Millions of people around the world suffer from acne, including teenagers and women. Various factors contribute to this condition, including hormone changes, hygiene, and diet. But does eating chocolate play a role in it?
Eating a lot of fats could cause a breakout, so it’s understandable to be worried that your love for chocolate could be causing your acne. This sweet treat does not seem to cause acne, according to its limited studies. In fact, there’s no scientific research to back the claim that you can get acne from eating chocolate.
This means that if you’re sceptical and decide to cut back on chocolate in your diet, it won’t help you get rid of acne.
If chocolate doesn’t cause acne, then what does? Some foods may trigger acne.
The relationship between your diet, other factors, and acne
The most likely cause of your acne is not food. The accumulation of dead skin cells in your pores, an overproduction of sebum, and the growth of acne-causing bacteria are the true causes of acne.
However, some research suggests that consuming low-fat and skim milk dairy products, as well as refined carbs, sugar, processed bread, and snacks, would probably make your acne worse. Some people may have worsening acne after consuming these foods.
Similarly, these foods raise blood sugar levels, which boost the synthesis of insulin, an insulin-like growth factor, and androgen hormones, which increase sebum production and cause it to get trapped in your pores. Blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples are the result of this.
The severity of acne, on the other hand, fluctuates on its own. It is often difficult to determine what caused your most recent breakout despite your best efforts. Breakouts occur intermittently and without a known reason with acne, a complex skin condition.
The development of acne is also influenced by hormones. Due to this, acne is so prevalent during puberty and right before menstruation in females.
Acne susceptibility is also inherited. Therefore, you probably will have acne if your parents did.
Avoid consuming a certain dish if it appears to make your outbreaks worse. But keep in mind that there is no definitive connection between any certain diet and the emergence of pimples.
What does new research say today?
Recent studies indicate that chocolate may be a contributing element, despite earlier research denying a connection between it and acne.
In one experiment, participants were given the option of eating either 25 jelly beans or a chocolate bar, both of which had the same glycemic load, a measure of how quickly blood sugar will rise after consuming a serving of food. Both “treatments” were administered to every patient. Jelly beans, strangely enough, had no impact on acne. However, people’s acne got worse after eating chocolate.
In a separate 2016 study with 25 participants, researchers looked into whether daily consumption of one ounce of 99% cacao dark chocolate, free of additional sweeteners or milk, might aggravate acne in acne-prone guys.
When compared to the baseline, researchers discovered a statistically significant rise in acne, blackheads, and pimples after four weeks.
According to this study, dark chocolate increases the number of acne lesions.
Interestingly, while cocoa flavonoids have a reputation for being anti-inflammatory, dark chocolate also contains cocoa butter, which is made up of oleic and stearic acid-containing lipids. Oleic acid, according to experts, affects animal pore blockage as well.
Best Foods to Eat for Clear Skin
When it comes to the moisture levels of the skin, a balanced diet may give you clearer skin. The amounts of collagen in the skin, which are crucial for a supple and clear complexion, can also be impacted by diet.
The top foods for clear, healthy skin are listed below.
1. Water
Skin health depends on enough hydration. Your skin will appear dull and dry if you are dehydrated. For your skin, the largest organ of the body, staying hydrated is one of the healthiest things you can do. Your internal organs and skin lose moisture through perspiration and other natural processes throughout the course of the day, so drinking enough water helps to replenish that moisture.
Super Greens
Supergreens that are high in phytonutrients and antioxidants include spirulina, chlorella, and wheatgrass. You can have clear, healthy skin by eating a lot of super greens.
2. Citrus
Fruits are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for the creation of collagen.
3. Açai berries
Eating acai berries is a fantastic approach to aid in preventing oxidative damage to your skin because they are high in antioxidants.
4. Dark chocolate
The skin can benefit greatly from dark chocolate, which contains 70% cocoa, providing protection from UV radiation and free radicals.
5. Fish
Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in hydration and may also shield against sun damage. Skin health may benefit from consuming meals high in omega-3 fatty acids.
6. Walnuts
Walnuts can be a substitute if you dislike eating fish. They are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which smooth the skin.
7. Avocados
Riboflavin, which gives skin suppleness, is abundant in avocados.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is chocolate harmful to acne?
Despite decades of research, there has been little proof that single foods like chocolate directly cause acne. But that doesn’t mean that diet has no influence. It’s more likely that the sugar in your chocolate bar or cupcake is to blame for new pimples or deeper breakouts than the cocoa itself.
Why chocolate can cause pimples?
In addition to its fat content, which has been associated with blackheads, some research indicates that chocolate may also have pro-inflammatory effects on the skin. This could contribute to inflammatory acne, which is characterized by red papules and pustules, particularly when acne-causing bacteria are present.
What foods trigger acne?
Examples include white bread, cornflakes, puffed rice, potato chips, white potatoes or fries, doughnuts or other pastries, sugary drinks such as milkshakes, and white rice. Findings from small studies suggest that following a low-glycemic diet may reduce the amount of acne you have.
Now it’s your turn
Despite some myths, chocolate does not cause acne. On the other hand, some foods can lead to the condition. Hence, the idea that chocolate causes acne may be a bit incorrect.
As we wait for future studies to reveal what they will reveal, experts say knowing how your skin reacts to chocolate will provide you with all the information you need. You can use a food journal to determine whether eating chocolate worsens your acne.
