You may have heard that indulging in chocolate, candy, and other junk foods can cause pimples. But is there any truth to that?

According to Jennifer Lucas, MD, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic, there’s some evidence linking diet and skin health.

“We know eating foods that spike your glucose, or blood sugar, can make you more likely to get a pimple. This includes things like sugary candy and drinks, as well as white pasta and rice,” Dr. Lucas explained.

Dr. Lucas further elaborates that sugary and processed foods can lead to inflammation in the body, which may then cause oily skin and breakouts.

However, she emphasizes that a particular food, like chocolate, cannot be solely blamed for pimples. Instead, an overall unhealthy diet can make some people more prone to breakouts.

Genetics also play a significant role, meaning some individuals might not experience skin issues after consuming certain foods.

If you notice that junk food tends to make you break out, maintaining a healthy diet could help clear your skin.

Besides diet, other factors impact your skin health as well.

“When it comes to figuring out what’s causing your pimple, it’s usually multiple things on top of your diet, like your age, hormones, stress, as well as the products you’re using on your skin that are thick and occlusive,” Dr. Lucas noted.

If you’re struggling with acne, Dr. Lucas recommends consulting a dermatologist. A professional can help you identify the various factors contributing to your skin issues and develop a tailored treatment plan.