Does eating chocolate cause pimples?

The question on everyone's lips is will nibbling on this tasty treat cause you to breakout? Chocolate has been known to cause pimples and acne, after all. But has this actually been proven? Let’s find out whether this tale is truth – or simply just another beauty myth…
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3 COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT PIMPLES AND CHOCOLATE
#1. Does eating chocolate actually cause pimples?
No, it does not. Despite being implicated for decades, there is little evidence to suggest chocolate will cause pimples says Suzie Hoitink, founder of Clear Complexions Clinics, NSW. Looks like chocolate can finally clear its name, as it’s not solely responsible for your blemishes. Phew!
#2. Does chocolate contain ingredients that could potentially cause pimples?
“Acne is not caused by one specific food, although it has been linked to a high-sugar and high-fat content in the diet,” explains Suzie. “A diet high in sugar can increase sebum (oil) production and cause increased inflammatory responses.” This means indulging in any high-fat and high-sugar food can increase your chances of breaking out, not just chocolate. “The high dairy and sugar content of milk or white chocolate can also trigger hormonal chances, leading to inflammation in acne-prone individuals.”
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#3. What chocolate is best for those with acne-prone skin?
If you wish to avoid possible pimples by keeping your sugar and fat intake low, always eat dark chocolate when a craving hits. 70 per cent cacao dark chocolate has a high cocoa content, and contains flavenols (antioxidants) that protect your cells from free radicals, while also providing cardiovascular benefits, says Suzie. Cocoa has also been proven to hydrate the skin, leaving it firmer and more supple. Great news, huh?
Have you always believed that chocolate causes pimples? Will you be eating lots of chocolate this Easter? What are your favourites?
170 Member Comments
Ok...so everyone is individual but the thing that chocolate gives you pimples is for my brother and I (who both have oily skin, olive complexions) is partly true!
I know this is true because a few years ago my brother was vegging-out on big slabs of chocolate he got for Easter and he got several BIG (think huge!) pimples...I sussed it was the chocolate and made him stop eating it and then it stopped completely.
And it has stopped since then...I don't eat much chocolate but do get pimples when I rich food (buttery sauces, french cheeses, rich chocolates and puddings) and can always tell that this food affects my skin...so be warned! I do try to have tea or water to flush my system out too when I do eat some.
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I don't eat much chocolate at all. Just sometimes when I'm out with my friends.
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It could be the dairy in chocolate that makes people breakout
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Eating anything to excess will likely throw your system out.
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Exactly, but it's hard to stop at a little chocolate for me.
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Pimples just pop up any old time
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I just finished my 1 liter jug of warm cacao/nut/seed mylk frappuccino. Yummo =D
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Oh, gosh....when this mag goss myth will come out of fahsion. It is not sugar (aka carbs) that cause issues at all (health and otherwise), it is high animal protein and high fat diets . Please science come forward and beat these goss myths =/
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My diet is reasonably good, and yes I love chocolate, so my skin must be hormonal
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It might if too much is eaten or there are allergies
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I always thought it was chocolate but over recent years I've notice it has nothing to do with that. Having that can cause a number of things but not chocolate. I love my Cherry Ripes mmm....... Delicious.
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Not a chocolate fan... But good to know... Ha ha!!!
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Im sure even if it was thought that it did there is no way woman would have stopped eating it.
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Poor chocolate, being blamed for something that they're not at fault for!
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An interesting article; I will be eating more dark chocolate.
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I always crave chocolate and cheese around my period but I try to be good the rest of the time.
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I have never noticed any correlation between eating chocolate and pimples. And even when I had pimples I couldn't give up chocolate, as it is my only addiction. I don't smoke so at least I can indulge in a bit of cocoa bliss.
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I went on meds so I know my breakouts weren't a food issue. I can't live life depriving myself of certain foods in the hopes the deprivation will stop pimples.
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I never really link food to pimple. My pimples are random, despite what I eat. Water though, I found, helps my skin to stay plumped and clear!
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I think it still contributes, it's so high in sugar and sugar contributes to pimples and acne!
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Luckily, I'm past the age of caring whether chocolate causes pimples but "No", I've never believed that eating it makes one break out in pimples. Anyway, chocolate was never something that I've craved. I can't say the same for "Coke". Sometimes, not often, I would crave a can of Coke. LOL !!!
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Mmmm.......chocolate! I love chocolate and it loves every fat cell that I own but I have never believed the pimple theory.
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HAHAHA and here I am sitting with Meiji Japanese chocolate. I think I prefer Cadbury. I definitely know from my own research that chocolate doesn't cause pimples. But dairy does for me.
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i only eat dark chocolate. good quality!! 75%
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I need to stock up on the dark chocolate big time!
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