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Acne is caused by milk? Chocolate? There are so many misconceptions about acne and diet. It is caused by a variety of factors- hormone imbalance, stress, oil build up, pollution, and more. What we eat also plays a huge role in our skin health. After all, what we eat shows up on our skin. Here are 5 food and acne related myths. Are they true or not, let’s find out. 

Myth 1: Dairy Products cause acne 

People believe that consuming dairy products can cause acne. This is not entirely true. It can be caused by the protein content in dairy products and not the fat content. Some people may develop a breakout from skimmed milk. Skimmed milk is non-fat milk in which all the fats are removed. What remains is the protein blend. 

Skim milk has certain ingredients that can raise your insulin levels and stimulate the production of certain hormones. This may produce more sebum (oil) in the skin and one can experience acne. If you notice bumps on your face, try cutting cheese, yogurt, and milk to see if it works. 

Myth 2: Gluten causes acne 

Gluten is found in wheat, barley, pasta, breads, and baked food. Gluten has derived its name from its glue-like texture. It is elastic in nature that holds the ingredients together. 

Studies say that gluten has nothing to do with acne. However, it can lead to other skin conditions like eczema, chronic hives, alopecia areata, dermatitis, and psoriasis. If you experience these extreme conditions, go to a doctor immediately. 

Myth 3: Greasy food causes acne 

One of the most common foods and acne myths is that oily foods can lead to acne. Nope. It’s just a myth. The fats in our foods don’t directly impact the amount of sebum or oil produced in our skin. The sebum is triggered by so many other reasons than the fried items.

However, touching your face with oily hands can give rise to breakout. Moreover, it is advised to avoid junk and greasy food for so many reasons. Indulgence of fruits, vegetables, and antioxidant rich food can lower pimples and give a youthful glow. 

Myth 4: Chocolate causes acne 

There are some claims over the Internet that chocolates too can cause acne. It is all made-up. Besides being tasty, chocolates have several health benefits. Dark chocolate, especially, can help to lose weight. It is full of antioxidants that improve blood flow and lower acne. Milk chocolate does not provide such benefits. 

Myth 5: Alcohol causes acne 

Alcohol can not directly cause acne but it still can develop breakouts. As per research, alcohol (also known as hepatotoxin) can impact the cells’ power to detoxify your body. Our liver filters the toxins from our bodies. Alcohol directly impacts its functioning. If the liver can not release the toxins, they will come up through our skin. 

It also influences certain hormones and their imbalance also leads to acne. Alcohol can disturb our gut health. Gut and skin are linked closely. Too much liquor can cause inflammation that can show up on your skin.