The fact that chocolate causes breakouts may just be an old wives' tale; Dr. Shainhouse said its probably more because chocolate contains sugar and dairy. Still, there has been some research that links chocolate to acne. A 2016 study found that acne flared up in college students within 48 hours after eating milk chocolate, but not after eating jelly beans with the same glycemic load.
"If you notice that you flare while eating chocolate, then don't eat it, but otherwise, you can enjoy it in moderation," she said. "In fact, dark chocolate has its own health benefits!"