It's no secret that steroids can cause several side effects, but acne is one of the most publicized.
Acne is a skin condition that is characterized by the development of pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.
While it is most commonly associated with puberty, it can affect people of all ages.
So, does taking steroids really increase your risk of developing acne? Let's take a closer look.
Does Steroids cause Acne?
Yes, steroids can cause acne. Steroid use, which includes anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS), increases sebum production in the skin which clogs pores and leads to the development of acne lesions. The oilier the skin gets, the more prone it is to breakouts.
In addition to this direct action on sebaceous glands, steroid use has been shown to impair immune system functioning and reduce protective antioxidant levels in cells; both of these effects could also contribute to an increase in acne lesion development.
The most common sites are the chest, shoulders, and back but can also occur on the face as well as other parts of the body such as thighs, buttocks, and genital area.
There are numerous treatment options available for individuals experiencing steroid-related acne and they range from topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide gel or antimicrobial washes all the way up to systemic treatments with antibiotics or isotretinoin (a vitamin A derivative).
It is important that these treatments be used under the guidance of a licensed medical professional for the proper diagnosis and management of steroid-induced acne lesions.
Why do steroids cause Acne?
Steroids are a type of drug that is used to treat a variety of medical conditions.
They are synthetic versions of testosterone, can be very effective in treating various medical problems, and are great for bodybuilding.
However, steroids can also have some side effects, including acne.
Acne is a condition that causes pimples to form on the skin. It is a very common problem, and it can be embarrassing and frustrating. Acne can be caused by several factors, including hormones, diet, and genetics.
Steroids can also cause acne because they are a type of hormone.
Hormones play a role in the development of acne, and steroids can increase the production of hormones in the body. This can lead to an increase in acne.
One component of steroids that makes them causes acne is an androgen. Androgens are steroids that increase the production of sebum, which is a type of oil produced by the body.
Sebum – an oily substance – helps to keep the skin moisturized, but too much of it can cause acne because it could clog pores.
Steroids may also cause acne because they affect the skin in other ways as well. For example, steroids can increase the production of keratin.
Keratin is a protein that is found in the skin, and too much of it can cause acne.
Another reason steroids can cause acne is that they can increase the number of bacteria on the skin. Bacteria play a role in the development of acne, and steroids can worsen this.
Finally, steroids can cause other skin problems, such as rosacea and hirsutism.
Rosacea is a condition that causes the face to become red and inflamed. Hirsutism is a condition that causes excessive hair growth on the body.
Related Post: Anavar and Acne
What can you do to prevent steroids from causing Acne?
There are several steps you can take to prevent steroids from causing acne:
- Use a mild facial cleanser: Gentle cleansing can help to remove excess oil and dirt from your skin, which can clog pores and cause acne. Look for a cleanser that is specifically designed for acne-prone skin, and use it twice a day.
- Moisturize: Dry skin can exacerbate acne, so it's essential to keep your skin hydrated. Choose a non-comedogenic moisturizer that won't clog your pores.
- Avoid touching your face: Touching your face can transfer oil and bacteria from your hands to your skin, leading to breakouts. Try to keep your hands away from your face as much as possible.
- Keep your hair off your face: Hair can contain oil and dirt, which can contribute to acne breakouts. Try to keep your hair pulled back away from your face.
- Avoid using oily hair and skin care products: Oily hair and skin care products can clog pores and cause acne. Look for products that are labeled “oil-free” or “non-comedogenic.”
- Monitor your diet: Some foods, such as dairy and high-glycemic-index foods, have been linked to acne. Avoiding these foods or limiting your intake may help to prevent breakouts.
- Talk to your doctor: If you are experiencing severe acne as a result of steroid use, talk to your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a medication or recommend a skincare routine that can help to reduce the severity of your acne.
Does steroid acne go away?
Yes, steroid acne can go away and can be treated successfully. Steroid acne is a type of acne vulgaris caused by long-term or overuse of topical and/or oral corticosteroids.
It typically appears on the face, neck, chest, back, and arms in the form of red nodules (papules) that are inflamed with pus underneath.
Steroid acne is a form of cystic acne that requires more aggressive treatments such as prescription antibiotics along with other topical medications like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide. Treatment should begin as soon as possible in order to prevent any future scarring resulting from the condition.
What does steroid Acne look like?
Steroid Acne looks different depending on the type of steroid used and the severity of the condition. Generally speaking, acne caused by steroids will appear as red, raised bumps that are often itchy and painful.
These may be accompanied by burning or stinging sensations. In some cases, individuals may even develop pustules (small pimples filled with pus) or nodules (larger lumps beneath the skin).
Depending on how long an individual has been using steroids, they may also experience blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts in addition to the typical inflamed bumps.
It’s important to note that steroid acne can be further aggravated by sweat and friction from clothing during physical activity.
