Chocolate is one of those foods that is almost universally loved but it has long been associated with acne and many acne sufferers avoid it as a result. Below I’ll reveal the truth about why most chocolate causes breakouts and a way for you to consume chocolate without aggravating your skin.

The Benefits of Chocolate

Chocolate should in theory be good for the skin, as it is made from cacao (or at least high-quality chocolate is). Cacao is a bean that is high in fiber and antioxidants - both of which help promote healthy skin. Studies show dark chocolate with a high cacao percentage, also helps reduce stress, and stress is a major acne trigger. But before you go bingeing on chocolate, listen-up - 90% of the chocolate on the market today contains very little skin-supporting cacao, fiber, and antioxidants and plenty of ingredients that are terrible for the skin.

Skin Sabotaging Ingredients

Most commercially available chocolate treats contain the following skin sabotaging ingredients. 

Fat 

The majority of popular chocolate treats contain artificial fats, vegetable oils, and cholesterol from eggs and these fats clump up the red blood cells and wreak havoc on your skin. Although the higher quality chocolate bars contain natural fat from cocoa butter, which isn't as harmful to your overall health, it is still problematic for your skin. Consuming too much fat, regardless of the source causes an overproduction of androgens and sebum. Sebum clogs the pores and causes oily skin - both of which worsen acne.

Sugar 

What really makes chocolate problematic for acne sufferers, is the sugar that most commercially available chocolate products are loaded with. Sugar is a highly inflammatory ingredient that causes oxidative stress in your body and the breakdown of collagen, a protein that is required for skin health. Perhaps worse of all, sugar leads to blood sugar imbalances, and the hormones that come along with these imbalances stimulate oil production and clog the pores. 

Dairy 

The dairy that is found in most chocolate treats worsens acne in three ways. Firstly it increases inflammation in the body leading to red and swollen lesions. Secondly, it is loaded with harmful estrogens which are a major culprit of hormonal acne. And thirdly, the excess estrogens in dairy burden your liver, which is your major detoxification organ. When your liver becomes overwhelmed and can't keep up, toxins are eliminated through the skin - which can worsen acne and lead to a wide array of other inflammatory skin disorders. 

Artificial Ingredients

Many chocolate products and especially the cheaper ones, also contain industrial man-made fructose, artificial sweeteners, and chemical preservatives - which further increase inflammation and your toxic load. 

How to Eat Chocolate And Not Breakout

If you’re prone to breakouts it’s best to avoid milk chocolate and cheap chocolates which are typically loaded with dairy, sugar, and artificial ingredients. Instead, look for dark chocolate with at least 80% cacao; that is free of dairy and sweetened with stevia or natural fruit. This type of chocolate will contain beneficial antioxidants and is unlikely to trigger acne when consumed in moderation. Check the ingredients label as well, the fewer ingredients the more natural and less harmful it is likely to be. 

Treating the Underlying Cause

If you suffer from acne it may sometimes seem like you’re walking on eggshells and one dietary or topical infraction can lead to serious skin ramifications. You shouldn't have to live like that, and once you address the root cause of your acne, you will be set free from the prison. 

Most acne is caused by either hormonal imbalances, a weakened liver, or a combination of both. The Annihilate Acne Pack contains 3 clinical strength nutraceutical supplements that abolish acne from the inside-out. When taken together, they balance out estrogen, testosterone, and DHT, which are the three hormones most responsible for acne. The Acne Pack also contains Liv-D-Tox, which supports the liver in regeneration, so that it can do its job of detoxification and your skin no longer has to. The result? Clear, healthy skin for life and guilt-free chocolate indulgences!