Is it really true that chocolate causes pimples? Everyone’s favorite sweet can be an ideal dessert, but its actions within the body can contribute to the improvement or worsening of acne on the skin.
Is it really true that chocolate causes pimples? Everyone’s favorite sweet can be an ideal dessert, but its actions within the body can contribute to the improvement or worsening of acne on the skin. There’s no point in making sweets the villain of the story when talking about pimples: all your diet influences skin inflammation.
During adolescence and youth, worsening of the skin is more common, due to hormonal changes that cause changes in the skin’s oiliness. Furthermore, in women, these changes are even worse when we take into account the premenstrual period. This is because in addition to uterine pain such as cramps and the like, this period can also cause an increase in the number of acne on the skin.
All these changes are closely linked to diet: it’s not just chocolate that causes pimples. Foods, such as chocolate, rich in sugar, milk and refined flours are related to increased sebum production by the skin. This increase is what contributes to the appearance of acne.
Why does chocolate cause pimples?
According to experts, when we consume excess chocolate or sugar, the body goes through a glycation process. This process unites glucose (carbohydrates) with some proteins, such as elastin and collagen. This union destabilizes the proteins, which break down and cause sagging and create expression lines.
The dreaded wrinkles are also a consequence of excessive sugar consumption, as the skin loses elasticity and tone when glycation occurs. Some dermatologists claim that this process is as harmful as the action of free radicals, which cause premature aging of the skin.
7 foods, besides chocolate, that cause pimples
Among the main foods that cause pimples are foods with a high glycemic index. That is, foods with excess fats, sugars and refined flour can cause an increase in sebum production by the skin’s sebaceous glands.
Due to the high glycemic index, these foods also stimulate the production of insulin, leading to a spike that takes sugar into the bloodstream quickly. Therefore, these are the characteristics that base the relationship between these foods and the production of pimples on the skin.
Discover now 11 foods that can cause acne and should be consumed in moderation:
1. Pizza and pasta are among the foods that cause acne
Foods rich in refined wheat flour, such as pizzas, pasta and pasta in general, have high glycemic indexes. All this glucose produced causes inflammation in the body and especially in the skin. Avoiding exaggeration and excessive consumption can be a good choice to avoid the appearance of acne.
2. Breads, cakes and cookies
Just like pasta, bread and cakes are also produced with large amounts of refined white flour. Furthermore, cakes and filled cookies are also rich in sugars that significantly increase the glycemic index and blood sugar levels.
3. Chocolates, sweets and desserts in general can cause pimples
In addition to chocolate, sweets in general can also cause pimples. This happens because of the high level of refined sugar and milk present in these foods, which are capable of generating inflammation in the skin. Therefore, it is not just chocolate that causes pimples, and this information has no proven evidence.
4. Fried foods rich in trans fats are possible causes of acne
Just like chocolates, foods that cause inflammation in the body also cause pimples. That is, foods such as diced seasonings, sausages, sausages and fried foods are sources of fats that cause inflammation, according to dermatologists. Furthermore, hydrogenated fat is the main cause of clogging of blood vessels, which increases the possibility of “bad” cholesterol, which is very harmful to health.
5. Beer and alcohol can also cause acne
In addition to foods and alcoholic beverages having a lot of sugar, these foods also cause inflammation that increases the likelihood of acne on the skin. Furthermore, alcohol causes inflammation in the organs and especially in the liver, due to the high level of toxins. Therefore, its consumption without moderation is linked to the increase in pimples.
Furthermore, alcohol also reduces the absorption of zinc by our body, with zinc being one of the main minerals responsible for reducing skin oiliness and acne. Furthermore, drinking alcohol in excess causes dehydration, which contributes to dry skin and the appearance of pimples.
6. Milk and dairy products cause inflammation that increases acne
Source: Globo Esporte – G1
Due to the presence of lactose, a protein present in milk and its derivatives, some people may be more sensitive to inflammation caused by the difficulty in digesting this sugar. This, consequently, will generate greater inflammation in the skin and generate an increase in acne in these regions.