Since it is a medical condition triggered by steroid use, topical treatments such as creams or gels are unlikely to have any effect – more severe cases require a visit to a specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment options tailored specifically for you.
What is the best acne treatment for steroid users?
Here's the list of best acne treatments for steroid users:
- Topical benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical acne treatment that helps to reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria that cause acne. It is available over the counter and in prescription-strength formulations.
- Oral antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are another option for treating acne in steroid users. They help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause acne.
- Topical retinoids
These medications work by exfoliating the skin and increasing cell turnover rate, so new cells grow faster than old ones. They help to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria that cause acne.
Is benzoyl peroxide a steroid?
As mentioned above, benzoyl peroxide is not a steroid.
It's an organic peroxide often used to treat mild and moderate acne breakouts. It's available in both prescription strength and over-the-counter formulas.
It can be found on its own or combined with other topical skincare ingredients such as clindamycin, erythromycin, adapalene, tretinoin (Retin-A), and tazarotene (Tazorac).
What type of steroid causes acne?
The type of steroid that can cause acne mostly is the synthetic corticosteroid.
Corticosteroids are a class of drugs that are used to reduce inflammation in the body.
Although anabolic steroids (the type of steroid that is abused to increase muscle mass for bodybuilding) also cause acne and could worsen the condition in people who are already prone to it. But not as bad as corticosteroids.
Why do topical steroids cause acne?
Topical steroids are creams, ointments, and lotions that contain steroid medicines. These work to reduce inflammation in the skin.
When these medications are used on the skin, they can sometimes cause an increase in sebum production, leading to the development of acne lesions.
Especially when used excessively.
Additionally, topical steroids can also cause a reduction in cell turnover rate, which can lead to the accumulation of dead skin cells on the skin's surface. This can also contribute to the development of acne lesions.
How long does steroid acne last?
Steroid acne will typically clear up within a few weeks after you stop taking the steroids.
However, in some cases, it may take months for the acne to disappear completely. If you have steroid acne, consult your doctor about your best treatment plan.
Do oral steroids cause acne?
Oral steroids can definitely cause acne breakouts in some people.
This is because oral steroids work by suppressing the body's natural production of hormones like cortisol and testosterone. When these hormones are suppressed, it can lead to an over-production of sebum.
How do you get rid of steroid acne?
Acne is a common side effect of steroid use. The best way to get rid of it is to stop using steroids. If you must continue using them, you can try some over-the-counter acne medications, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. You may also need to change your diet and eat more fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water, too.
Are there steroids without side effects?
Besides the fact that anabolic steroids can cause acne, they also have a long list of other potential side effects.
These can include things like liver damage, high blood pressure, heart disease, gyno, mood swings, and a whole list of others.
They have also been considered illegal and controlled substances in countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Nonetheless, there are legal and safer steroid alternatives for bodybuilders, athletes, and fitness people looking to gain muscle and strength and cut down on fats.
During my research, I found out about a company that has been in existence for over 10 years and has been doing an excellent job helping people achieve their fitness goals.
The company is called CrazyBulk.
CrazyBulk was founded to replace anabolic steroids with safer alternatives. They are a US-based company, and its products are made in the USA using premium quality ingredients sourced from all over the world.
CrazyBulk has been excellently helping people gain strength and muscle mass without any side effects.
In addition to that, they have got thousands of testimonials from their customers who have used the products and are satisfied with the results.
Here are some of their supplement:
- D-Bal (replaces Dianabol) is used for gaining lean muscle mass
- Trenorol (replaces Trenbolone) is used for cutting, bulking, and strength
- Testo-Max (replaces Sustanon) is used to increase testosterone levels in men naturally
- Anadrole (replaces Anadrol) and used to boost red blood cell production and increase muscle mass
- Clenbutrol (replaces Clenbuterol) is used as a powerful fat burner
- Winsol (replaces Winstrol) is used for cutting cycles, preserving lean muscle mass, and strength
- Anvarol (replaces Anavar) is used for cutting cycles, preserving lean muscle mass and strength
- Decaduro (replaces Deca Durabolin) is used to increase protein synthesis in the body
These products are made with natural ingredients and can be shipped anywhere worldwide.
Final Thoughts
There are many reasons steroids can cause acne, but you must talk with your doctor about the best course of action.
Asking them questions like “What is causing my breakouts?” or “Can I take anything to help reduce these spots?” will get you on the right track toward clearer skin and feeling more confident in your own body.
Finally, if you're wondering how long this might last after stopping taking anabolic steroids, that answer depends largely on your body system. People differ.
However, most people find that their acne goes away within 2-4 weeks of discontinuing use.
While anabolic steroids can have nasty side effects, CrazyBulk has created a range of safe and legal steroid alternatives that help people achieve their fitness goals without negative consequences.
Check out Crazybulk's website for more information about their products!
