Does Chocolate Really Cause Acne?

'"Chocolate per se will not make you break out," says Dr. Shamban, lead dermatologist at Los Angeles School of Dermatology. "In fact, there is little evidence that chocolate or any specific fatty foods will cause acne, but we do know that a high-sugar/high-fat diet can increase sebum production and promote inflammatory responses in the body, which can lead to acne."'

Shamban again disproves the chocolatey myth by explaining potential benefits to the skin from the consumption of dark chocolate.  According to Shamban, dark chocolate contains high amounts of two flavonoids, catechin, and procyanidin, which are chemicals that act as antioxidants within the body. Antioxidants protect the body's cells against free radicals such as sebum production (skin oil), and other inflammatory and infecting agents. 

Perhaps this chocolate myth originated from human behavior under stress.  High stress behavior increases hormonal response and typically increases sebum production.  When under stress, most humans indulge, perhaps over-indulge in high fat foods, such as chocolate.  Perhaps we misinterpret the effects of stress for the effects of chocolate.


Reference:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/05/does-chocolate-cause-acne_n_1566076.html