Do Eggs Cause Acne? What Research Shows

The relationship between eggs and acne remains a debated topics in dermatology. While eggs are a nutritious protein source packed with vitamins and minerals, some people worry they might trigger breakouts. The truth is more complicated than a simple yes or no.

Current research shows that eggs don't cause acne for most people. However, individual food sensitivities and allergies can trigger acne in some cases. A 2023 study found that among acne patients tested for food allergies, whole eggs were one of the most common allergens, affecting about 67% of those with food sensitivities. For people without these sensitivities, eggs are unlikely to affect their skin.

What Research Shows About Eggs and Acne

Unlike dairy and high-sugar foods, eggs haven't been extensively studied as an acne trigger. The American Academy of Dermatology's 2024 guidelines for acne treatment concluded that available evidence was insufficient to recommend specific dietary changes, including avoiding eggs.

A 2022 systematic review examining diet and acne focused primarily on dairy products and high-glycemic foods rather than eggs. The review found strong evidence linking dairy and sugary foods to acne, but eggs weren't mentioned as a significant dietary factor.

A 2023 study of 57 patients with moderate acne found that whole chicken eggs were the most significant food allergen identified. Among those who eliminated allergenic foods from their diet, 72% saw improvement in their acne. This suggests that for people with egg sensitivities, eggs could contribute to breakouts.

How Eggs Might Trigger Acne in Some People

For people who react to eggs, the problem isn't eggs themselves but how their immune system responds to egg proteins. When you have a food sensitivity, eating that food can trigger inflammation throughout your body, including your skin. This inflammation can worsen existing acne or contribute to new breakouts.

Eggs are rich in biotin, a B vitamin that supports healthy skin. Two eggs contain about 20 micrograms of biotin, nearly two-thirds of the daily recommended amount. While biotin from food isn't known to cause acne, high-dose biotin supplements have been linked to breakouts in some people. The biotin in eggs appears to be well-tolerated at normal dietary levels.

Some sources suggest eggs contain hormones that could affect acne, but the hormone content in eggs is minimal. Unlike dairy products, which contain hormones that can influence human oil production, eggs don't appear to have significant hormonal effects at typical consumption levels.

Why Individual Response Matters

Acne triggers vary significantly from person to person. Your genetics, hormone levels, and immune system all influence how your skin responds to different foods. What causes breakouts for one person might have no effect on another.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends paying attention to your personal patterns. If you notice breakouts consistently follow eating eggs, you may have an individual sensitivity worth exploring. However, many people eat eggs regularly without any skin problems.

How to Test If Eggs Affect Your Skin

If you suspect eggs trigger your acne, try an elimination diet. Remove all eggs from your diet for 2-4 weeks, including eggs in baked goods and processed foods. This gives your skin enough time to show improvement if eggs are a trigger.

During the elimination period, keep your skincare routine consistent and track any changes in your breakouts. Take photos weekly to document progress. After the elimination period, reintroduce eggs and watch for changes over the next 10-14 days. If your acne worsens again, eggs might be a personal trigger for you.

For a more definitive answer, consider working with a dermatologist or allergist. They can perform allergy testing to identify specific food sensitivities that might contribute to your acne. This approach is especially helpful if you suspect multiple food triggers.

Focus on Proven Dietary Triggers First

Before eliminating eggs, consider addressing dietary factors with stronger research support. A 2022 systematic review found that high-glycemic foods and dairy products have more consistent associations with acne than most other foods. Foods like white bread, sugary drinks, and skim milk show clearer connections to breakouts.

If you're trying to improve acne through diet, start with the most evidence-backed changes: reduce high-sugar foods, limit dairy products, and focus on whole foods with a lower glycemic index. These modifications are more likely to help than eliminating eggs without clear evidence they affect you.

When to See a Dermatologist

Diet alone rarely cures acne. While identifying and avoiding food triggers can help reduce breakouts, most people need additional treatment. Consider seeing a dermatologist if you experience:

• Moderate to severe acne that persists despite dietary changes

• Painful, deep acne that leaves scars

• Breakouts that don't respond to over-the-counter treatments

• Uncertainty about whether foods are triggering your acne

A dermatologist can help identify your specific acne triggers, including potential food sensitivities. They can also prescribe proven treatments that target the root causes of acne more effectively than diet changes alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can eating eggs every day cause acne?

For most people, eating eggs daily won't cause acne. Eggs aren't among the foods with strong scientific evidence linking them to breakouts. However, if you have an egg sensitivity or allergy, daily consumption could trigger inflammation that worsens acne.

Are egg whites or egg yolks worse for acne?

Neither egg whites nor yolks are known to be worse for acne. The 2023 allergy study found that whole eggs and egg protein (primarily from whites) were common allergens in acne patients. If you're sensitive to eggs, you may react to either component.

How long should I avoid eggs to see if they're causing my acne?

Eliminate eggs completely for 2-4 weeks to see if your skin improves. Research shows that improvement from elimination diets typically appears within 10-14 days if a food was triggering inflammation. Keep all other aspects of your routine the same during this test period.

The Bottom Line

Current evidence doesn't support the idea that eggs cause acne for most people. Unlike dairy and high-sugar foods, eggs haven't been consistently linked to breakouts in scientific research. The American Academy of Dermatology's latest guidelines don't recommend avoiding eggs as part of acne treatment.

However, individual food sensitivities matter. Research shows that eggs are among the most common food allergens in some acne patients, and elimination diets help about 72% of people with food allergies improve their acne. If you suspect eggs trigger your breakouts, a structured elimination trial can help you identify whether they're a personal trigger.

Remember that diet is just one factor in acne development. Genetics, hormones, and skincare habits play larger roles for most people. If dietary changes alone don't improve your acne, working with a dermatologist can help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses your specific triggers and needs.