‘Tis the season for costumes, parties and seemingly endless bowls of candy. Sweets and foods loaded with carbohydrates — such as funnel cake and cupcakes — tempt us at every turn. Let’s not forget the boos and spirits.

It’s no secret diet is important when it comes to your health, and that includes your skin. By following a few steps, you can help prevent Halloween treats from causing a skin nightmare.

The connection between food and acne

High-glycemic foods – think foods that are loaded with sugars and simple carbohydrates – can quickly raise your blood sugar. This causes your body to go into a hormonal spiral.

When your blood sugar spikes, it causes inflammation throughout your body. It also forces your body to make more sebum – the substance that makes your skin oily. These two things create ideal conditions for a breakout.

Examples of high-glycemic foods to look out for include:

  • White bread
  • Burgers
  • French fries
  • Cake
  • Milkshakes
  • Soda

Some studies have shown that following a diet consisting of low-glycemic foods may lead to fewer breakouts. Low-glycemic foods include: 

  • Most fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Beans
  • Minimally processed grains
  • Pasta
  • Low-dairy foods
  • Nuts

Does alcohol cause breakouts?

While scientists have not proven a direct relationship between alcohol and acne, there is evidence it may affect your skin. Some studies have concluded that alcohol can weaken the immune system.

Bacteria called P. acnes live on our skin and can sometimes clog pores. Someone with a weakened immune system may be more susceptible to P. acnes and more susceptible to breakouts.

Alcohol can also dehydrate you. Beer, wine and spirits often make us visit the little zombie’s room more frequently. Your body is emptying out the hydration it needs to maintain healthy skin.

When your skin doesn’t get the moisture it needs, it dehydrates. This alerts your glands to make more oil to replace the lost water. All of that extra oil can clog your pores and cause acne.

How to scare away acne:

  • Moderate your sweets intake. You don’t have to shy away from the candy bowl. Instead, only take a few pieces at a time. If you feel yourself beginning to get a sugar rush, step away from the candy for a while.
  • Hydrate to avoid a skin hangover. If you’re drinking some adult potions, keep a water bottle handy. Your body and your skin will thank you.
  • Pamper and protect your skin with the right products. Treating acne is a multi-step cycle. Often, you’ll need more than one product to treat your breakout. Start by washing your face with a cleanser to remove any makeup. Afterward, you can begin to treat your skin.

PanOxyl can help as a first-line defense to clear, treat and prevent acne. Our face washes contain the active ingredient benzoyl peroxide which removes bacteria, dead skin cells and excess oil from your pores.

The last step should be to moisturize. As we’ve said, your skin needs moisture to function properly. Acne treatments can take away some of that moisture along with the bad stuff in your pores. An oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer will help restore the balance.

You can learn more steps to maintaining clear skin here.