There is a persistent rumor that sugar and chocolate cause acne and acne flareups. This may be true occasionally but mostly it is just that, a myth. There are many researchers that are looking at the link between chocolate and sugar and acne.

Maybe it is because it tastes so good, nut chocolate and sugar are always blamed for acne and have been for years. Other foods that are blamed include almost every junk food as well as alcohol and smoking. No foods have been proven to cause acne. But as we have seen many people have a really good diet and still get acne, doesn't seem fair does it?

Overactive oil glands, non clean oily skin, heredity, and hormonal changes are what cause acne. Androgen production is at its highest during the teenage years, which stimulates sebaceous glands to enlarge and make more sebum. Outbreaks of pimples and blackheads can become a traumatic event for young boys and girls.

If however, upon eating something there is an outbreak of zits the next day, it is advisable to stay away from that food for a while. Much research suggests that foods do not cause acne, but it has not been proven as fact. If on eating the same food again after a few days the result is an outbreak, the chances are it is an allergic reaction rather than an outbreak of acne.

In recent studies, scientists have demonstrated the possibility of regulating hormones as a significant reduction element of acne, although this could have negative side effects.

Teenagers are not the only ones with acne. Women who are pregnant or in their 40s can have outbreaks, but by the time a person is 50 it usually has run its course. During the teenage years, boys are more susceptible to stronger breakouts than girls, but when they reach around 40, the women take the lead in numbers of flare-ups.

Chocolate has been blamed for many ailments including acne, tooth decay, obesity, and lacking of food value. It has also been known to have an anti-depressant effect, cause hypertension and even have an aphrodisiac effect.

We know that sugar is basically harmless with your acne problems unless, like everything else, it is over-consumed. Chocolate and sugar has been found not to cause nor aggravate outbreaks of acne. These results are backed up by further research that shows acne in no way is affected by chocolate.