From peanut butter cups to lollipops, grocery store shelves are stocked with Halloween treats this time of year. As you prep your pantry for trick-or-treaters, you may be tempted to sneak a piece or two yourself. While there’s no shame in snacking on a sugary treat here and there, if you’re prone to breakouts, you may wonder whether an occasional indulgence could cause blemishes later on. Here’s what you should know about candy and breakouts.
Does the Myth that Candy Causes Breakouts Hold Any Weight?
We already know that diet plays an important role in skin health. Just as certain nutrients can promote healthy skin, other types of foods can contribute to issues like wrinkles, acne, and eczema. With that in mind, anyone with a sweet tooth may be disappointed to know that there does appear to be a link between candy and breakouts.
According to a 2020 study conducted in France, participants who reported eating foods such as milk chocolate, sugary drinks, and other foods high in fat, dairy, and sugar had an increased risk of adult acne by more than 50%.
How Does Sugar Affect Your Skin?
To understand the role sugar could play in our skin health, it’s important to look at the relationship between food and inflammation. While inflammation is one of the body’s natural mechanisms for healing cell damage, long-term inflammation can actually have a harmful effect.
Certain foods are believed to trigger an inflammatory response, and since acne is an inflammatory condition, reducing inflammation is important to controlling its symptoms. Added sugars, such as those found in candy, are a top source of inflammation in the average American diet.
Beyond causing inflammation, candy may also create a hormone imbalance which can further contribute to acne. “Dairy, and foods with a really high sugar content can elevate your insulin levels,” explains Kelli Baender, M.D., F.A.A.D. “And this insulin spike can alter other hormones that can ultimately affect your skin, too. In addition to sugar and dairy, we know that other dietary elements may promote acne breakouts, such as soy, carbohydrates, vitamin B12(cobalamin) and vitamin B7(biotin) which is often found in hair and nail supplements”
Of course, there are many factors that can affect skin health, so it’s certainly possible to have breakouts from causes that aren’t necessarily related to diet. Still, if you’re seeking ways to keep breakouts at bay, staying away from a high-sugar diet won’t hurt.
Are Certain Types of Candy Better (or Worse) for Acne?
Chocolate has been a suspected trigger for acne for the past century, and several small studies have pointed to a link between chocolate or cocoa consumption and increased acne lesions. While experts are still unsure exactly why chocolate might cause breakouts, one 2013 study found that eating chocolate could alter the immune system’s reaction to the bacteria that causes acne.
Unfortunately, this means it’s likely best to avoid chocolate bars if you also want to avoid a breakout. If you’re willing to take your chances, dark chocolate, which has less milk and added sugars than milk chocolate, may be easier on your skin.
The good news is that there are still plenty of treats that are low in sugar but can satisfy cravings. From gummy bears made with natural sugars, to organic lollipops and nut butter cups with just a couple grams of sugar, the health foods market has boomed with candy options made from wholesome ingredients and very few added sugars. You’ll pay more for these alternatives to the big-name candy bars, and may have to search a bit harder to find them, but they’re worth the investment for your skin and overall health.
If you’re struggling with acne despite trying lifestyle modifications to control it, allow our skin care specialists to help. We know that acne triggers can be different for everyone, and not all patients respond to treatments the same way. Contact our office at (404) 355-5484 or online to set up an appointment for an individualized approach to combating acne.
