is halloween candy causing my breakouts?

Spooky season has arrived! It’s time to enjoy Halloween candy, caramel apples, pumpkin spice lattes, and all of our favorite fall treats. We might be tempted to indulge, but in the back of our heads, there’s always the voice asking if these sugary treats are actually good for us. You might wake up in the morning with a breakout, wondering if you’ve done something to trigger these newly formed pimples.

Does sugar actually cause breakouts?

It’s complicated. Sugar doesn’t directly cause breakouts, but it can result in hormonal imbalances that increase the likelihood for pimples to form. Here’s the deal. Sugary foods cause a sudden spike in your blood sugar. High blood sugar promotes the release of insulin, which is meant to naturally lower the amount of sugar in your blood.

The problem is that insulin can actually increase inflammation and make your skin oilier. And oily skin makes it easier for your pores to get clogged. Basically, this means that a high sugar diet can make you more prone to breakouts.

Can I still enjoy fall treats?

Yes! You don’t need to cut Halloween candy out of your diet to have perfectly healthy skin. Just remember to practice moderation and be mindful. Try not to eat too many foods with refined sugar, especially if you struggle with acne.

Luckily, there are many other tasty foods to enjoy during spooky season. Fresh apples and pumpkin soup are some of our fall faves. What are yours?