The leaves are rapidly boasting a golden brown hue, the evenings are definitely getting longer, and you’re already starting to wish you’d brought a coat with you on a night out; autumn is well and truly in the air.
For many, the ‘-ber months’ spell an abundance of Halloween delights, cosy nights packed in your local with a roaring fire, and, of course, piping hot mugs of creamy pumpkin spice lattes.
Originally designed to celebrate the period between summer and Christmas, the PSL has become somewhat of a seasonal tradition for thousands of sweet treat-lovers across the country.
But did you know your autumn Starbucks staple could be wreaking havoc on your health?
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A classic grande (473ml) pumpkin spice latte with whipped cream and pumpkin spice topping contains 32.9g of sugar and 89.1mg of caffeine, according to the coffee chain’s website.
If you want to go larger, the sugar increases to a whopping 42.3g, and caffeine totals 133.6mg with venti drinks (561ml).
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 last year, Hayley Walker, from Justmylook explained: “The caffeine, sugar and acidity in these drinks can easily trigger inflammation, leading to increased oil production and acne.”
Caffeine causes cortisol spikes
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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 aging 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
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 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.
Topics: Skincare, Beauty, Health, Food and Drink, Starbucks
Ella Scott