How Sugar Impacts Your Skin: A Holistic Perspective

Sugar doesn’t just artificially spike your energy, but it can also wreak havoc on your skin by increasing inflammation and causing a whole host of issues from acne to premature aging. 

As a brand rooted in holistic wellness we love sharing tips on ways you can create glowing skin from within. Yes we love talking about caring for the outside, but the inside is just as important, if not more important for healthy skin.

Understanding the connection between diet and skin can help you support your glowing, resilient skin naturally. Let’s unpack why sugar affects your skin and what you can do about it.

Sugar, Inflammation & Breakouts

We often think of sugar as a quick energy boost, but inside the body, it acts more like fuel for inflammation. When you eat refined carbs or sweets, your blood sugar rises quickly because of the lack of fibre, then crashes.

These spikes trigger a rise in insulin, which can increase oil (sebum) production and inflammation. For many people, this shows up on the skin as breakouts, redness, or flare-ups of conditions like acne or rosacea.

Here’s what happens:

• Elevated insulin levels increase androgen hormones, which stimulate excess oil production.

• More oil = clogged pores, congestion, and blemishes.

• Inflammation from sugar makes existing breakouts more inflamed and slower to heal.

Sugar, Collagen & Premature Aging

Beyond breakouts, sugar also accelerates the skin’s natural aging process. When blood sugar levels stay high, glucose molecules bind to proteins like collagen and elastin through a process called glycation. These “sticky” sugar-protein compounds—called AGEs (Advanced Glycation End Products) - weaken the skin’s structure, making it less firm and more prone to wrinkles.

The effects of glycation include:

• Collagen breakdown, leading to fine lines and loss of elasticity.

• Dull, uneven skin tone caused by reduced cell turnover.

• Slower wound healing and increased sensitivity over time.

So even if you’re using the best skincare, high sugar intake can undermine your glow from the inside out.

Supporting Balanced Skin from Within

The good news? Your skin can bounce back beautifully once you balance your blood sugar and reduce inflammation. You don’t need to give up sweetness entirely, just choose natural, whole-food sources like fruit which come packaged with fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Holistic skin-supporting strategies:

• Focus on whole foods: fibre-rich veggies, protein, and healthy fats help steady blood sugar. Check out our co-founder Joy McCarthy's blog Joyous Health for hundreds of nourishing recipes at your fingertips. 

• Stay hydrated - water supports detoxification and nutrient delivery to the skin.

• Prioritize rest and stress management, both of which help regulate hormones that impact skin clarity.

Pairing these lifestyle habits with a gentle, nourishing skincare routine (like the Hello Joyous Skinimalist Set) supports the skin’s barrier while your inner balance returns.

Our 3-step Skinimalism Routine to Complement a Sugar-Conscious Diet

Even with a nutrient-rich diet, your skin benefits from gentle, supportive skincare. Our Hello Joyous trio works synergistically with internal nutrition to help skin glow:

Fresh Face Cleanser

This anti-inflammatory certified organic cleanser is gentle on your skin while it removes excess oil, makeup, dirt and pollution while preserving the integrity of your skin microbiome. Infused with organic comfrey root, chamomile and golden jojoba, it helps promote a healthy skin tone leaving your skin supple and fresh.

Magical Mist

An essential step in your skincare routine. Magical Mist is a perfectly balanced, alcohol-free toner crafted with organic plant hydrosols to soothe, hydrate, and refresh your skin. It leaves a soft, dewy canvas, perfect for applying your serum for maximum absorption.

Hella Hydrating Serum

Hella Hydrating Serum contains just two ingredients, literally. Cold-pressed organic rosehip oil brightens and deeply moisturizes while hyaluronic acid hydrates helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines for a hella good glow! 

✨ Combined with a sugar-conscious diet, this routine supports clear, hydrated, and radiant skin.