Is there a correlation between using creatine for exercise and an increase in acne breakouts?

What is creatine?

Creatine is a sports supplement that is taken by athletes or fitness enthusiasts along with supplements like whey protein in order to increase performance. Creatine itself is naturally found in your body. Every time you perform any type of intense exercise (e.g. resistance exercise or running) your body uses creatine to provide you with energy. Unfortunately, this substance’s stores only last for a maximum of around 10 seconds. This depletion is the reason why you can’t train “all-out” for an unlimited time.

The vast majority of creatine in your body, around 95%, is stored in muscle tissue, and it provides the quick, short bursts of energy necessary when performing high-intensity activities like sprinting or resistance training. By supplementing your diet with additional creatine, you're able to load your muscles with more of this energy-producing compound. This increases your capacity to perform high-intensity work for a longer period of time. Many users of creatine however, have reported that they have experienced increased acne breakouts at the same time as starting a creatine cycle.

Unlike steroids, creatine doesn't produce acne, facial hair, or deepen the voice. Women can use creatine without the masculine side effects of steroids. However, there are negative side effects of creatine which could possibly lead to acne.

1. Dehydration is the main problem that users experience. Creatine takes the water from body fluids and the water is absorbed into the muscles to replenish the muscle tissue. This allows the athlete to recuperate from workouts more quickly. This may cause acne breakouts by dehydrating the skin which reduces the amount of acne causing toxins that can be flushed away.

2. Many brands of creatine will advise you to take creatine with fruit juice or drinks such as powerade. Now, if you aren’t prone to acne, this is a good thing. But if you are prone, and are not using products to stop acne, the release of hormones due to increased blood sugar from these sugary fluids which will trigger an insulin spike and therefore will most definitely cause a noticeable increase in acne.

3. Another possible cause of increased acne breakouts is due to the increased amount of exercise that you are doing because of the increased creatine you are taking. Increased weighlifting, for example, causes an increase in testosterone levels which can strongly exacerbate your acne.

It’s recommended therefore to take creatine with water only in the place of the reccomended fruit juice, however dirty it tastes. It may take longer to be saturated into your muscles, but it is your choice (although you should consume some carbohydrates at the same time to help absorbtion). It is also vital to drink plenty of water throughout the day to ensure that your skin receives proper hydration. An acne cleansing regime is also recommended. Either that or you choose not to take creatine at all and hope your training doesn't suffer and your acne clears up!