regulators in our body - by all means have as much as you want of them (garlic, ginger, olives, fish and many other things). However, I don't think anyone's acne is CAUSED by bad dietary habits - only perhaps worsened by it. There is of course the special case of intolerance which may create extreme immune responses, and also, finally the special case of candida infection - infection of certain species of yeast that feed on what you eat, a complex disease of which acne-like lesions is only one of many possible symptoms. Treatment involves probiotics and a carb-free diet, which will starve the yeast and hopefully reset the intestinal flora with new "good" bacteria.
To conclude, I suggest topical retinoids and possibly isotretinoin (Accutane) for really troublesome acne. Topical anti-biotics such as benzoyl peroxide do work a bit, but come with a lot of hassle and will, if you have tender skin such as I do, quite possibly make matters even worse in the short run (and short run is their game since you get the pimples back after quitting them). Oral antibiotics are a lot better at killing the bacteria doing your food processing than killing the acne bacteria, and are also a short-term solution. Topical retinoids leave the skin feeling rather fine for a while after coming off them, but the acne eventually returns. The only solution that may work permanently is isotretinoin (that is, disregarding the coming of age :D)
Furthermore, I recommend not obsessing over diet, not blaming yourself for having acne, not looking at your mirror image a lot and instead trying to be whoever you are despite your aesthetic shortcomings (this I say because I failed at all three and had a very boring year, plus some of the anxiety is lingering, though it is of course related to other problems as well).
If you see a doctor or a dermatologist, don't listen to them. They will suggest very weak crap like the aforementioned oral anti-biotics, benzoyl peroxide or even salicylic acid for all but the absolute worst cases, and have you using that crap to no avail for at least a month before perhaps moving on to topical or oral retinoids. Be determined and clear about what you want. I think something like adapalene or retin-a is a much better solution for most people than chlorine-smelling, fabric-bleaching benzoyl peroxide or belly-fuckering oral anti-biotics. That being said, I don't claim absolute authority. Do your own research! Nothing anyone says should be taken as truth. Find out what people with your skin type have used to good effect, and then make a decision. This post is meant primarily as a quick guide as to what acne is and what treatments are out there and I hope someone finds it useful.
Good luck!
