Does chocolate really cause pimples?

Is chocolate really bad for the skin? Is there a type of chocolate that is better for your health? Does it really cause pimples or acne?

Chocolate, in all its forms - black, white, milk, praline or filled - appeals to young and old alike, especially during this Easter period. However, its effects on health and the skin often give rise to confusion and questions.

We help you sort out the fact from the fiction about irresistible chocolate ;)

Is chocolate beneficial for your health?

Cocoa beans are full of antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals, helping to prevent oxidative stress and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. In addition, its richness in polyphenols promotes the metabolism and oxidation of fats.

The flavonoids present in cocoa help lower blood pressure, reduce cardiovascular and stroke risks thanks to their vasodilator effect. It is therefore a superfood for the heart and arteries!

Additionally, these flavonoids improve intellectual and cognitive performance, helping to combat age-related decline, according to studies from Harvard University. Giving your grandparents a box of chocolates could therefore be a good idea.

Chocolate is also known for its morale-boosting effect. Phenylethylamine, nicknamed the "chemical substance of love", present naturally in cocoa, acts as a neurotransmitter promoting the release of endorphins, the hormones of happiness. So, moderate chocolate consumption can improve mood and reduce stress. In addition, the theanine contained in cocoa improves alertness and concentration!

In addition, chocolate contains magnesium, an essential mineral for the regulation of the nervous system. However, the magnesium contained in cocoa is poorly assimilated, not covering the daily needs on its own.

For athletes, cocoa is also beneficial because it reduces cortisol levels, responsible for muscle cramps and declines in performance, while reducing oxygen consumption.

Choosing between dark, white, or milk chocolate can depend on a variety of factors, including your personal preferences and health goals. However, in general, dark chocolate is considered the better health choice due to its higher cocoa content and potential health benefits.

Does chocolate cause pimples?

Good news: cocoa itself does not cause pimples. However, some other ingredients it contains can... Milk, sugar, saturated fatty acids, as well as preservatives and additives, can overload the liver, especially during the holidays.

If you already suffer from skin inflammations such as acne, eczema, or rashes, the sugar in chocolate may make these pre-existing symptoms worse. So you might have to choose between the log and the chocolates ;)

To quickly combat imperfections, Nohèm has created a 100% natural targeted treatment against imperfections . Thanks to its ingredients: green clay, tea tree and crajiru. This little treatment prevents, corrects and helps heal all the little pimples. Find out quickly!

Does consuming sugar make blemishes worse?

Indeed, rapidly absorbed sugars can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, thus inducing insulin secretion by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. This insulin secretion also leads to overproduction of sebum, which makes the skin more oily, prone to shine and blemishes.

Additionally, sugar promotes glycation, a process resulting from the interaction between a sugar molecule and a protein. This chemical reaction makes the attachment of collagen and elastin more rigid, thus accelerating skin aging, and making the skin less supple and more marked.

Many other foods contain sugar, such as white bread, wheat pasta, white rice, or even potatoes... However, it all depends on the quality and quantity consumed.

After the festive periods, it is time to make good resolutions: reduce your consumption of refined sugar and compensate with vegetables and legumes for their nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Their fibers help to naturally regulate blood sugar levels, thus contributing to the regulation of sebum secretion.

Can drinking milk promote the appearance of pimples?

The milk found in chocolate can also aggravate skin problems. Indeed, dairy products can influence the production of sebum, making it denser. Additionally, the omega-6s found in milk chocolate can disrupt the omega-3 balance, triggering an inflammatory cascade.

What type of chocolate should you choose to preserve beautiful skin?

1. Dark chocolate : It contains a higher concentration of cocoa, which means it also contains more flavonoids, plant compounds that benefit your health. Flavonoids have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and studies suggest they may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health and brain function.

2. Milk chocolate : This type of chocolate contains milk in addition to cocoa, as well as added sugar. It tends to have a lower cocoa content than dark chocolate. Therefore, it contains fewer flavonoids and may be higher in sugar and fat.

3. White chocolate : Unlike dark chocolate and milk chocolate, white chocolate does not contain cocoa solids. It is made from cocoa butter, sugar and milk, but it does not contain the beneficial compounds found in cocoa. Nutritionally, it is often considered the least healthy of the three due to its high sugar and fat content.

To benefit from the exceptional health benefits of cocoa, opt for dark chocolate containing at least 70% cocoa , and little fat and added sugar. The recommended amount is two squares of dark chocolate per day, a far cry from the bar that we often tend to devour in front of the television!

Chocolate is good for our health and has the power to cheer us up and brighten our days. But it is important not to overdo it and to remain aware of the possible effects on our skin.

The main thing is to find a balance, and enjoy each piece of chocolate in moderation and consciously, as part of a varied and balanced diet. And if a few pimples nevertheless appear, the Ayurvedic range from Nohèm will help you fight against these imperfections :)

Happy Holidays !