Can Pre-Workout Supplements Really Cause Acne Breakouts?

Can Pre-Workout Supplements Cause Acne?

Pre-workout supplements have become increasingly popular among gym-goers and athletes looking to boost their energy and performance during exercise. However, some people have concerns that the ingredients in pre-workout, which aim to increase blood flow and circulation, may actually provoke breakouts and acne.

Acne is a common skin condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, cysts, and swollen bumps that develop on the face, back, chest, shoulders, and upper arms. It affects up to 50 million Americans annually and can be influenced by hormones, genetics, diet, stress, and other factors.

So how does intense exercise like weightlifting or HIIT workouts come into play? And will your pre-workout supplement increase your risk for post-gym acne breakouts?

How Does Working Out Impact Your Skin?

Exercise and physical activity have actually been shown to benefit skin health and reduce inflammation when done regularly. Working up a sweat can help:

• Boost circulation and blood flow to transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, including the skin
• Flush out toxins and impurities through sweating
• Increase collagen production to enhance elasticity and firmness
• Reduce stress hormone levels that can trigger breakouts

However, there are caveats. Extremely long or intense workouts can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones, oils, and fluids in your skin. Too much sweating can also dry out and irritate the skin.

Some potential negative skin effects of heavy workouts include:

• Increased oil and sebum production
• Sweat blocking pores and causing breakouts
• Inflammation from heat and high blood flow
• Bacteria buildup from damp sweaty clothes and gear
• Clogged pores from washing face after gym too aggressively

How Pre-Workouts May Contribute to Acne

Most pre-workout supplements contain proprietary blends of ingredients like caffeine, amino acids, creatine, beta-alanine, and betaine anhydrous that work together to boost energy, focus, blood flow, strength, and endurance.

While these compounds help take your workout to the next level, some may also influence factors that provoke breakouts, especially in those already prone to acne. Potential triggers include:

Vasodilators

Pre-workout supplements often contain vasodilators like citrulline, agmatine sulfate, and others that help expand blood vessels and enhance circulation. While increased blood flow is beneficial for muscle pumps, it can also lead to facial flushing, redness, and heat potentially inflaming acne.

Vitamins

Some pre-workout formulas are loaded with mega-doses of certain B vitamins like niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9) and cobalamin (B12). In some cases, high amounts of B vitamins can cause itching, redness, and acne-like breakouts.

Amino Acids

Essential amino acids like leucine, isoleucine, and valine are pre-workout staples that help drive muscle protein synthesis. However, some researchers believe that excessive levels of certain amino acids like leucine and isoleucine may overstimulate skin glands and lead to acne flare-ups after workouts.

Insulin Response

The combination of amino acids and fast carbs like dextrose in pre-workout can spike insulin levels. High insulin may increase androgen hormone production and sebum oil secretion, two key acne triggers. This hormonal response may be most problematic for women.

Tips to Prevent Pre-Workout Acne

While the ingredients in pre-workout supplements may potentially provoke breakouts in acne-prone individuals, there are several strategies you can implement to help reduce this risk:

Cleanse Skin Before and After Workouts

Make sure to wash your face with a gentle pH-balanced cleanser before and after hitting the gym to remove excess oil, sweat, and impurities that could clog pores. Use clean hands or a fresh wash cloth each time.

Shower Immediately Post-Workout

Hop in the shower immediately after your workout. Allowing sweat to linger on your skin can breed bacteria in pores leading to inflammation and zits. Use an acne body wash with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Use Oil-Absorbing Post-Workout Wipes

Keep some oil-blotting wipes or facial cleansing cloths in your gym bag to swipe away shine and sweat after your training sessions. Look for ones with acne-fighting ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid.

Apply Oil-Free Moisturizer

Your skin needs hydration after workouts and cleansing to avoid excess oil production. Use a lightweight, oil-free, and non-comedogenic (wont clog pores) moisturizer post-workout.

Avoid Touching Your Face

As hard as it can be, try not to touch, pick at, or pop pimples on your face during workouts or when sweaty. This can spread bacteria and make acne worse. Wash hands frequently if you do touch your face.

Change Out of Sweaty Workout Clothes

Dont lounge around in sweat-soaked workout gear after your gym session. Change into loose, breathable fabrics to allow your skin to breathe and avoid trapping sweat against your body.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to replace fluids lost from sweating. Dehydration can impair skin cell function. An electrolyte drink can also help restore minerals and salts.

Adjust Your Pre-Workout Dosage

Pay attention to how your skin reacts when taking a pre-workout. If you suspect it may be contributing to breakouts, try reducing your dosage to the minimum effective amount.

Talk to Your Dermatologist

Discuss your workout routine and pre-workout supplement use with your dermatologist. They can help identify potential acne triggers and recommend products or medications to keep your skin clear.

The Bottom Line

While research has not definitively confirmed that pre-workout supplements cause acne, some ingredients may exacerbate breakouts in those prone to clogged pores and inflammation.

The good news is you can take steps like cleansing your skin properly, hydrating, and promptly hitting the showers after your gym session to help prevent workout-induced zits.

Pay attention to how your skin reacts and adjust your pre-workout usage, activewear fabrics, and post-gym skin care routine as needed. And if you continue struggling with acne, seek help from a dermatologist.

With some trial and error, you can hopefully still reap all the performance benefits of your go-to pre-workout blend without having to worry about nasty breakouts.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.