Why pumpkin spice lattes can be bad news for your skin

Kate Ng
·Trending Lifestyle Reporter
·5 min read
Coffee latte with whipped cream and cinnamon on top held in womans hands on a wooden background of pumpkins, autumn leaves. Fall and Thanksgiving concept
Pumpkin spice has come to be the defining flavour of autumn. (Getty Images)

Autumn is in full swing, which means the return of the iconic pumpkin spice latte in cafes and coffee shops all over the country.

Pumpkin spice lattes - also known as PSLs - are a delicious autumn staple, and the spice mix - which is a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger, is popular in lots of other things, including other warm drinks, baked goods, scented candles and more.

But as tasty as they might be, PSLs might be wreaking havoc on your skin, according to a skincare expert.

Hayley Walker, from Justmylook, explains: "The caffeine, sugar and acidity in these drinks can easily trigger inflammation, leading to increased oil production and acne."

So if you’ve been experiencing breakouts recently, it might be worth taking a look at how many PSLs you’ve been drinking, Walker says. "The combination of these factors can create the perfect storm for acne."

Conceptual shot of Acne & Problem Skin on female face.
Breakouts in the autumn could be made worse if you consume too many pumpkin spice lattes, experts say. (Getty Images)

Here’s exactly how having too many PSLs can be bad news for your skin.

At the end of the day, a PSL is a coffee-based drink and contains caffeine. Depending on where you’re getting it from, the caffeine content in these drinks can be much higher than you might think.

For example, a venti-sized (561ml) PSL from Starbucks contains 133.7mg of caffeine, about a third of the suggested daily caffeine intake of 400mg for adults.

Walker says: "While [caffeine] 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."

Pouring delicious caramel syrup into cup with coffee and whipped cream at wooden table, closeup
Syrups and added sugar play a role in sweetening pumpkin spice lattes to enhance the flavour. (Getty Images)

Fans of PSLs love how the flavours blend together, but these flavours are often enhanced by sweetness. As a result, many autumnal drinks contain high amounts of sugar.

Starbucks’ PSL in a venti size contains 42.3g of sugar, while a large PSL from Greggs contains 25g. The NHS recommends adults consume no more than 30g of free sugars per day, which includes added sugars like table sugar, honey and syrups.

Sugar causes blood sugar levels to spike, which leads to a rise in insulin that causes the skin to produce more oil, Walker explains. "Oily skin is more prone to clogged pores and breakouts, meaning that sugar drinks like PSLs can quickly worsen acne."

According to Walker, 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."

A beautiful middle-aged woman in a nightgown applies cosmetics in the bathroom near the mirror. Daily morning routine, facial skin care, home treatment. A room in a luxury hotel, business trip or vacation in a high class apartment. Relaxation, mindfulness and zen-like
Some skincare ingredients can help combat acne, alongside a reduction in pumpkin spice latte consumption. (Getty Images)

Aside from cutting down on PSLs, there are some skincare ingredients you can use to help combat breakouts. Walker recommends:

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 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 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.

Young woman applies facial cream and enjoys skincare routine
Using skincare ingredients like retinol and salicylic acid can help keep acne at bay. (Getty Images)

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.

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.

Watch: Is pumpkin spice’s reign over?

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