Why Does Chocolate Give You Pimples?

Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatological conditions. It is caused by clogged, inflamed, and infected oil (sebaceous) glands in the skin. When an oil gland gets clogged, the bacteria (which are always present on your skin) start feasting on all of the oil. 

Your body senses this and produces
inflammatory markers to try to fight all of the bacteria. These inflammatory markers attract white blood cells and increases circulation to the infected area. The pimple gets red and inflamed.

How does chocolate and other fatty foods fit into this? 

Chocolate contains a lot of fat. Check the nutrition facts. Raw cocoa is bitter and overall unappetizing. It is mixed with milk, butters, sugar, and/or oils to make it taste better. Dietary oils and fats can be categorized into many categories but two of these are omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 is prevalent in fish and certain oils. It is less prevalent than omega-6.

Omega 6 fatty acids are metabolized in the body into pro-inflammatory markers that increase inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are metabolized into markers that either promote less inflammation or have the opposite effect.

A rational acne treatment would include:

1. Increasing dietary Omega-3 and reducing dietary Omega-6

2. Keeping the skin clean and free of bacteria. The over-the counter products tea tree oil and azelaic acid treatments may help.

3. Reducing oil production by blocking of androgen receptors. Products in this category will probably require a prescription.

source:Nutrition today.