Chocolates continue to be one of the most enticing foods for people of all ages. Nearly each of us has been guilty of binging on a bar of dark chocolate at some point. Yes, eating chocolates does uplift our mood but there is darker side to it too. Chocolates are among the more unacknowledged causes of acne. To understand how chocolates and acne are related, read further:

Chocolate & Acne—the Sugar & Insulin Connection

Acne is closely linked with blood sugar levels. Spikes or sudden surges in blood sugar levels tend to disturb the normal rate at which sugar is metabolized. Most commercial brands of chocolates contain a rather high concentration of refined sugar. This kind of processed sugar is among the easily digestible forms of carbohydrates. It is absorbed into the bloodstream rather quickly. This causes a sudden increase in the level of Insulin—a critical metabolic hormone in the body. This tends to disrupt the entire hormonal balance which in turn raises chances of inflammation and sebum production. Heightened levels of sebum are an established cause of acne. When an inflammatory tendency is established in the body, the immune system is overworked. This allows the bacteria on the skin to dwell deeper within the skin pores. When bacterial colonization of the pores rises, acne occurs. Thus, an occasional bite of chocolate might not induce any damage to the skin but a generous helping can certainly induce acne-causing sugar spikes.

Chocolate & Acne—the Milk Connection

Milk is the core component of chocolates. Medical researchers across the world have repeatedly proven that milk is an acne-inducing dietary item. Milk tends to make the skin more acne-prone. This is because milk contains many acne-inducing entities such as:

• Iodine (a known acne-causing compound)
• Hormonal traces of DHT (a compound involved in testosterone formation)
• IGF (a harmful hormonal compound)

Milk also contains many contaminants that overwhelm the body’s immunity, making it more vulnerable to skin infections. This includes chemicals like pesticides/herbicides, bodily toxins of cattle and bacteria.

Chocolate & Acne—the Cocoa Connection

Most popular chocolate brands brag about the cocoa content in their product. Higher cocoa content is regarded as an index of the purity of chocolate and is associated with a premium flavor. However, the cocoa-rich chocolate also contains a higher amount of Theobromine. This compound is found in the cacao plant from which cocoa powder is extracted. Some varieties of dark chocolate also contain high concentration of caffeine. Both caffeine and Theobromine are known to have a pore-clogging effect. High caffeine intake stimulates the adrenal glands to release more Cortisol. This is our primary Stress Hormone. Cortisol tends to induce sweating and raises secretion of sebum. By raising the blood pressure levels, caffeine is also known to raise the level of inflammation level in acne.

Seek Holistic Acne Cure

No matter what causes acne, it needs to be treated in a timely manner to avoid permanent scar marks. Natural acne treatment methods are now getting more attention globally because they are mild on the skin and are free from side effects unlike prescription acne medications.