Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEvidence That Chocolate Causes AcneFoods That May Trigger AcneOther Reasons for Acne

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Evidence That Chocolate Causes Acne

Foods That May Trigger Acne

Other Reasons for Acne

Whether chocolate causes acne has been studied extensively. Some researchers find no connection. Others who evaluated diets see a link between chocolate and acne, along with other foods likedairy productsandoily foods.Confusing matters further are studies that suggestflavonoids, a naturally occurring substances with antioxidant properties, may actuallyhelpprotect skin cells from certain types of inflammation. Flavonoids are found in dark chocolate.So what’s the truth about chocolate?This article discusses acne and whether or not eating chocolate contributes to your skin problems.Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Blend Images / Getty ImagesThere Is Evidence That Chocolate May Cause AcneFor a while, it seemed there was no research evidence to support a link between cocoa beans, chocolate, and acne. Diet could tend to make acne worse, but it wasn’t the primary cause.So chocolate was not the reason for pimples.However, a 2021 review of 53 recent studies found a relationship between highglycemicindex andglycemic loadfoods and the increased promotion of acne.The glycemic index measures how fast a carbohydrate will spike your blood sugar, while glycemic load is another way to assess this.Chocolate was among these foods, as were dairy products and fatty foods.What the results may suggest is that it’s the way your body processes the carbohydrates and sugar, rather than the chocolate per se, that can lead to acne.High blood sugar andhyperinsulinemia(high insulin levels) also promote the production of insulin-like growth factor 1, which in turn causes changes inhormonesand skin cells that contribute to acne.Foods That Could Be Sabotaging Your Skin HealthFoods That May Trigger AcneChocolate may not be totally off the hook, but it’s not the only acne-related food.Dairy products, for example, are a cause for concern.Consuming these foods may make existing acne worse for some people rather than actually causing it, though, due to the glycemic impacts. Foods to avoid can include:White breadPotato chipsFried potatoesWhite riceDoughnuts or other pastriesHigh-sugar drinksBetter food options for acne can includelow-glycemic foodslike fresh fruits and vegetables.Acne waxes and wanes on its own accord. It’s often impossible to pinpoint a cause. Acne is a complex skin problem, and specific foods may be just one factor.Best Foods for Clear SkinFood Isn’t the Most Likely Culprit for AcneThereal causes of acneare a buildup of dead skin cells within pores, an excess of skin oil (calledsebum), and a proliferation of acne-causing bacteria.Hormones also play a role in acne development. That’s why acne is so common during puberty and can fluctuate withyour period.The predisposition foracne is also hereditary. So if your parents had acne, you probably will too. Other factors include:StressSkin irritation or pressure from clothing, sports helmets, or backpacks.Environmentalirritants, such as pollution or even weatherSkin carehabits (scrubbing too hard or squeezing pimples)If a particular food seems to cause more breakouts for you, avoid eating it. But remember, there may not be a direct link between any specific food and the development of pimples. Keeping your overall diet full of healthy food choices can help.Does Chocolate Really Help With Acne?It may not be chocolate that heals your acne, but dark chocolate does contain flavonoids that some studies suggest may help. Foods with flavonoids that may improve acne include licorice-based flavonoids (which have antibacterial activity) and green tea extract.A number of studies are exploring the benefits of flavonoids for acne but more research is needed.How Much Dark Chocolate Should You Eat to Live Longer?SummaryThere are mixed reviews on whether or not consuming chocolate can cause acne (or even if it helps). But over time, there’s a growing consensus that certain foods high in sugar and carbohydrates may promote acne development. Chocolate may be one of them.While it may not be the source of your acne breakouts, it’s important to consider the role of diet in your overall health. Talk with your dermatologist or other healthcare provider about your skin health and the treatment options, including medication, that can help.An Overview of Acne Treatments and Medications

Whether chocolate causes acne has been studied extensively. Some researchers find no connection. Others who evaluated diets see a link between chocolate and acne, along with other foods likedairy productsandoily foods.

Confusing matters further are studies that suggestflavonoids, a naturally occurring substances with antioxidant properties, may actuallyhelpprotect skin cells from certain types of inflammation. Flavonoids are found in dark chocolate.So what’s the truth about chocolate?

This article discusses acne and whether or not eating chocolate contributes to your skin problems.

