Debunking Skin Myths: Does Chocolate Really Cause Acne?
By: Shahara Lum
Introduction
For years, chocolate has faced an infamous reputation as a sweet that triggers acne breakouts. This popular and widely known belief has led many individuals to avoid indulging in their favorite delicious treat — for fear of worsening their skin condition. Of course, we can’t blame anyone for believing so. However, is there any truth to this claim? In this article, we will dive into the science behind the connection between acne and chocolate, separating fact from fiction. And answer the question: does chocolate cause breakouts?
Understanding acne
Let’s first understand acne — what it is and how it appears on the skin. Well, acne is a common condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. As a result, it leads to outbreaks of lesions, known as pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads. Usually, the outbreaks appear on the face but can also occur on the back, chest, shoulders, and neck. The factors that contribute to acne include hormonal changes (very common), excess sebum production, inflammation, and bacteria.
For most individuals, acne usually goes away by the time they reach their late 20s or thirties. Unfortunately, for some people they can still develop acne in their forties and fifties, eventually continuing to have this skin problem. People of all ages and races get acne, though for men, it is most common in teens and young adults. However, acne can continue into adulthood and is more frequent in women. Let’s take a look at the roles of how acne occurs.
What is sebum production?
Sebum is an oily substance that is produced by the sebaceous glands and plays a crucial role in acne development. Those suffering from sebum production can experience clogged pores. As a result, the skin will promote the growth of acne-causing bacteria. In contrary to the belief, scientific studies have found no direct link between chocolate and increased sebum production. In addition, genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and stress have a very significant impact on sebum levels.
Hormonal influence
Hormonal changes are a key contributor when it comes to acne, especially in teenagers, young adults, and women. The fluctuations in hormone levels, more so androgens like testosterone can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more and more oil, eventually leading to acne breakouts. However, some studies have suggested that some components found in chocolate might influence hormone levels. Nonetheless, the evidence remains insufficient. Perhaps the impact of chocolate on hormones is minimal compared to other factors that trigger acne like menstrual cycles, hormonal disorders, and puberty.
Dietary factors
So while chocolate itself may not be a direct cause of acne, certain dietary factors can influence skin health such as high-glycemic-index foods — sugary snacks, and processed carbohydrates. Those have been linked to the increase in acne and its severity. However, chocolate’s glycemic index is relatively low. This means that chocolate has a very mild impact on blood sugar levels compared to other sweets. And if you experience breakouts after consuming chocolate, it could be due to the accompanying ingredients like milk, processed fats, and sugar.
The chocolate-acne debate
Many studies have shown the potential link between chocolate consumption and acne. According to the National Institutes of Health, a blind placebo was taken to assess the effect of chocolate consumption on subjects with a history of acne. Throughout the study,
thirteen healthy male subjects were examined and completed the study in seven days. During the seventh day period of the study, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of total acne detected in each individual.
And while some early studies suggested a possible association, more recent and attentive research has cast doubt on the claim. A comprehensive review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology concluded that there was inadequate evidence to support the correlation that chocolate causes acne. And according to dermatologists, there is no evidence that chocolate itself causes breakouts. Furthermore, eating an occasional chocolate bar will not cause acne, and cutting it out of your diet won’t clear it up either.
Individual sensitivity
But of course, it is important to recognize that everyone’s skin is unique and different from one another. Some individuals may have different sensitivities to certain foods while others may not. And though scientific evidence indicates that chocolate does not in fact cause acne, some people may experience breakouts or skin irritation when consuming the treat because of their body’s specific response to chocolate or its ingredients. If you notice a connection between eating chocolate and acne flare-ups, you should explore alternative options or seek advice from a dermatologist.
Conclusion
The myth about chocolate and acne is undoubtedly untrue. There is various scientific evidence suggesting that chocolate itself is unlikely a direct cause of breakouts. Furthermore, factors such as excess sebum production, hormonal changes, and dietary choices play a larger role in acne development. While some people may develop sensitives, it varies — some can enjoy chocolate moderately without fear of worsening their skin condition. It is crucial to remember — maintain a balanced diet, practice proper skincare, and consult with a dermatologist if you’re curious about how you can achieve clearer and healthier skin.
And remember to consider factors when wanting to understand and manage your acne effectively. So don’t be afraid and savor that delicious chocolate!
References:
-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4025515/
-https://www.verywellhealth.com/does-chocolate-cause-acne-15519#:
~:text=It%27s%20good%20news%20for%20all,to%20the%20develop
ment%20of%20acne.&text=That%20means%20that%20eating%20an
,a%20case%20of%20acne%2C%20either.
-https://www.verywellhealth.com/does-chocolate-cause-acne-15519#:
~:text=There%20Is%20No%20Evidence%20That%20Chocolate%20It
self%20Causes%20Acne&text=1%20There%20are%20no%20studies,t
o%20the%20development%20of%20acne.&text=That%20means%20t
hat%20eating%20an,a%20case%20of%20acne%2C%20either.
https://www.healthline.com/health/does-chocolate-cause-acne#What
-we-know-about-diet-and-acne
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