Also, many people are not able to digest milk protein at all, suffering from allergies and irritations, being lactose intolerant.
7. Fast foods are foods that contain all the ingredients that cause acne
Processed fast food contains all the ingredients that cause inflammation. Therefore, they are rich in flour, sugars and fats.
However, many people believe the myth that the fats in these foods go straight to the skin’s pores. This information is not proven, but excess of these foods can cause acne.
How to reduce pimples caused by excessive consumption of chocolate and other foods
Despite all the harm of these foods, many of them are beneficial to our health when consumed in moderation. Chocolates, for example, in their semi-sweet and bitter variations, are rich in antioxidants. Therefore, it is important to maintain a balanced and healthy diet to have healthy, acne-free skin.
Chocolate also, when consumed in moderation, renews our energy, improves blood circulation and releases serotonin, known as the “happiness hormone”. Furthermore, this food promotes improved blood circulation and stimulates the central nervous system. The correct thing to do is to avoid the “greasier” types of chocolate, such as in brigadeiros or Easter eggs.
Furthermore, it is extremely important in general to always stay hydrated, both for the health of your skin and the health of your body. Therefore, drinking plenty of water can help reduce sebum production in the skin. The ideal, according to experts, is to drink around 2 liters of water per day for the proper functioning of internal organs.
1. Avoid excessive consumption of chocolates and foods that cause pimples
As we have shown so far, to maintain acne-free skin it is necessary to have a balanced and balanced diet. Therefore, it is important to avoid excess fatty foods, foods rich in flour and refined sugars and all those listed here.
In addition to reducing the production of oil in the skin, a healthy diet also improves your health in all aspects.
2. Replace refined carbohydrates with whole grains
To make these substitutions, start small. Instead of white rice, opt for brown rice. This also applies to traditional and whole grain breads.
Additionally, adding fruits and vegetables to your diet can help reduce the consumption of foods that cause acne. Because they contain natural sugars, fruits and vegetables will make you feel fuller and prevent excessive cravings for sweets and refined sugar.
3. Use dermatological products and sunscreen
To alleviate the effects of excessive consumption of chocolate and other foods that cause pimples, it is necessary to maintain a skin care routine. Therefore, doing the famous skincare is really important to renew the skin’s properties that are lost over time.
Some people think that dermatological products are very expensive, but there are several affordable products on the market to ensure you take care of your skin. Therefore, using products such as moisturizers, toners and masks can help you reduce the number of pimples. Furthermore, using sunscreen daily is essential to keep your skin healthy and blemish-free.
However, to start using dermatological products and begin treatment against acne, the ideal is that you undergo a medical consultation. Several dermatologists are experts in acne and can help you on this skin care journey.
4. Eat more foods rich in omega-3
Consuming foods rich in omega-3 can help you reduce the appearance of acne due to the production of oil. Therefore, foods such as avocado, salmon, nuts and broccoli help reduce bad cholesterol and stimulate good cholesterol. The production of this cholesterol improves blood circulation and helps fight inflammation.
5. Avoid squeezing pimples from your skin
For better effectiveness of treatments and a balanced diet, there is another important factor to be considered. In addition to causing the appearance of blemishes, squeezing pimples is very bad for your skin’s health.
This is because when squeezing pimples, you are hurting the thinnest layers of the skin, which come into direct contact with the bacteria on your hands and nails.
If these bacteria come into contact with the pimples, they can cause increased inflammation and create even greater injuries and pain.
6. Consult a dermatologist
Finally, even with all precautions, having a consultation with a trained professional is fully recommended. Therefore, whenever possible, schedule medical appointments with your trusted dermatologist.
This professional has all the knowledge to take good care of your skin and leave you looking healthier and pimple-free, recommending the correct necessary treatments.
Anyway, did you like this content? If so, find out more about Maskne, what is it? Tips on how to prevent acne caused by masks.
Sources: Tua Saúde, Derma Club, Loja Adcos, Agora MT, La Roche-Posay, Website Claudia, Derma Club
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