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    Can certain foods really cause pimples?

    Updated:22 Dec 2016 10:56 AM | Posted by
    bh's Rosemary Taber's picture
    bh's Rosemary Taber
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    So you’ve heard the rumours that chocolate and all your favourite greasy eats cause pimples, but are these claims actually true? And should you really have to choose between having amazing skin and tucking into a Tim Tam? Seriously, what’s a girl to do?!

    We spoke to the experts to set the record straight, and I’m afraid you’re not going to like with what they said…
     

    So, can chocolate and hot chips really cause pimples?

    Sorry to break it to you, but yes, chocolate and hot chips can cause pimples. “Foods with a high glycemic index such as white bread and potatoes can cause a flare of acne by affecting the levels of growth and sex hormones,” says Dr Li-Chuen Wong, Consultant Dermatologist, Sydney Skin Newtown who works with Aveeno.

    “Acne-prone people should avoid chocolate as it can be a trigger. Some of the ingredients in pure chocolate that might exacerbate acne are caffeine and theobromine, which are known to clog pores,” adds Emma Hobson, Education Manager International Dermal Institute, Australia, Asia and New Zealand.
     

    What other foods cause pimples?

    Basically, those carb-filled delights like pasta, pizza, biscuits and cakes are loaded with ingredients that can trigger breakouts. “Each of these foods has a high glycemic index that will quickly increase your blood sugar level. This leads to a quick release of insulin, which then causes a cascade of hormones to release (including testosterone), leading to a flare-up of acne,” explains Dr Wong.
     

    Do I have to give up these indulgences if I want clear skin?

    No, the key to keeping your breakouts in check is by eating these foods in moderation. Avoid a carb- and sugar-laden blowout by making sure you eat five small meals every couple of hours, and try to think of pimple-causing foods as ‘sometimes’ foods.
     

    Should I change my skin care routine to prevent pimples?

    To ward off breakouts, arm yourself with the best pimple-fighting products. Get your mitts on a deep cleaning cleanser such as the Ella Baché Gel Pureté Démaquillant, apply a spot treatment like the Dermalogica MediBac Concealing Spot Treatment to breakouts, and finish with an oil-free moisturiser like the Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturiser SPF15.

    Did you know these foods cause breakouts? Will you be changing your diet or skin care routine now that you do?

     

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    80 Member Comments

    Shop A Everyday 2 Feb 2018 11:30 PM

    My skin breaks out yes, but I can never link it to particular foods

    Shop A Everyday 4 Jan 2018 8:24 PM

    For me its all about hormones and reactions to products

    skincare junkie 22 Mar 2017 7:41 AM

    Where's the scientific data?

    A colleague of mine had been avoiding certain food, seeing herbalist etc. to try to clear up her acne without sucess. I changed her skincare regime and she is already looking so much better after 8 weeks.

    itslinda 6 Apr 2016 8:37 AM

    :)

    itslinda 6 Apr 2016 8:36 AM

    Great article!

    Yohanna 12 Nov 2015 3:13 PM

    Cacao does this to me. Since I eat very clean diet (no diary, flesh, eggs), wholefoods, when having cacao several days I do break out!

    sporty_ytl 3 Oct 2015 6:39 PM

    Wow! This is new, I have no idea that chocolate causes pimples.

    samangela2 17 Sep 2015 7:00 PM

    I do notice when I over eat certain dairy products and chocolate I have minor breakouts. But most important thing to maintain clear skin is to overall lead a healthy lifestyle, by eating well and exercising.

    Shop A Everyday 31 Aug 2015 3:41 PM

    Love moderation, it means no deprivation

    Jill261 30 Aug 2015 10:27 AM

    I get a breakout on my nose when I eat too much chocolate. I'm fine with a small amount but if I eat it everyday my poor nose suffers. I'm sure it affects my hormones as well.

    cwingy83 27 Aug 2015 2:17 PM

    have a big breakout recently and can't find the cause of it. after reading this articles -- i suspect it's chocolates it's the main cause of it as i consume quite a lot recently.

    Makeup Maven 25 Aug 2015 6:20 PM

    My acne is hormonal and very strongly linked to my cycle. Eating or not eating these foods doesn't seem to make a difference to my skin. I know that some people have a terrible time with acne and certain foods. My brother had to back right off the milk to clear up the cystic acne he had on his back.

    maggieball 25 Aug 2015 11:23 AM

    This is a very good point. Chocolate in moderation is actually not bad for you. I get a migraine if I eat too much though, and spots too.

    Petal 1 Jun 2015 5:04 AM

    I now only get a few pimples if I use a new skin care product that my face doesn't like. However, I did have pimples in my late twenties for about a year. I ended up seeing a naturopath and that helped sort it out.

    bmill229 2 May 2015 3:12 PM

    Does this mean that I have cut down with my white food.

    Sydneyswans910 11 Mar 2015 4:15 AM

    Jealous of all the girls here saying they don't have acne prone skin! I agree with the comments saying that genetics and hormones plays a massive part - luckily my skin isn't as bad as it used to be, I found chocolate could sometimes be a trigger.

    Shop A Everyday 7 Mar 2015 4:24 AM

    Oh I do love a good donut lol, but only a treat. I think my pimples are hormaonal

    ren812 6 Mar 2015 2:36 AM

    Very interesting article

    banka87 4 Mar 2015 12:32 PM

    I find oily food worse for pimples that chocolate and carbs

    Queen_Heidi_15 3 Mar 2015 12:41 PM

    all in moderation!

    Ajax 3 Mar 2015 5:04 AM

    I saw a naturopath about my long term (15 years!) acne just yesterday. He said mine is due to hormonal imbalance but also told me about healthy eating (which I'm really good at it seems) and gave me a list of food to avoid. Chocolate and anything sugary is on the list, but also things you might not think of like nightshade veggies. Potato, tomato, chili, capsicum etc are all known to be high inflammatory. Or, some people may just have a slight allergy/intolerance to a particular food, like nuts or eggs or even beans. Best to get yourself tested or seek medical advice if you believe food is the cause of your acne.

    Jlgaddes 2 Mar 2015 11:13 PM

    thankfully I am not prone to breakouts

    clearcrystalwater 2 Mar 2015 11:03 PM

    I suspected there was the link between some foods and hormone changes which then exacerbated breakouts. Great to read some facts!

    AS 2 Mar 2015 10:34 AM

    Chocolate precipitates cold sores, because it contains tyramine.. so in fact not "break outs" of pimples, but HSV. How many times do I see people saying "I can eat chocolate, no problem", & they have an almighty cluster of HSV1 glaring back at me.. ugh!!!!! Lay off the smoked foods and salt also!

    Jenniqua 2 Mar 2015 4:16 AM

    There are no surprises here for me.

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