Does sugar cause acne? The Evidence

Q: Does sugar cause acne?

Likely a contributing factor. This one has reasonable science behind it. Diets high in high-glycemic foods — sugar, white bread, sugary drinks — spike blood sugar and insulin, which raises IGF-1 and androgen activity and can worsen acne. Randomised studies of low-glycemic diets have shown improvements in acne.

This one has reasonable science behind it. Diets high in high-glycemic foods — sugar, white bread, sugary drinks — spike blood sugar and insulin, which raises IGF-1 and androgen activity and can worsen acne. Randomised studies of low-glycemic diets have shown improvements in acne.

Sugar isn't the sole cause of acne, and a single dessert won't break you out. But a consistently high-sugar, high-glycemic diet is a plausible aggravator worth addressing alongside your skincare.

What you can do

Shift toward lower-glycemic foods (whole grains, protein, vegetables).
Cut back on sugary drinks first — they're the biggest, easiest win.
Give dietary changes 8–12 weeks; skin is slow to respond.

Vet your skincare too

Diet is only one piece. Many breakouts are driven by what you put on your skin. Paste your products into our comedogenic ingredient checker to rule out pore-clogging ingredients, and check for fungal-acne triggers if your bumps are small and itchy.