We all know that spicy food can cause heartburn and indigestion, but can it also cause breakouts?
A lot of people think that eating spicy food causes pimples. Is there any truth to this? Does eating spicy food cause pimples?
The short answer is that it depends. We conducted some research and discovered that there is no scientific proof to back up the theory that eating spicy food causes pimples. Some people find that their skin breaks out after eating spicy foods. If spicy food causes your skin to break out, we suggest, you should avoid it.
In this blog article, we’ll look at the theories around how eating spicy food might cause pimples. So, can spicy food cause skin problems? Let’s find out!
What Causes Pimples?
Pimples are caused by a variety of factors. While among the most common causes of pimples, hormones are on the top of the list. When your body goes through puberty, your hormones go into overdrive and can cause your skin to break out.
Some very common causes of pimples include:
- Hormones
- Diet
- Medications
- Genetics
As you can see, pimples can result from various factors. So, does eating spicy food really cause pimples?
Does Eating Spicy Food Cause Pimples? Shocking Research:
There are some ingredients in spicy food that could potentially cause pimples. For example, chili peppers contain capsaicin, which could irritate your skin. And some people believe that the sweat and heat from eating spicy food could lead to breakouts.
The pigment lycopene is present in many red pepper varieties and may cause allergic reactions in some people. Lycopene is an acid that can irritate your skin and disrupt the level of your pH balance, causing pimples and breakouts to appear on your face.
While everyone’s complexion seems to react differently, consider cutting spicy foods out of your diet so you don’t end up with acne or pimples.
Theories & Myths That People Believe In:
There are several theories about how eating spicy food might cause pimples. Let’s look at some of the most popular ones:
Theory No#1
Spicy foods may be a key cause, according to one hypothesis (theory), since they increase the amount of oil produced by your body. Your pores may get clogged with this extra oil and cause breakouts. And, if you already have oily skin, eating spicy food could make your acne worse.
Theory No#2
Another theory is that capsaicin, the compound that makes chili peppers spicy, could irritate your skin and cause pimples. And, if you have sensitive skin, you may be more prone to developing pimples after eating spicy food.
While these theories look logical, however, no scientific evidence supports the theories above. So, if you notice that your skin breaks out after eating spicy food, we recommend you, stop eating spicy food right away.
Now let’s take a look at the research about the correlation between the spicy food and acne or pimples.
What Does Research Say About the Correlation Between Spicy Food & Pimples?
According to the research by Pubmed, “The study shows that eating large quantities of salt affects one’s skin. Researchers found that patients with acne consumed significantly more salty foods than people who didn’t have pimples, potentially pointing towards a contributing dietary factor in the development of acne.”
The study also says that “Patients with acne took significantly greater daily sodium chloride ‘NaCl’ dosage than the controls. A negative relationship between the dietary salt content of persons with acne and the age of onset of acne lesions was discovered. However, neither salty nor spicy meals were linked to the length or severity of the condition.”
Other than the research above, some dermatologists also believe that spicy food could be a contributing factor for some people. They also suggest that If you find out that your skin breaks out after eating spicy food, the best is to avoid spicy food.
Does Spicy Chips Cause Acne?
A lot of people also wonder if eating spicy chips could cause pimples. After all, they are covered in spices.
However, it’s unlikely that eating a few spicy chips will cause you to break out. The spice level is usually not high enough to cause any skin problems.
There is no way that everyone will have the same reaction to spicy food. Everyone has their own unique skin properties and many can tolerate spicy food.
If you are worried about breakouts, we suggest you to avoid eating spicy food altogether.
Does Spicy Noodles Cause Acne?
It’s a myth that eating spicy noodles causes acne. However, there are a few things that can trigger breakouts after you enjoy your favorite bowl of ramen.
For one, if you don’t properly cleanse your face after eating, the oils and sweat from your meal can clog your pores and lead to breakouts.
Also, if you’re prone to touch your face a lot while eating (we know, it’s hard not to!), then the bacteria on your hands can transfer to your skin and cause blemishes.
So, if you want to enjoy your ramen without worrying about pimples, just make sure to wash your face afterward and resist the urge to touch it!
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, to does eating spicy food cause pimples, some dermatologists believe that it could be a contributing factor for some people. And the research from Pubmed also says that eating spicy food also contributes to pimples on one’s skin. If you have acne, avoid spicy food.
Each person has a different skin type, so you may be able to consume spicy foods without experiencing any acne or breakouts. If you notice that your skin breaks out after eating spicy food, you should contact a dermatologist right away to get the best treatment for your acne.
Thanks for reading our article. We hope you found it useful. Now let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How Long Does It Take for Food to Cause Acne?
A: It usually takes about two to three days for the food you eat to cause acne. But as you know that everyone’s skin is different so the time it takes for food to cause acne may vary from person to person.
Q: What Foods Cause Acne?
A: There are a few foods that are known to cause acne, such as dairy products, sugary foods, and greasy foods. And, as we mentioned before, spicy food may also be a contributing factor for some people.
Q: Is Eating Spicy Food Good for Skin?
A: No, eating spicy food is not good for your skin. In fact, it can cause acne breakouts for some people. But everyone’s skin is different so maybe you are also among the ones who are able to eat spicy foods without worrying about acne or pimples.
Q: Does Fried Food Cause Pimples?
A: Yes and no, fried food doesn’t directly cause pimples. However, it can make your acne worse because it can trigger inflammation and increase the production of sebum (oil) in your skin. So, if you are prone to breakouts, we recommend you to avoid fried foods.
Q: What Should I Eat to Avoid Pimples?
A: A healthy diet is always the best way to avoid breakouts. So, make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And avoid processed foods, sugary foods, dairy products, and greasy foods.
