Acne is a common skin condition that causes pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads to form on the surface of the skin. These lesions are generally red, swollen, and painful. Although acne can have many triggers (e.g., stress and oily cosmetics), it’s most common in teenagers between 12 and 17 years old. If you’re wondering if your chocolate consumption might be to blame for your zits, worry not— there isn’t any solid evidence indicating that eating chocolate causes acne breakouts. Even so, it’s still possible that this staple in some cultures might trigger acne due to specific ingredients found in chocolate, such as caffeine or natural oils like palmitic acid. Keep reading to learn more about whether or not chocolate really causes acne…
## What is acne?
Acne is a long-term skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads (closed comedones). While acne may occur at any time during life, it is most common during adolescence.
The vast majority of acne cases are mild and will not cause serious health problems. Acne may also be associated with another skin condition known as “acne conglobata,” which is generally considered more severe.
While acne can be caused by many different factors, diet is unlikely to be one of them. That’s because there’s little evidence suggesting that eating a certain type of food will cause acne breakouts.
## Does Chocolate Cause Acne?
Chocolate does contain natural caffeine, which may be one of the reasons why some people experience acne after consuming it. But is eating chocolate the reason why you get pimples? The evidence doesn’t suggest so.
Studies have found that caffeine intake alone is not enough to trigger acne. In fact, most people who consume caffeine don’t experience acne.
Another theory suggests that certain types of chocolate may contain certain nutrients that may cause acne. For example, dark chocolate, which contains cocoa solids and cocoa butter, may be high in phenols, which are plant compounds that may cause skin irritation in some individuals.
To better understand which components in chocolate may cause acne, researchers tested the effects of cocoa powder and dark chocolate on different skin types. The study found that while dark chocolate had a calming effect on normal skin, it was too aggressive for sensitive skin types.
Additionally, cocoa powder was found to be too weak to produce a reaction in acne-prone skin. These findings suggest that certain types of chocolate may be high in certain components that may trigger skin irritation, but not enough to cause acne.
## Theories on why chocolate might cause acne
Chocolate is high in fat, sugar, and contains caffeine, which may be one of the reasons behind acne.
Another theory suggests that certain types of chocolate may contain certain nutrients that may cause acne. For example, dark chocolate, which contains cocoa solids and cocoa butter, may be high in phenols, which are plant compounds that may cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Another theory suggests that acne-causing bacteria grow in a sweet environment, which may create an environment that’s conducive to acne. This theory suggests that when you consume foods high in sugar, they create a sweet environment that may encourage the growth of bacteria that can cause acne.
## Best sources of antioxidants for reducing acne risk
Since acne-causing bacteria thrive in a sweet environment, it may be helpful to balance your diet with foods high in antioxidants, which may help curb acne-causing bacteria.
Healthy sources of antioxidants include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and nuts. It’s also helpful to include blueberries, strawberries, and oranges in your diet as they are loaded with carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants and may help reduce the risk of developing acne.
For individuals who are especially sensitive to sugar, consuming dark, roasted nuts such as almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, and pecans may help curb acne breakouts.
## Bottom line: There’s no evidence to support that eating chocolate causes acne.
Overall, it’s important to keep in mind that diet isn’t the only cause of acne breakouts. Rather than focusing on what you’re eating, consider steps you can take to reduce the amount of stress in your life, as well as practise proper skin care to prevent breakouts.
Additionally, if you are concerned that chocolate might be causing your acne breakouts, you should try switching to another kind of sweet treat.
And lastly, if you are someone who is extremely sensitive to caffeine, it may be helpful to consume decaffeinated beverages instead.
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## How to prevent and treat acne
Aside from making sure you’re eating a balanced diet, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle that incorporates proper diet, exercise, and sleep.
Proper skincare, including topical products, can help prevent and treat acne. For mild to moderate acne, it may be helpful to apply an oil-free moisturizer every day or twice a day. For individuals who experience severe acne, prescription medications may be necessary to help clear up breakouts.
