Can Blood Sugar Levels Affect Acne?
Yes, blood sugar levels can play a big role in acne breakouts. When you eat foods that cause quick spikes in blood sugar, like sugary snacks or white bread, it sets off a chain reaction in your body that often leads to more pimples.[1][2]
Here’s how it works in simple steps. First, high-sugar or high-glycemic foods make your blood sugar shoot up fast. Your body responds by releasing more insulin, a hormone that helps control sugar levels.[1][2] This extra insulin then boosts other hormones called androgens, which tell your skin’s oil glands to produce more sebum, that thick oil that can clog pores.[1][3] At the same time, insulin raises levels of IGF-1, a growth factor linked to worse acne.[4] All this extra oil, plus inflammation from the sugar spikes, makes pores block up and turn into red, swollen spots.[1][5]
You might notice these breakouts more on the jawline or lower face, similar to hormonal acne, but sugar-related ones often pop up right after eating lots of sweets, like during holidays or weekends.[1][3] Doctors see this pattern in patients who eat a lot of candy, soda, pastries, white rice, or processed snacks.[1][2][3]
Over time, constant blood sugar ups and downs stress your hormones even more, slowing skin healing and making it prone to irritation.[6] Women over 30 might see this combined with other factors like dairy or stress, leading to stubborn adult acne.[3]
To help keep things steady, pair sweets with protein or fiber to slow sugar absorption, and choose low-glycemic options like whole grains or veggies.[1][5]
Sources:
https://www.schweigerderm.com/skin-care-articles/acne/does-sugar-cause-acne/
https://www.dermatologyadvisor.com/factsheets/diet-and-acne/
https://www.tuftsmedicine.org/about-us/news/acne-over-30
https://www.oreateai.com/blog/the-sweet-truth-how-sugar-fuels-acne/1750ae9f9b896d87d0882fd77ab2c64a
https://dallasassocderm.com/5-holiday-habits-that-trigger-acne-and-what-actually-helps/
https://bioliskincare.com/blogs/bionotes/guide-what-to-eat-for-better-skin-combating-acne-and-eczema