Jose Luis Pelaez Inc / Blend Images / Getty Images

Happy woman with piece of chocolate in her mouth

There Is Evidence That Chocolate May Cause Acne

For a while, it seemed there was no research evidence to support a link between cocoa beans, chocolate, and acne. Diet could tend to make acne worse, but it wasn’t the primary cause.So chocolate was not the reason for pimples.

However, a 2021 review of 53 recent studies found a relationship between highglycemicindex andglycemic loadfoods and the increased promotion of acne.The glycemic index measures how fast a carbohydrate will spike your blood sugar, while glycemic load is another way to assess this.

Chocolate was among these foods, as were dairy products and fatty foods.What the results may suggest is that it’s the way your body processes the carbohydrates and sugar, rather than the chocolate per se, that can lead to acne.

High blood sugar andhyperinsulinemia(high insulin levels) also promote the production of insulin-like growth factor 1, which in turn causes changes inhormonesand skin cells that contribute to acne.

Foods That Could Be Sabotaging Your Skin Health

Chocolate may not be totally off the hook, but it’s not the only acne-related food.Dairy products, for example, are a cause for concern.

Consuming these foods may make existing acne worse for some people rather than actually causing it, though, due to the glycemic impacts. Foods to avoid can include:

Better food options for acne can includelow-glycemic foodslike fresh fruits and vegetables.

Acne waxes and wanes on its own accord. It’s often impossible to pinpoint a cause. Acne is a complex skin problem, and specific foods may be just one factor.

Best Foods for Clear Skin

Food Isn’t the Most Likely Culprit for Acne

Thereal causes of acneare a buildup of dead skin cells within pores, an excess of skin oil (calledsebum), and a proliferation of acne-causing bacteria.Hormones also play a role in acne development. That’s why acne is so common during puberty and can fluctuate withyour period.

The predisposition foracne is also hereditary. So if your parents had acne, you probably will too. Other factors include:

If a particular food seems to cause more breakouts for you, avoid eating it. But remember, there may not be a direct link between any specific food and the development of pimples. Keeping your overall diet full of healthy food choices can help.

Does Chocolate Really Help With Acne?It may not be chocolate that heals your acne, but dark chocolate does contain flavonoids that some studies suggest may help. Foods with flavonoids that may improve acne include licorice-based flavonoids (which have antibacterial activity) and green tea extract.A number of studies are exploring the benefits of flavonoids for acne but more research is needed.

Does Chocolate Really Help With Acne?

It may not be chocolate that heals your acne, but dark chocolate does contain flavonoids that some studies suggest may help. Foods with flavonoids that may improve acne include licorice-based flavonoids (which have antibacterial activity) and green tea extract.A number of studies are exploring the benefits of flavonoids for acne but more research is needed.

How Much Dark Chocolate Should You Eat to Live Longer?

Summary

There are mixed reviews on whether or not consuming chocolate can cause acne (or even if it helps). But over time, there’s a growing consensus that certain foods high in sugar and carbohydrates may promote acne development. Chocolate may be one of them.

While it may not be the source of your acne breakouts, it’s important to consider the role of diet in your overall health. Talk with your dermatologist or other healthcare provider about your skin health and the treatment options, including medication, that can help.

An Overview of Acne Treatments and Medications

8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Dabash D, Salahat H, Awawdeh S, Hamadani F, Khraim H, Koni AA, Zyoud SH.Prevalence of acne and its impact on quality of life and practices regarding self-treatment among medical students.Sci Rep. 2024 Feb 22;14(1):4351. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-55094-6.Čižmárová B, Hubková B, Tomečková V, Birková A.Flavonoids as promising natural compounds in the prevention and treatment of selected skin diseases.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 28;24(7):6324. doi:10.3390/ijms24076324National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Acne.Dall’Oglio F, Nasca MR, Fiorentini F, Micali G.Diet and acne: review of the evidence from 2009 to 2020.Int J Dermatol. 2021 Jun;60(6):672-685. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15390.American Academy of Dermatology.The latest on the association between diet and acne.Aghasi M, et al.Dairy intake and acne development: A meta-analysis of observational studies.Clin Nutr.2019 Jun;38(3):1067-1075. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2018.04.015American Academy of Dermatology.Can the right diet get rid of acne?Roy T, Boateng ST, Uddin MB, Banang-Mbeumi S, Yadav RK, Bock CR,et al.The PI3K-Akt-mTOR and Associated Signaling Pathways as Molecular Drivers of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Skin Diseases: Update on Therapeutic Strategy Using Natural and Synthetic Compounds.Cells. 2023 Jun 20;12(12):1671. doi: 10.3390/cells12121671.

