Does vaping cause acne? — It’s been the question on a lot of health-conscious vapers’ lips as of late, and it’s understandable why.

Acne affects millions of people worldwide, and as the popularity of vaping increases, so does the discourse on whether vaping causes skin issues — in particular, acne — or not.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential link between vaping and skin health using existing research and other evidence-based methods.

Does vaping cause acne?

Whether or not vaping causes acne has been the subject of ongoing research. While there's no definitive study claiming a direct link between vaping and acne, the connection might lie in what's in the vape.

Various studies hint at the potential of vape ingredients to trigger acne. These ingredients, varying in composition across products, are where we need to look closer to understanding their impact on skin health.

The relationship between vaping and acne

It's not vaping per se, but rather the components of the e-liquids that could be the culprits.

Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, common ingredients in e-liquids, are known to dry out your skin.

In turn, dehydrated skin gets irritated more easily, which leads to worsening acne. Coupled with frequent vaping, this effect can be more pronounced, making your skin even more acne-prone.

Studies also show that nicotine, another prevalent vaping ingredient, affects skin health, too. It’s known to boost stress hormone production, which in turn makes your skin oilier and acne-prone. It’s also known to reduce blood flow in the skin, potentially leading to accelerated skin aging.

Can vaping cause a hormonal imbalance?

Research shows that certain substances in vapes, particularly nicotine, can affect hormone levels.

As we mentioned earlier, nicotine is known to stimulate the adrenal glands, which leads to increased production of stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol). Increased levels of these hormones disrupt the hormonal balance in your body, which can potentially affect almost all organ systems, including the skin.

Further studies also suggest that nicotine affects estrogen levels in women. It can lead to a decrease in estrogen production, which is vital for reproductive health and menstrual cycle regulation. Nicotine is also proven to exacerbate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and potentially impact fertility.

Does quitting vaping cause acne?

Acne development can be influenced by numerous factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, and lifestyle changes. When someone stops vaping — especially if they’re used to vaping nicotine — their body goes through a period of adjustment. This adjustment may include hormonal shifts that could temporarily exacerbate or trigger acne.

However, there's still a lack of specific research that directly correlates quitting vaping with acne development. It's important to consider individual differences and other contributing factors when examining skin changes after quitting vaping.

To sum it up

So, does vaping cause acne? Maybe, maybe not. Currently, there aren’t any studies that suggest a direct link between vaping and acne. What we’re sure of, though, is that some components of vape products — such as propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and nicotine — have properties that could potentially affect skin health.

The extent of this impact, though, appears to differ significantly from person to person. Therefore, further research is essential to comprehensively decipher the connection between vaping and various skin conditions.

FAQs

Does vaping cause cystic acne?

There's no direct evidence linking vaping to cystic acne. However, ingredients in vapes, like propylene glycol and nicotine, could potentially aggravate underlying skin conditions, such as cystic acne. 

Does vaping cause acne scars?

Vaping isn’t directly tied to acne scar production. However, vaping ingredients can exacerbate existing acne, which could cause inflammation and breakouts, leading to scarring. 

Can vaping cause hormonal acne?

Nicotine, commonly found in vape juice, could potentially contribute to hormonal acne. Nicotine affects hormone levels, which might lead to acne breakouts typically associated with hormonal imbalances, especially in susceptible individuals.

Can vaping cause acne around the mouth?

Yes, vaping can potentially cause acne around the mouth. Repeated contact with the vape pen — especially an unclean one — can irritate the skin in this area, leading to breakouts.

Does nicotine cause acne?

Yes, nicotine in vaping products can indirectly contribute to acne. It encourages increased stress hormones, which can lead to increased oil production and clogged pores that promote acne development.