Does Sugar Really Cause Acne? We Asked the Experts
For years, people have wondered if sugar could be one of the root causes of acne. We all know that eating a lot of sugary foods isn’t good for our overall health, but does it also cause breakouts? In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the relationship between sugar and acne, and we’ll be asking the experts what they think. Keep reading to learn more!
It’s clearly no secret that sugar isn’t good for our health. We all know that it can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and a whole host of other problems. But what about acne? Does Sugar Cause Acne? Is there a connection between the two?
For years, dermatologists have been saying that there is no direct link between sugar and acne. However, recent studies have shown that there may be a connection after all. One study found that people who ate a high-sugar diet had a greater number of acne breakouts than those who didn’t eat as much sugar.
So what do the experts think? We asked a few dermatologists, and here’s what they had to say:
“There is no definitive answer as to whether or not sugar causes acne. However, we do know that eating a lot of sugary foods can lead to weight gain, which can in turn cause inflammation and breakouts.” – Dr. Jessica Wu, dermatologist and author of “Feed Your Face”
“We don’t completely understand the link between sugar and acne, but we do know that sugary foods can cause inflammation in the body. This inflammation can lead to breakouts.” – Dr. Alan Dattner, dermatologist and author of “Radiance: The Dermatologist’s Guide to Healing Your Skin”
“There is some evidence to suggest that sugar may contribute to acne breakouts. However, the exact mechanism is still not fully understood. More research is needed in this area.” – Dr. Whitney Bowe, dermatologist and author of “The Beauty of Dirty Skin”
“Acne is a complex condition with many potential causes,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “Diet does not necessarily cause acne, but there are certain foods that may trigger breakouts.”
So what’s the verdict? Does sugar cause acne?
“There is no definitive answer,” says Dr. Zeichner. “But we do know that refined carbohydrates like white sugar can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, which can in turn lead to inflammation and breakouts.”
If you’re struggling with acne, cutting back on sugar may be worth a try. And as always, be sure to consult with a dermatologist or other skin care expert to get personalized advice for your unique situation.
Have you noticed a difference in your skin when you cut back on sugar? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this blog post, be sure to check out our other posts on all things skincare. From tips and tricks to product reviews, we’ve got everything you need to know about taking care of your skin.
Sources:
Wu, Jessica. “Does Sugar Cause Acne?” WebMD, 15 Mar. 2018,
webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/does-sugar-cause-acne.
Dattner, Alan. “Can Sugar Cause Acne?” Health Central, 20 Feb. 2012,
healthcentral.com/skin-care/can-sugar-cause-acne.
Bowe, Whitney. “The Truth About Sugar and Acne.” Byrdie, 20 Mar. 2018,
byrdie.com/does-sugar-cause-acne.
“Does Eating Sugar Cause Acne?” American Academy of Dermatology, aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/causes.
“Can Certain Foods Cause Acne?” American Academy of Dermatology, aad.org/public/diseases/acne-and-rosacea/diet.
“The Relationship Between Diet and Acne: A Review of the Evidence.” NCBI, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2006,
ncbi.nlm.nih.
