Does chocolate give you zits?

“Does chocolate give you zits?” is a question I often get asked. It’s no secret that skin health can be directly affected by our diet. I often talk about the links between acidic foods and eczema flare-ups for instance. So, it stands to reason that chocolate might not be the best thing for our complexions. 

However it’s not necessarily so simple…

Does chocolate give you blemishes? 

The answer is yes and no. The key is the quality of chocolate. The cacao beans themselves are not the culprit, but the other ingredients used in its production – namely low-grade animal fats and large quantities of refined sugar.

Sugar – of the white, processed crystalline variety – is the biggest cause of spots. Eating too much of it suppresses the immune system by causing the pancreas to secrete excessive quantities of insulin to break it down.

Insulin remains in circulation in the bloodstream for a long time afterwards and is thought to upset our mineral and hormonal balance. Hormones increase sebum production, which can clog the pores and cause pimples to erupt.

Why do some people get zits more than others?

Well, firstly your genes have a lot to do with it. Some people are just blessed with flawless skin. However, the strength of your liver function is thought to be a major contributor to perfect skin. 

Your liver clears excess hormones from your system. So a strong liver will do a better job of this than others, meaning less hormonal imbalance. A liver weakened by poor diet and high alcohol consumption will lead to more unsightly zits and congested skin.

What’s the best chocolate to eat? 

In its purest form, dark chocolate has the highest cacao content. Studies have shown that when eaten in moderation, it can help to promote cardiac health. It also increases our serotonin levels — the brain chemical that makes us feel happy. 

How you eat your chocolate can also have an impact. Eating in small portions as opposed to binge eating is much better for your body. Dramatic increases in our sugar levels cause the body to produce more insulin, which in turn causes more sebum to be produced.

Moderating your sugar intake prevents these sudden spikes, and though chocolate may still result in a little extra sebum, the skin is more likely to be able to adjust to it without breaking out.

Looking after blemish-prone skin

If you’re prone to breakouts, make sure to adapt your skincare regimen accordingly.

Double cleansing is the cornerstone of any good regimen. Remove make-up and SPF using our Light Work™  Rosehip Cleansing Oil – yes, even if you have oily skin. Then use our gently exfoliating PHA cleanser, Phaze™, to clarify and rebalance.  

Apply a blemish serum such as All Becomes Clear. Our natural Zinc-based formula gently alleviates redness, inflammation and bacteria without drying the spot or causing irritation.

Or for an overnight treatment, try Carbon Star. Our detoxifying overnight oil is ideal for acne-prone skin – it contains Vegetable Charcoal to gently buff away impurities, while anti-bacterial Black Cumin Seed Oil helps keep blemishes away.

Finish by hydrating skin with a rebalancing day cream, such as The Pioneer. Thistle Oil helps to mattify skin and reduce the appearance of large pores, and the lightweight formula won't clog oily skin types.

During the day, don’t forget sun cream. Ours is a natural sunscreen (sadly not available in the US) and suitable for all skin types - made with mineral filters which are particularly suited to oily and blemish-prone skin. 

Shop our rebalancing range for congested skin here