Health Facts and Fiction

Fried Foods and Chocolate Cause Acne

How true is the claim? It's not. French fries and candy bars aren't the cause of pimples. If this acne advice came from your mom, she may just have been trying to keep you away from junk food.

Why it gets repeated: It's a case of guilt by association. You tend to indulge in these sorts of treats when you're under stress or during the hormonal surges before your period. Both situations increase the production of sebum, an oily substance that contributes to the overgrowth of bacteria that can lead to pimples. Also, people tend to neglect their usual skin-care regimens during difficult times, which can compound the problem.

Bottom line: You don't have to banish these guilty pleasures, but stick to a well-balanced diet, get enough exercise to reduce stress, and wash twice daily with a mild cleanser to remove bacteria.