Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

What is NOT a common cause of acne breakouts?

1. Foods high in iodides

2. Stress and hormonal changes

3. Genetics

4. Foods such as chocolate and pizza

The correct answer is: Foods such as chocolate and pizza

The correct choice is based on the understanding of acne triggers and the relative lack of concrete evidence linking certain foods to acne. While there are many factors that can contribute to acne, such as hormonal fluctuations, stress, and genetic predisposition, the idea that specific foods like chocolate and pizza uniformly cause acne is more anecdotal than scientific. Research has shown that while some individuals may notice breakouts after consuming certain foods, these occurrences are not universally applicable across the population. Unlike iodides, which can be present in some foods and have been documented to exacerbate acne in sensitive individuals, or the influence of stress and hormonal changes, which are widely accepted as significant contributors to acne, the connection between diet—specifically chocolate and pizza—and acne is less definitive. This understanding highlights the complexity of acne as a condition that can involve various factors but does not support a blanket categorization of specific foods as direct causes of acne breakouts.