8 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Dabash D, Salahat H, Awawdeh S, Hamadani F, Khraim H, Koni AA, Zyoud SH.Prevalence of acne and its impact on quality of life and practices regarding self-treatment among medical students.Sci Rep. 2024 Feb 22;14(1):4351. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-55094-6.Čižmárová B, Hubková B, Tomečková V, Birková A.Flavonoids as promising natural compounds in the prevention and treatment of selected skin diseases.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 28;24(7):6324. doi:10.3390/ijms24076324National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Acne.Dall’Oglio F, Nasca MR, Fiorentini F, Micali G.Diet and acne: review of the evidence from 2009 to 2020.Int J Dermatol. 2021 Jun;60(6):672-685. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15390.American Academy of Dermatology.The latest on the association between diet and acne.Aghasi M, et al.Dairy intake and acne development: A meta-analysis of observational studies.Clin Nutr.2019 Jun;38(3):1067-1075. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2018.04.015American Academy of Dermatology.Can the right diet get rid of acne?Roy T, Boateng ST, Uddin MB, Banang-Mbeumi S, Yadav RK, Bock CR,et al.The PI3K-Akt-mTOR and Associated Signaling Pathways as Molecular Drivers of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Skin Diseases: Update on Therapeutic Strategy Using Natural and Synthetic Compounds.Cells. 2023 Jun 20;12(12):1671. doi: 10.3390/cells12121671.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Dabash D, Salahat H, Awawdeh S, Hamadani F, Khraim H, Koni AA, Zyoud SH.Prevalence of acne and its impact on quality of life and practices regarding self-treatment among medical students.Sci Rep. 2024 Feb 22;14(1):4351. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-55094-6.Čižmárová B, Hubková B, Tomečková V, Birková A.Flavonoids as promising natural compounds in the prevention and treatment of selected skin diseases.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 28;24(7):6324. doi:10.3390/ijms24076324National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Acne.Dall’Oglio F, Nasca MR, Fiorentini F, Micali G.Diet and acne: review of the evidence from 2009 to 2020.Int J Dermatol. 2021 Jun;60(6):672-685. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15390.American Academy of Dermatology.The latest on the association between diet and acne.Aghasi M, et al.Dairy intake and acne development: A meta-analysis of observational studies.Clin Nutr.2019 Jun;38(3):1067-1075. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2018.04.015American Academy of Dermatology.Can the right diet get rid of acne?Roy T, Boateng ST, Uddin MB, Banang-Mbeumi S, Yadav RK, Bock CR,et al.The PI3K-Akt-mTOR and Associated Signaling Pathways as Molecular Drivers of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Skin Diseases: Update on Therapeutic Strategy Using Natural and Synthetic Compounds.Cells. 2023 Jun 20;12(12):1671. doi: 10.3390/cells12121671.

Dabash D, Salahat H, Awawdeh S, Hamadani F, Khraim H, Koni AA, Zyoud SH.Prevalence of acne and its impact on quality of life and practices regarding self-treatment among medical students.Sci Rep. 2024 Feb 22;14(1):4351. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-55094-6.

Čižmárová B, Hubková B, Tomečková V, Birková A.Flavonoids as promising natural compounds in the prevention and treatment of selected skin diseases.Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Mar 28;24(7):6324. doi:10.3390/ijms24076324

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Acne.

Dall’Oglio F, Nasca MR, Fiorentini F, Micali G.Diet and acne: review of the evidence from 2009 to 2020.Int J Dermatol. 2021 Jun;60(6):672-685. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15390.

American Academy of Dermatology.The latest on the association between diet and acne.

Aghasi M, et al.Dairy intake and acne development: A meta-analysis of observational studies.Clin Nutr.2019 Jun;38(3):1067-1075. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2018.04.015

American Academy of Dermatology.Can the right diet get rid of acne?

Roy T, Boateng ST, Uddin MB, Banang-Mbeumi S, Yadav RK, Bock CR,et al.The PI3K-Akt-mTOR and Associated Signaling Pathways as Molecular Drivers of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Skin Diseases: Update on Therapeutic Strategy Using Natural and Synthetic Compounds.Cells. 2023 Jun 20;12(12):1671. doi: 10.3390/cells12121671.

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