Why Do Pre-Workout Supplements Cause Acne? A Complete Overview

• Danny Bronshtein, NP-C, MSN
• September 14, 2024

Pre-workouts are supplements that help boost exercise performance and provide temporary energy. However, they may cause inflammation or hormonal imbalances. But does pre-workout cause acne?

Nurse Practitioner Danny at kalon Dermatology said, “Pre-workout products contain stimulants like caffeine and sugar, which can cause acne.” However, this is only a possibility, and pre-workout supplements might not be the only factor.

At kalon Dermatology in Brooklyn and Staten Island, we provide personalized care to address acne issues. Consult us to achieve the glowing skin you deserve, no matter the intensity of your workout routine.

Does Pre-workout Cause Acne? Why?

The answer is tricky because acne breakouts aren't a universal side effect of pre-workouts. This means that while some individuals may experience breakouts, others will remain unaffected.

However, some pre-workout ingredients can disrupt insulin levels, leading to acne. These ingredients may be responsible for triggering acne in some individuals:

• Amino acids

Generally, branched-chain amino acids or arginine found in supplements can be responsible for acne breakouts.

These amino acids can stimulate insulin secretion and increase IGF-1 (insulin growth factor-1). Eventually, IGF-1 increases sebum production which clogs pores. As a result, people will notice acne lesions and bumps on their skin.

• Caffeine

Most of the pre-workouts may contain caffeine as it's excellent for boosting focus and energy. However, this ingredient can trigger acne breakouts, because:

• It's a diuretic ingredient which means it may cause excessive urination. As a result, an individual's body gets dehydrated easily. This dehydration will irritate the skin and may cause acne.
• It contains cortisol, a stress hormone. This stress hormone increases oil production on the skin, resulting in clogged pores.
• Caffeine can also cause excessive sweating, which may accumulate acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
• Creatine

Creatine increases the IGF-1 and testosterone levels in the human body, increasing the activity of oil glands. Also, creatine is responsible for water retention on the skin which may lead to inflammation.

• Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 in pre-workouts can trigger acne if someone takes an overdose of it. Generally, excess B12 intake will alter bacterial balances, boosting the growth of Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes). This is the bacteria responsible for acne development.

• Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose are the most popular ingredients in pre-workout supplements.

• These sweeteners can affect the insulin level causing an increase in blood sugar level. As a result, individuals may face an inflammatory response on their skin.
• Artificial sweeteners may also disrupt the gut microbiome. Typically, gut bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that influence the growth of bacteria on an individual's skin . Thus, this may affect acne breakouts on the skin.
• Whey protein

Normally, whey protein is responsible for increasing insulin, testosterone, and androgen hormones in individuals. These hormones eventually increase the sebum production on the skin. This potentially will cause clogged pores and acne.

Tips For Minimising Acne Breakouts While Taking Pre-workouts

Here are several tips to avoid or minimize acne risks while taking pre-workout supplements:

• Choose Suitable Supplements: Check the ingredients label carefully when selecting pre-workouts. Anyone should avoid those supplements that contain excessive caffeine, B12, or artificial sweeteners.
• Cold bath: Taking a hot bath after exercise may boost acne bacteria activity. That's why taking a cold bath after exercise is suggested.
• Proper skin care: Using sunscreen is important while exercising outdoors. Also, use non-comedogenic products for skin care purposes. This type of product won't clog your pores.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration causes skin irritation and may lead to acne issues. That's why it's mandatory to keep your skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Also, use a sufficient moisturizer on the skin to keep it hydrated.
• Control Stress: Controlling stress is necessary to avoid acne breakouts. For this, you can try practicing meditation, yoga, or other stress-relieving exercises.
• Healthy Diet : Pairing supplements with a balanced diet that contains low refined sugars will be great. Also, omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing skin inflammation.

Hence, try to incorporate this healthy fat by adding flaxseeds, fish, or similar foods to your diet.

• Consult a dermatologist : If you have acne-prone skin, consult a dermatologist before starting pre-workouts.

Achieve Healthy Skin With kalon Dermatology

Are you struggling with acne breakouts due to taking pre-workout supplements? At kalon Dermatology , we provide personalized care by analyzing your lifestyle, skin type, and diet.

Our expert dermatologists will help you detect the root causes of workout-related acne and provide treatments accordingly. We also offer advanced treatments for stubborn acne with our cutting-edge technology. Consult us to see how our team can help you achieve healthy, acne-free skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is It Appropriate To Take Acne Medication Parallelly With Pre-workout Supplements?

Though it's safe, you should consult with a medical professional before taking acne medication with pre-workouts. Because some ingredients of pre-workouts may interact with acne medications. This may significantly exacerbate the breakout.

Q. Should Someone Continue Workouts After Getting Pimple Breakouts?

Yes, they can continue their exercise as it is a good strategy to combat breakouts. It improves the human immune system and blood circulation which reduces inflammation. Also, physical activity will balance the body's blood sugar levels, resulting in managing acne.

Q. How Much Time Does Pre-Workout Take To Cause Acne Issues?

The time it takes for pimples to build up may vary from person to person. For sure, you won't notice any instant effect of the pre-workouts on your skin. But, on average, it may take you up to 2-8 weeks to notice the signs of acne breakouts.

Q. Are There Any Natural Alternatives For Pre-Workout?

Yes, taking organic and natural supplements minimizes acne breakouts. Extracts of pomegranate and beetroots are excellent options to prevent the breakouts. However, during acne breakouts, supplements like milk thistle and fish will be helpful in reducing the inflammation.

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