Halloween is over. The costumes are put away. And somehow, there is still chocolate hiding in every corner of the house. So is that leftover candy about to wreak havoc on everyone’s skin—or have we been blaming chocolate for something much more complicated?
As a mom of five, I’ve reached an especially entertaining stage of parenting: one child is now 10 and getting closer to the world of puberty and skincare questions, while I’m still juggling three little ones. Apparently, this is the point in life when I get to think about both diaper rash and teenage breakouts. 🤣
I wanted answers beyond the old “chocolate gives you pimples” warning, so I sent questions to Dr. Joel Spitz, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder and chief medical officer of Honeydew. We talked about cocoa, sugar, research, and the difference between noticing a pattern and blaming a handful of Halloween candy.
Below are selected excerpts from Dr. Spitz’s written responses, along with additional research context from In My Mom Era. The evidence is still evolving, and the research notes are separate from his quoted remarks.
Does chocolate actually cause acne?
In My Mom Era: Chocolate has been blamed for breakouts for generations. What does the research actually tell us—and what remains uncertain?
The chocolate-acne debate has a longer scientific history than most people realize. Researchers have been studying this question since the 1960s, and the results have gone back and forth — largely because early studies did not distinguish between cocoa and the sugar, dairy, and fat that make up commercial chocolate.
Dr. Joel Spitz
That distinction matters. A candy bar is not the same thing as pure cocoa, and one study of one kind of chocolate doesn’t settle questions about every kind. The American Academy of Dermatology says diet may play a role for some people, but effective acne care usually requires more than changing what you eat.
What about dark chocolate versus milk or white chocolate?
In My Mom Era: How can researchers distinguish cocoa itself from sugar and dairy—and do different kinds of chocolate affect acne differently?
Some studies suggest cocoa itself may have a modest effect on breakouts, while others point to sugar and dairy as the real drivers.
Dr. Joel Spitz
The science here is more interesting—and less settled—than the popular “just eat dark chocolate” advice. A 2014 cocoa study enrolled 14 adult men with a history of acne, with 13 completing the short study. The researchers saw an increase in lesions following cocoa exposure. A separate 2016 study followed 25 acne-prone men eating 25 grams of 99% dark chocolate daily for four weeks and also reported worsened acne.
Those small studies do not tell us how every person—or every child—will react, and they do not prove that dark chocolate is safer for acne than milk or white chocolate. For that reason, I’m not comfortable turning cocoa percentage into a promise about clear skin.
Is the bigger issue sugar and other sweet treats?
In My Mom Era: How does evidence about chocolate compare with other sweets and high-glycemic foods?
Dr. Spitz pointed to the way blood-sugar and insulin-related pathways may influence acne, rather than treating cocoa as the only ingredient worth considering. Research on high-glycemic diets has found possible links to acne; the evidence around dairy is more mixed. A 2022 systematic review and the American Academy of Dermatology’s acne guidelines both underline that diet is only one part of a complicated picture.
And the Halloween question deserves its own reality check: studies about longer-term eating patterns do not establish that enjoying extra candy for a day or two will cause a breakout.
If a breakout shows up after candy, is that proof?
In My Mom Era: How can someone investigate a suspected food trigger without confusing coincidence with cause?
Everyone’s skin responds differently to dietary triggers.
Dr. Joel Spitz
Dr. Spitz suggested keeping a record of breakouts and considering other factors, such as stress, sleep, skincare products, and the rest of the diet, before drawing conclusions. He also described an elimination-and-reintroduction approach for people who suspect a particular food is a trigger.
A note for parents: That does not mean a child needs to give up chocolate—or entire food groups—because of a few pimples. Food restrictions can carry their own downsides, especially for growing kids. If acne is persistent or you’re considering significant dietary changes for your child, speak with their pediatrician or a dermatologist first.
What else contributes to acne?
In My Mom Era: What other factors should families consider when breakouts appear, and when should they seek professional care?
It is easy to blame food for breakouts, especially when acne feels unpredictable and frustrating. But for most people with persistent acne, chocolate — or any single food — is not the primary cause. Acne is a complex condition driven by multiple factors working together.
Dr. Joel Spitz
Among the factors Dr. Spitz discussed were genetics, hormonal changes, the activity of bacteria associated with acne, and skincare or lifestyle influences. In other words, a skin concern may need an actual skincare or treatment plan—not a punishment involving the candy bowl.
If breakouts are painful, leave marks or scars, cause distress, or continue despite basic care, it’s worth asking a healthcare professional about appropriate options.
So can families enjoy their leftover Halloween candy?
In My Mom Era: What is the one message you’d leave families who are worried about acne and still want to enjoy their favorite treats?
You should not have to choose between enjoying the foods you love and having clear skin. With the right treatment and a few smart dietary choices, you can have both.
Dr. Joel Spitz
And I think that’s the part I want to remember when I look at our leftover Halloween candy. A few treats are not a moral failing, and a breakout is not proof that a child has done something wrong. We can pay attention to patterns, help our kids care for their skin, and ask for medical help when they need it—without turning candy into the villain of the story.
As for me? I’ll be over here trying to figure out how five children collected enough chocolate to supply the neighborhood. If you’re curious what everyday life looks like in this house, I’ve written about a day in the life of a mom of five, too. 😂
About Dr. Joel Spitz
Dr. Joel Spitz is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder and chief medical officer of Honeydew, which provides online dermatology care. Thank you to Dr. Spitz and Gretchen Pahia at Pitch Public Relations for sharing his insights for this conversation.
Research and further reading
- American Academy of Dermatology: Can the Right Diet Get Rid of Acne?
- American Academy of Dermatology: 2024 Acne Management Guidelines
- 2014 randomized, placebo-controlled study of cocoa in acne-prone men
- 2016 study of dark chocolate in acne-prone men
- 2022 systematic review of diet and acne
Editor’s note: This article is based on a written interview, with selected excerpts and independent research context. It is general information, not individualized medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional about persistent or concerning acne, particularly in children.
Warmly,
Kelly
In My Mom Era
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