Think Sugar Only Affects Your Waistline? Think Again

Sugar by itself does not cause acne. But steep insulin spikes increase the production of skin oils, which clog follicles and worsen skin complexion.

However, sugar and other foods with a high glycaemic index have been shown to exacerbate problem skin. Foods with a high glycaemic index (think refined carbohydrates and “fast food” - fizzy drinks, sweets, white bread, white rice and any highly processed food) are rapidly absorbed by the body, causing a rise in blood glucose (sugar), which in turn causes a rise in insulin levels. Steep insulin spikes increase the production of skin oils and contribute to the clogging of follicles, which can, in turn, worsen skin complexion.

Understanding the glycaemic index scale (which ranks how quickly blood sugar levels rise after ingesting different foods) can be very helpful when it comes to making the right choices in your diet. For susceptible individuals, this can have a significant impact on your skin.

Making smart choices - choosing foods with a lower glycaemic index, such as vegetables, fruit, or unrefined carbohydrates (brown bread, brown rice, whole grains) can thus make a significant difference. These foods won't cause those high spikes of insulin production in your body and so are much less likely to result in a flare-up of troublesome acne. A sugar-free diet, in conjunction with other treatments, could help you to become spot-free.

If you want to read more, the experts at Consulting Room really know what they're talking about and have put together acne and complexion improvement FAQs just for you.

If you have more questions, you can use the acne and complexion improvement questions feature to talk to our panel of trained medical experts.

If you're keen to get started with any of these treatments right away then you're in luck - those clever folks also have a list of trusted, accredited acne and complexion improvement clinics in your area.

Many thanks to the author of this blog Dr Sam Robson who owns Temple Clinic.

Dr Sam Robson is a highly respected and experienced practitioner who qualified as a GP in 1997 and has been practising aesthetic medicine since 2004.

She has also become progressively aware of the increasing incidence of low morale and self-esteem

The repertoire of treatments provided by the clinic aims to help address many problems.

Call Dr Sam Robson on 0122 486 9997 or visit www.templeclinic.co.uk.

More great blogs our experts wrote for you...

30
Apr
2026

Can Ethnicity and Where You Live Affect the Condition of Your Skin?

It sure can! Here, we delve into some research that outlines the key causes of acne across the world.

30
Apr
2026

Healthy Sun Habits for Radiant Skin This Summer

As summer arrives, don’t make the mistake of ignoring your skin – you may love the sun, but it is not your friend when it comes to skin health.

22
Apr
2026

Gen Z Is Flocking to Dermal Fillers — But Not for the Reasons You Think

New report reveals Gen Z is becoming one of the most influential groups in aesthetics.