Can sugar in honey cause acne?

Author: Dr. Colin Williamson  |  Last update: Sunday, April 13, 2025

Sweeteners, including cane sugar, maple syrup, honey, and even agave, can increase your risk of acne by as much as 30%.

Does honey increase acne?

Honey can benefit most types of acne, due to its unique abilities to heal and soothe the skin. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it an effective option for reducing breakouts without causing irritation, while its regenerative properties may also help to prevent and heal acne scars.

Can honey cause bumps on the face?

A person's allergic response to honey can vary from mild to severe. Mild symptoms will likely include: hives. swelling.

Does sugar trigger acne?

Sugar and other high-glycemic foods cause your blood sugar and insulin levels to rise, which may lead to inflammation and hormonal changes that can cause acne flare-ups. Sticking to a low-glycemic diet full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds may help prevent breakouts or lessen their severity.

Is honey pore clogging?

Honey is, at the end of the day, basically sugar, so it's not going to clog pores - it just dissolves and washes right off. It functionally works well as a humectant and if you have raw or manuka honey in particular, there can be some antibacterial properties that are well-established.

Is Honey a Better Substitute for Sugar?

Does honey have side effects on the face?

Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to honey or bee products. It is important to perform a patch test before applying honey directly to the skin to avoid possible allergic reactions. Stickiness: Honey can be sticky and can be difficult to remove from the skin.

Does honey, sugar, and salt get rid of pimples?

Try mixing salt and honey to create a cleansing face mask.

This may help with your pimple by reducing inflammation and removing any excess oils that may be clogging your pores.

Does quitting sugar get rid of acne?

QUITTING SUGAR: BENEFITS FOR SKIN

Fewer Wrinkles – lower sugar intake reduces glycation, preserving collagen and elastin, which helps minimize wrinkles and fine lines. Reduced Acne – cutting out sugar stabilizes insulin levels, reducing oil production and inflammation, leading to fewer breakouts.

What does a sugar face look like?

Visible Skin Damage: The effects of sugar on the skin manifest as wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of facial volume, particularly noticeable in areas like the jowls and cheeks.

What vitamin deficiency causes acne?

A 2016 study found that people with acne have lower levels of vitamin D than those without the skin condition. This deficiency may be a factor in the development of acne. According to a study from 2014, Vitamin D also blocks P. acnes from affecting skin cells.

What are the side effects of eating too much honey?

Safety and side effects
  • Wheezing and other asthmatic symptoms.
  • Dizziness.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Weakness.
  • Excessive perspiration.
  • Fainting.
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

Can sweeteners cause acne?

Artificial sweeteners are another trigger of acne. Artificial sweeteners can cause your blood sugar to spike, which can lead to inflammation. If you're struggling with acne, you may want to avoid artificial sweeteners.

Do honey and cinnamon help with acne?

The honey is a humectant, an ingredient found in most cleansers that acts as a moisturizer. The nutmeg acts as an anti-inflammatory. The cinnamon prevents acne, eczema and cell turnover, which keeps dead cells from building up on the skin's surface.

Does coffee cause acne?

While coffee doesn't cause acne, some studies suggest it can make it worse. Caffeine makes you feel alert and awake but also leads to a heightened stress response in the body (1).

What is raw honey vs pure honey?

Common types of honey and their properties are as follows: Raw honey — comes straight from the hive and is available in filtered or unfiltered forms. Regular honey — pasteurized and may contain added sugars. Pure honey — pasteurized but contains no added ingredients.

What are sugar pimples?

General Health, Nutrition

Scientists continue to explore the link between sugar and acne. Although research offers mixed results, promising evidence suggests that consuming high amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates may trigger or worsen breakouts. The effect, however, varies from person to person.

Does cutting out sugar improve skin?

Enjoy clearer, more youthful skin

A high-sugar diet can cause hormonal imbalances that affect your skin, specifically triggering acne. High sugar levels in your body can also damage collagen in your skin through a process called glycation. Collagen is essential to maintain the elasticity of your skin.

What happens after 2 weeks of no sugar?

Within two weeks of quitting sugar, you may experience a better mood, have higher energy levels, and even speed up your weight loss.

Does drinking water help acne?

Water has many ways in which it can improve your skin, which helps to improve your acne over time. Drinking water has both direct and indirect benefits for treating acne. Firstly, with bacterial acne, water helps to remove toxins and bacteria on the skin, reducing the potential for pore-clogging in the process.

How can I get clear skin in 2 weeks?

People may wish to try these general tips for getting clear skin fast.
  1. Avoid popping pimples. A pimple indicates trapped oil, sebum, and bacteria. ...
  2. Wash twice daily, and again after sweating. ...
  3. Moisturize. ...
  4. Always wear sunscreen. ...
  5. Focus on gentle products. ...
  6. Use topical medications. ...
  7. Eat a healthful diet. ...
  8. Reduce stress.

What does cinnamon do to your face?

Cinnamon has antibacterial properties that makes it a great option to treat breakouts. It also helps control sebum production and fade blemishes.

Can turmeric treat acne?

Turmeric contains natural exfoliating enzymes that can help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can help prevent acne. When used as a scrub, Turmeric can help slough off dead skin cells and reveal smoother, clearer skin.

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