Does Vaping Cause Acne? What Science Says

If you vape and struggle with breakouts, you might wonder whether your e-cigarette habit is making your skin worse. While vaping hasn't been proven to directly cause acne, research shows it can trigger and worsen breakouts through several pathways that affect your skin health.

The relationship between vaping and acne is complex. Though studies are limited, evidence suggests that the chemicals in e-cigarettes can create conditions that promote breakouts, especially if you're already prone to acne.

What Research Shows About Vaping and Acne

Researchers have conducted few studies specifically examining vaping's effects on skin, so there isn't enough evidence to confirm that vaping directly causes acne. However, a 2019 study found that young adults who vaped reported more acne lesions than non-vapers, though a direct cause wasn't established.

A 2024 systematic review examining electronic cigarettes and skin health found that e-cigarettes can present harmful effects on the skin, including contact dermatitis, impaired wound healing, and various skin conditions. The review concluded that no scientific research has shown positive effects of e-cigarettes on skin health.

How Vaping Affects Your Skin

While vaping may not cause acne outright, it creates several conditions that can trigger or worsen breakouts:

Dehydration and Oil Production

E-cigarettes contain propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, which are hygroscopic substances that draw moisture from their surroundings. When you vape, these chemicals can dehydrate your mouth, throat, and skin. When your skin becomes dehydrated, it often compensates by producing more oil, which can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

Nicotine's Impact

Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing oxygen and nutrient flow to your skin. This can slow down healing processes, making existing breakouts last longer and potentially leaving more visible marks. Nicotine may also trigger inflammation and increase sebum production, both of which contribute to acne development.

Research on smoking and acne shows similar patterns. A 2021 systematic review found that smoking was a risk factor for acne in adults, suggesting that nicotine delivery systems may contribute to breakouts regardless of the delivery method.

Chemical Irritation

E-cigarette liquids contain thousands of different substances, many of which haven't been tested for safety in humans. While these chemicals aren't comedogenic (pore-clogging), they can irritate skin and trigger inflammatory responses that may result in breakouts, especially around the mouth where vapor makes direct contact.

Tips to Protect Your Skin

If you vape and experience acne, consider these steps:

• Drink extra water to counteract dehydration effects from vaping
• Cleanse your face regularly, especially around your mouth and chin
• Use a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer to prevent your skin from overcompensating with oil production
• Consider reducing or stopping vaping to see if your skin improves
• Avoid touching your face after handling your vape device

What to Expect If You Quit

Many people report clearer skin after quitting vaping. Within a few weeks, improved blood flow can help your skin receive more oxygen and nutrients, supporting its natural healing processes. You may notice fewer breakouts, reduced redness, and better overall skin texture as your body recovers.

When to See a Dermatologist

Consult a dermatologist if you experience persistent or worsening acne, develop painful cystic breakouts, notice new skin irritation or rashes after starting vaping, or have acne that doesn't improve with basic skincare changes. A dermatologist can assess your specific situation and recommend appropriate treatments while discussing how lifestyle factors like vaping may be affecting your skin.

While more research is needed to fully understand vaping's effects on acne, current evidence suggests it can contribute to breakouts through multiple pathways. Protecting your skin starts with understanding these risks and making informed choices about your habits.