MORE than just a sweet or dessert, chocolate has become a symbol.
Popularly making appearances during Valentine’s Day, birthdays or wedding anniversaries, chocolate has even played iconic roles in pop culture - from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to when the dementors debuted in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
However, many have associated this deliciousness with breakouts. Does chocolate really trigger pimples?
VERDICT:
NOT REALLY
While a number of studies concluded chocolate to be a major reason behind pimples, some researchers have dismissed the chocolate-acne link.
The earliest studies have been eliminated from the debate, as they were conducted on chocolate bars and candies filled with sugar and other ingredients.
To this day, there has not been conclusive evidence that supports the hypothesis.
An Australian study conducted in 2003 emphasised the role of insulin in an acne breakout. The finding concludes that chocolate consumption may affect the insulin level in your body and insulin works as a possible contributing factor for acne. Therefore, there is no direct connection between acne and cocoa.
And while some point to the sugar that also makes up a portion of all chocolate treats, even that evidence is weak.
So, what about that pimple that emerged the day after you ate some chocolate?
It’s most likely just a coincidence. Apparently, you would have gotten that same pimple, chocolate bar or not.
Acne is a complex skin problem, and breakouts come and go without a specific cause. Whether chocolate affects acne comes down to the individual.
While there’s limited evidence that supports the idea that pure chocolate can give you pimples or make a breakout more severe, the other ingredients in the bar or cake are a different story.
As several studies link pimples or acne with high sugar consumption and dairy, consumption of dark chocolate may be safer. This is because dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and has several skin benefits.
Experts suggest that knowing your skin may help you understand what is causing your acne breakout. If any specific food is making your skin acne-prone or worsening the situation, then avoid eating it.
For severe and chronic cases, seeking medical advice is always the best option.
Reference:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/does-chocolate-cause-acne-15519
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/02/15/health/chocolate-acne-food-drayer/index.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-chocolate-cause-acne#So,-will-chocolate-affect-your-skin?
https://www.byrdie.com/does-chocolate-make-you-break-out-5075364
https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/does-chocolate-cause-acne
