Real dermatology advice, written for real people. Evidence-based acne care, treatment guides, and expert insights.

Sugar is one of the most studied dietary triggers for acne — and the evidence is stronger than you might expect. Research shows that high-sugar, high-glycemic foods can spike insulin and hormones that ramp up oil production, clog pores, and fuel inflammation. Here is how sugar actually affects your skin, what sugar-related acne looks like, and what you can do about it.