Warning issued to anyone drinking pumpkin spice lattes this autumn

From the crisp weather, vibrant changing leaves, and a cosy return to comforting routines - it's no wonder why autumn is so many people's favourite season.

It's the perfect time to spend copious amounts of time curled up on the sofa in front of the telly, to eat all your favourite hearty meals, to wrap yourself up in fuzzy knitwear and, of course, drink piping hot mugs of creamy pumpkin spice lattes.

And while a pumpkin spice latte may be great at giving you that cosy feeling, it could also be having quite a visible impact on your health.

Now, while many indie coffee spots now also sell the autumnal beverage of choice, it's clear that Starbucks popularised 'PSL season'.

And while cafes across the globe will differ when it comes to their ingredients, a Grande (16 fl oz) Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte with whipped cream contains 50g of sugar and 150mg of caffeine, according to the coffee chain’s website.

Your daily PSL habit could cause skincare issues to arise (Getty Stock Image)

If you want to go larger, the Venti (20 fl oz) offering increases to a whopping 63g, which also has 150mg of caffeine.

You can equally opt for the Short (8 fl oz), which contains 25g of sugar and 75mg of caffeine, as well as the Tall (12 fl oz), which contains 38g of sugar and 75mg of caffeine.

The sugar content in both drinks is pretty worrying, considering the NHS advises adults not to have more than 30g of free sugars - sugars added to food or drinks and naturally found sugars - per day.

Too much sugar can cause weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, and increase chronic inflammation, according to Harvard Health.

But having a soft spot for the PSL could also cause issues with your skin, an expert has revealed.

Speaking to Wales Online back in 2024, skincare expert at Justmylook, Hayley Walker, explained: "The caffeine, sugar and acidity in these drinks can easily trigger inflammation, leading to increased oil production and acne."

Caffeine causes cortisol spikes

Sugary milk-based caffeine drinks could cause acne, an expert warned (NHS)

Health authorities recommend that adults consume no more than 400mg of caffeine daily. That means one venti-sized pumpkin spice latte contains just over a third of your daily intake.

Having too much caffeine can elevate cortisol secretion, leading to sleep problems, muscle weakness, and high blood pressure.

High cortisol levels can also cause dryness, faster ageing due to collagen breakdown, and a higher risk of skin infections.

"While [caffeine] gives you the energy boost you crave, it also triggers a stress response in your body by raising cortisol levels," Walker said.

"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."

Sugar spikes can cause acne

More sugar in your system can cause your body to make more sebum, an oily substance in your skin.

Excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells, plugging pores and creating an environment where bacteria thrive, further inflammation occurs, and eventually acne lesions are formed.

Skincare brand Olay suggests that reducing your sugar intake can start stabilising insulin levels, which decreases oil production and inflammation, resulting in fewer breakouts.

We’re not saying cut the pumpkin spice lattes out for good! But maybe stop having one every day, and choose to guzzle one once per week instead?

PSLs increase acidity

It's advised you add some skincare saviours to your beauty cupboard if you're planning to indulge this season (Getty Stock Image)

Walker confessed that when you add caffeine to milk-based drinks like PSLs, it can increase 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."

Skincare holy grails can reduce breakouts

If your skin is already suffering from an influx of autumn-themed treats, then adding a handful of skin saviours to your daily rotation may be the answer.

Walker recommends that anyone whose skin is suffering start using beta hydroxy acids (BHA) like salicylic acid in a cleanser or treatment form to clear out clogged pores.

Niacinamide, a type of vitamin B3, will strengthen the skin barrier and soothe redness and irritation caused by caffeine or heightened sugar intake.

The skincare expert also recommends hero products like retinol, hyaluronic acid, and benzoyl peroxide.