For years, there’s been a common belief that chocolate and other sweets can wreak havoc on your skin, leading to acne and other issues.

Is there any truth to this? Well, not entirely. Junk food, in general, isn’t great for your health, and that includes your skin. However, when it comes to chocolate, the story is a bit more nuanced, which is good news for those eyeing a chocolate bunny this Easter without worrying about their skin.

According to experts, certain types of chocolate can actually benefit the skin due to their antioxidant properties.

“Chocolate has a dual nature; it can cause problems but also offer solutions,” says a dermatologist in Chicago. “The key question is how much of these benefits we’re really getting compared to the negative effects.”

So, is chocolate good for your skin?

Well, it depends on the type. The type of chocolate matters when considering its impact on your skin. Milk chocolate, which is high in sugar and dairy, is more likely to cause harm than help.

On the flip side, dark chocolate can be beneficial, especially if it contains a high concentration of cacao beans. Brands often indicate the percentage of cacao in their dark chocolate on the packaging.

A dermatologist in New York explains that dark chocolate with a high cacao content contains flavonoids, compounds also found in many fruits and vegetables. These flavonoids act as antioxidants, protecting the skin from sun damage and free radicals.

Is dark chocolate healthy or white?

Yes, and it offers more health benefits than you might think.

But that’s not all dark chocolate can do. A beauty director of a skincare company notes that high-cacao chocolate can improve circulation, enhancing skin appearance. The dermatologist adds that it can also help maintain skin hydration and combat signs of aging.

“The combination of antioxidants and flavanols in dark chocolate has shown evidence of increasing skin hydration and providing anti-aging benefits,” the dermatologist says. “Some studies even suggest it has anti-acne properties, though this doesn’t apply to milk chocolate.”

So, does this mean you should incorporate dark chocolate into your skincare routine? Not necessarily. But if you’re craving something sweet and want to minimize the risk of skin damage, dark chocolate is likely your best bet.

“The bottom line is, if you have a sweet tooth and enjoy chocolate, you’ll benefit from consuming pure cacao,” the dermatologist advises. “However, consuming milk chocolate or varieties high in dairy or sugar isn’t ideal.”

What about white chocolate? And is it really chocolate at all?

The truth about diet and skin health

The connection between diet and skin health is complex and continues to be studied.

While not all skin issues can be attributed to diet, dermatologists emphasize the importance of considering overall health and lifestyle, including diet, when evaluating skin problems.

It’s crucial to recognize that everyone’s body is different, and various foods may affect people’s skin differently, particularly in the case of acne.

“Acne is highly individual,” the dermatologist explains. “Certain foods, like dairy or chocolate, can trigger acne breakouts in some individuals.”

If you’ve tried conventional acne treatments without success, it may be worth examining your diet to see if a particular food is contributing to the issue.

“Identifying whether your diet is a factor in your acne isn’t always straightforward,” the dermatologist says. “But if you’re struggling with severe inflammatory or cystic acne despite treatment, it’s worth investigating your diet as well.”