Easter falls in April this year, and the shops have long been stacked with chocolate eggs, using brightly coloured packaging to catch your eye and entice you.
It’s easy to give in to temptation, especially during a celebration such as this when giving (and eating) chocolate eggs has been a long tradition – and don’t we all deserve a treat now and then?.
Something else that’s also been long-standing is the perception that chocolate is bad for the skin. So, at a time when many people are sure to be participating in the tradition of consuming a chocolate egg, Face Medical wants to explore whether this is true or false.
Many people often make the connection with a breakout of spots occurring shortly after having eaten chocolate. It’s true that our diet does influence the health and condition of the body, including the skin. A balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables can contribute to the fitness and functioning of the body, which can also help to maintain great looking skin that functions well. We are all aware that when foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat are regularly consumed, it impacts the overall health of the body, which can often be seen in our personal fitness levels, the size and shape of the body, and the appearance of the skin.
As we are focusing on chocolate in this blog, let’s concentrate on sugar and dietary fat. Research shows that sugar, in particular, can increase the production of sebum. Increased levels of sebum make the skin oily, which can clog the pores and mix with bacteria to cause inflammation and the formation of pus. It is these elements that lead to the development of blackheads and spots, a key symptom of acne.
Health experts would always recommend consuming dietary fat in moderation for the sake of our bodies health and fitness. White chocolate and milk chocolate contain higher levels of dietary fat than dark chocolate, which also has a lower sugar content.
In conclusion: a healthy mind and body, and clear / glowing skin, is more likely if we make healthier choices in our diet. We all want to live happier lives and this occasionally means being a little indulgent. Moderation is key and enjoying chocolate now and then won’t have too big an impact. But if you are conscious of the effect chocolate may have on your skin this Easter, why not opt for dark chocolate. It’s lower in sugar and dietary fat, and is higher in cocoa – which contains antioxidants.