After diamonds, chocolate is surely a girl's best friend. But is our favorite treat (and sugar in general) to blame for our breakouts? We asked two experts, New York-based dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., and wellness expert Frank Lipman, M.D., what chocolate and sugar really do to your skin. Here's what they had to say:
"The causes of acne are complex with clogged pores, excessive oil, and cysts, but acne is fundamentally a result of inflammation," says Dr. Tanzi. "In some individuals, a high-sugar diet increases the overall levels of inflammation in the body, which will cause acne. However, not everyone is affected by a high-sugar diet, which explains why some people claim their acne gets worse when they eat chocolate or sugar and others notice no change."
Dr. Lipman agrees. "Sugar can most definitely cause pimples in some individuals," he says. "Someone with acne-prone skin should follow an anti-inflammatory diet and stay away from gluten, dairy, sugar, and factory-farmed meats. All these foods are pro-inflammatory. In addition, dairy and sugar cause spikes in hormones and insulin levels, which then cause breakouts." But it's not all bad news for pimple-prone chocoholics. "Dark chocolate will probably not contribute to acne," says Dr. Lipman, "so if you’re going to eat chocolate, have a good-quality dark variety."
Image courtesy of pinterest
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Aug 10, 2012
Stephanie G.
This is a year late, and I'm sorry for that. I used to eat chocolate everyday,up until about 23. I broke out all the time, I also ate other sweets,and fried stuff. I broke out with the deep nodule ones, they sucked. I stopped eating chocolate, stopped eating so many sweets, and I dont drink any caffeinated drinks ,my main drink is water, pure uncontaminated with junk water,and lots of it back then, and now. Acne cleared up. I had the occasional break out, generally around that time of the month. I accidentally got a hold of a hint ,let me say that once again, just a hint of chocolate, my son left on the island. It got on my food. I broke out with several nodule bumps around my chin area. Keep in mind, I have not broke out since the chocolate many years before ,and i still eat my little debbies, and homemade goodies,and fried things. After the breakout, and no more chocolate contact, and still eating my sweets, and fried foods, I have no more breakouts.But as soon as I get even the slightest amount of chocolate, BAM,there the little suckers are. Also, my best friend is the exact same way,. She even went on to prove the theory herself,and the exact same thing happens to her,she even eats more sweets than I do, and the only time she breaks out, is if she eats chocolate. So, if you claim its everything else in the chocolate that causes us to break out, then why dont we break out when we eat that stuff in other things? Why does it only happen when we eat chocolate. Try and tell us it is something else, we will just laugh at you. There is no way it is anything else, not possible, not with our lifestyles .Yes, in some folks, chocolate can cause acne, horrible ones. So for you lucky ones who this dont happen to, count your blessings, our bodies change all the time, I hope it dont change to where you cant eat chocolate
Aug 29, 2011
Marie I.
chocolate and french fries i know for sure make me break out. makes me so sad because both make me so happy sometimes! i have them anyway.. i didnt know that gluten and dairy can be inflammatory too :/ hmmm
Aug 28, 2011
Ava S.
That cupcake looks so good.
Aug 28, 2011
Eunice S.
No. In this case, "you are what you eat" doesn't apply. This is a MYTH. Just because you went to Denny's and tried the sampler last night, it doesn't mean that a pimple is making its way to your face over the next three days. I know this because I've had "severe" acne (so traumatized).
The pimples on your face were planned by your body three weeks ago. That's why when you commit to a new skin routine you have to do it over a span of a month - at least - before you can start seeing REAL results. I'm not talking proactiv where your face dries up within the week and suddenly you're wondering why your skin is falling off. Your pores have to adapt to the new environment etc.
What ACTUALLY effects your skin are hormones, excess dirt and oil on your face that will clog your pores and lack of sleep (that's why they call it beauty rest).
k, and if you did have Denny's...some of the oil probably rubbed on your face from your dirty paws. Just sayin'
I'm on clinique now and it's amazing. Does wonders do your skin and now my cheeks feel like a baby's bottom -- and it's just as clear too!
Aug 28, 2011
Veronica T.
NO. Stress, your menstrual cycle, and if you clean your makeup, and certain makeup can break you out.
Aug 28, 2011
Jenny V.
Note to self: no yummies and get acne under control…10-4
Aug 28, 2011
Everist W.
Great article! Im a nutrition major and I learn that chocolate and sugar dosent cause breakout but some people and be sensitive "allergic" to it and experiance breakouts... inflammation. I like how simple the docs explain it!!! :)
Aug 27, 2011
Asha M.
i dont think chocolate is the cause for acne breakouts =\
Aug 27, 2011
ashley h.
thanks beautylish. now i want a cupcake! ):
Aug 28, 2011
Sarah S.
Aug 27, 2011
Shelley W.
Sugar is bad for the skin period so chocolate shouldn't take the full blame. I refuse to give up my Reeses cups but I just make sure to make it a treat and not a meal.