The arrival of autumn signals a shift in weather, with the recent warm spell expected to cool down this week. As the leaves change colour and the air turns crisp, many of us eagerly anticipate our first pumpkin spice latte (PSL) of the season – a comforting autumnal indulgence that’s hard to resist.
However, if you’ve been noticing an increase in skin breakouts, your beloved seasonal beverage could be the unexpected offender. Hayley Walker, a skincare expert at Justmylook, suggests that pumpkin spice lattes might be contributing to your acne issues.
Hayley explained: “While pumpkin spice lattes are a delicious autumnal staple, they can wreak havoc on your skin. The caffeine, sugar and acidity in these drinks can easily trigger inflammation, leading to increased oil production and acne. If you’re experiencing more breakouts this season, it’s worth examining how many PSLs you’re consuming.
“The combination of these factors can create the perfect storm for acne. However, with a few adjustments to your diet and a skincare routine featuring acne-fighting ingredients, you can keep your skin clear and radiant throughout the season.”
How pumpkin spice lattes trigger breakouts
Caffeine increases cortisol levels
Hayley pointed out: “Caffeine is one of the main offenders in your pumpkin spiced latte. While it gives you the energy boost you crave, it also triggers a stress response in your body by raising cortisol levels. Cortisol, often called the ‘stress hormone’, can lead to inflammation.
“When inflammation is present, your skin becomes more prone to breakouts, as it creates the perfect environment for acne to develop. If you already wake up feeling a bit stressed or anxious, that morning PSL can send your cortisol levels soaring, worsening your skin problems.”
Sugar spikes can lead to acne
Hayley didn’t mince words when discussing the role of sugar in exacerbating acne issues, reports Gloucestershire Live: “Another key issue with pumpkin spice lattes is the sugar content. These drinks can be packed with sugar, which causes your blood sugar levels to spike. This leads to a rise in insulin, which can cause the skin to produce more oil. Oily skin is more prone to clogged pores and breakouts, meaning that sugary drinks like PSLs can quickly worsen acne.”
Acidity in coffee and milk
Besides caffeine and sugar, Hayley also highlighted the potential impact of acidity on our skin, cautioning, “Coffee is naturally acidic, and milk-based drinks like PSLs can increase that acidity. When your body’s pH balance leans toward the acidic side, it can lead to inflammation and skin irritation. Plus, for those with a sensitivity to dairy, the milk in a pumpkin spice latte can bring on acne and worsen it by causing more inflammation and excess oil production.”
Skincare ingredients to combat coffee-induced breakouts
Nonetheless, Hayley provides a glimmer of hope for coffee aficianados who might be grappling with blemishes, sharing essential skincare tips for combating coffee-induced skin woes: “If your skin is suffering from your autumn indulgences, don’t worry the right skincare routine can help. Here are some ingredients I recommend to help combat acne caused by factors like caffeine, sugar, and inflammation.”
She goes on to suggest incorporating salicylic acid into the skincare regimen as a remedy.
Hayley explained: “Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into the pores to exfoliate and remove excess oil. This ingredient is excellent for treating acne because it helps clear out the clogged pores that lead to breakouts. Use a cleanser or treatment with salicylic acid to keep your skin clear, especially if you’re noticing an increase in oil production from your diet.”
On Niacinamide, Hayley noted: “Niacinamide is a powerful ingredient that helps to regulate sebum production, calm inflammation, and strengthen the skin barrier. It’s perfect for soothing redness and irritation caused by stress, caffeine, or sugar intake. Look for serums or moisturisers with niacinamide to help balance your skin and reduce the appearance of acne.”
Regarding Retinol, Hayley said: “Retinol is one of the most effective ingredients for managing acne and improving skin texture. It speeds up cell turnover, helping to prevent clogged pores and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Just be sure to introduce retinol gradually and always wear SPF during the day, as it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.”
Discussing Hyaluronic acid, Hayley mentioned: “Pumpkin spice lattes can be quite dehydrating, thanks to the diuretic effects of caffeine. To counter this, incorporate hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine. This ingredient helps to replenish moisture and plump the skin, reducing any dryness that might make acne more noticeable.”
Finally, she spoke about benzoyl peroxide, saying: “If you’re experiencing stubborn, inflamed breakouts, benzoyl peroxide can be an effective treatment. It works by killing acne-causing bacteria and reducing inflammation. Start with a lower concentration (around 2.5%) to avoid irritation, and spot-treat affected areas.”