Can chocolate cause acne breakouts?

The sweetest treat might not be that sweet after all! Many nutritionists accuse the brown bonbon to cause acne. But lack of evidence kept it as a hush-hush secret for so long! However, some studies have now drawn a clear link between Acne and Chocolate.

Is it the fat, the cocoa, the sugar, the chemicals, or something else that turns our treat into a threat? Here’s what science says.

Nutritionist’s theories

Many studies pointed at the dairy present in the sweet delights to be the real culprit for the zits. Whole milk is a ‘proven criminal’ that triggers the development of pimples.

Milk contains ample testosterone, an androgen hormone responsible for zits.  Testosterone forms DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which stimulates the Sebaceous gland. This gland produces ‘sebum’: an oily secretion in the skin and hair.

Consumption of dairy products causes an increase in testosterone levels. This increases sebum production leading to the development of zits.

Chocolates contain a huge amount of sugar which is again a known factor for exacerbating acne. A study published in the Huffington Post reported that “Eating chocolate may trigger acne by changing the immune system.” The researchers found that chocolate consumption increases inflammation that contributes to painful pimples. 

Another such study was published on webmd.com. It was conducted on pure chocolate. The study revealed that the amount of chocolate consumption is directly proportional to the aggravation of acne breakout. The caffeine and theobromine present in chocolate are known to have pore-clogging properties. This might justify the link between Acne and Chocolate.

Yet another study published in NCBI assessed the “Effect of Chocolate Consumption in Subjects with a History of Acne Vulgaris”. It concluded that “the consumption of chocolate correlates to an increase in the exacerbation of acne”.

Also Read: Why Fairness Creams are unfair

Doctor’s note

Dermatologists comment that though there are multiple studies and research, it is important to note that the magnitude of these studies is small. The number of participants is a handful! And most research are done on acne-prone skin!

Furthermore, whether chocolate consumption will cause acne breakout comes down to a more personal response than a general one. For some patients, chocolate plays a role and for others, it does not. So, it is important to identify the individualistic response if chocolate consumption is a trigger for acne. 

Ayurvedic Analysis: Acne and Chocolate

Ayurveda classifies a human body type into three doshas: Vata, pitta, and Kapha. And every action and reaction of a body can be narrowed down to the dosha it exhibits. People with Kapha dosha benefit the most from cocoa. On the other hand, Vata and Pitta can experience inflammation of the skin resulting in its exacerbation. Also, the sugar, caffeine, and dairy content in the chocolate increases oil secretion which leads to an increase in the lesions on the skin. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can indulging in chocolate really lead to acne breakouts?

Answer: While it’s a popular belief, scientific evidence suggests that chocolate consumption alone doesn’t directly cause acne breakouts.

Are there specific types of chocolate that are more likely to trigger acne?

Answer: No particular type of chocolate has been conclusively linked to acne. However, chocolates with high sugar and milk content may exacerbate acne symptoms in some individuals.

Could it be the sugar in chocolate that causes acne breakouts?

Answer: The relationship between sugar and acne is still not fully understood. However, excessive sugar consumption may contribute to overall inflammation in the body, potentially worsening acne.

What about dark chocolate? Is it a healthier option for acne-prone skin?

Answer: Dark chocolate with higher cocoa content and less sugar might be a better choice for individuals concerned about acne. Its lower sugar content may have a less pronounced impact on acne symptoms.

How does chocolate consumption affect hormonal acne?

Answer: Hormonal fluctuations play a significant role in acne, and chocolate has not been directly linked to hormonal acne. However, an individual’s response to chocolate may vary depending on their unique hormonal balance.

Can chocolate aggravate existing acne rather than cause new breakouts?

Answer: It’s plausible that chocolate might exacerbate existing acne due to its potential to increase inflammation and oil production in the skin, but it’s unlikely to solely cause new breakouts.

Is it possible that other ingredients in chocolate contribute to acne breakouts?

Answer: While no specific ingredient has been identified as a direct cause of acne, certain additives like milk and artificial flavors in chocolate may trigger inflammation in some individuals.

Should I completely avoid chocolate if I have acne-prone skin?

Answer: Eliminating chocolate altogether is not necessary for everyone. Moderation is key, as individual responses to chocolate can vary. It’s essential to listen to your body and adjust your diet accordingly.

Can a healthy lifestyle offset the potential impact of chocolate on acne?

Answer: Maintaining a well-balanced diet, managing stress levels, and practicing good skincare habits can help minimize the impact of chocolate consumption on acne-prone skin.

Are there any alternatives to chocolate that won’t affect acne?

Answer: If you’re concerned about the potential impact of chocolate on your skin, you can explore alternative treats like fruit, nuts, or yogurt to satisfy your sweet cravings without the worry of acne flare-ups.

The takeaway!

Considering all the facts and facets out and open on the table we can say that chocolate does exacerbate acne and worsen outbursts. For others, chocolate may not be responsible for the cause of acne but it definitely can amplify its development. So, next time your fingers linger through the golden wrap just remember the sweet treat might just be a trap!