Autumn has officially begun, with the warm weather of recent weeks set to cool off in the coming days. When the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, many of us look forward to indulging in a pumpkin spice latte (PSL). It’s a cosy autumn treat that’s hard to resist.
However, if you’ve noticed more breakouts than usual, your favourite seasonal drink could be the unexpected culprit. Hayley Walker, skincare expert at Justmylook, said pumpkin spice lattes could be contributing to your acne.
Hayley said: “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 said: “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 said: “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
Hayley said: “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
Hayley said: “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.”
Salicylic acid
Hayley said: “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.”
Niacinamide
Hayley said: “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.”
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.”
Hyaluronic acid
Hayley said: “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.”
Benzoyl peroxide
Hayley said: “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.”