Can Vaping cause Acne?
The rise in popularity of e-cigarettes and vapes has prompted more studies on the effects of vaping on overall health and well-being. Many young people believe vaping is a safer or healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes. Unfortunately, vaping carries its own set of health risks. Vaping is the most popular among the younger generation due to its marketing of colorful vape pens and fun vape flavors. It is the most popular way Americans aged 18-29 use tobacco. Acne is also a common health concern that mainly affects the same generation of young people. Acne generally occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog pores leading to pimples on the face, chest, back and shoulders. Some new studies are now showing an indirect correlation between acne and vaping or the use of vape products.

There is no evidence showing that vaping or e-cigarette products can directly cause acne. However, there are findings showing that side effects and consequences of e-cigarette use can contribute to the development of acne. In fact, both vaping and smoking traditional cigarettes can indirectly contribute to acne and other skin issues that can be harmful.
What is a Vape and what are the different types of Vape products?
Vape is a common term when referring to e-cigarettes. Vaping is the act of smoking and using an e-cigarette. Vape products contain a liquid mixture that is heated to a specific temperature and turned into a vapor gas that is inhaled by the user.
Today there are many different types of vape products on the market. Mini vapes are small devices that resemble a traditional cigarette. These are usually disposable one-time-use products. Closed-pod e-cigarettes are non-disposable vape pens that contain a liquid pod that can be replaced or refilled once the liquid has run out. Refillable vape systems are newer models that are larger and have a longer battery life including a refillable liquid vape pod. These new devices have the ability to recharge and continuously switch out a new liquid pod. The Juul is a brand of e-cigarette and is one of the most popular vape devices due to its portability and ease of use.

What is Acne and what are the different types of Acne?
- Atypical post-adolescent acne. This type of acne is the most common in adults and can be influenced by many different factors including lifestyle choices, environment, diet and stress.
- Blackheads and whiteheads. This type of acne is caused by clogged pores and clogged hair follicles. Also known as comedones. Comedones can be open or closed. Closed comedones are whiteheads and usually appear to have a white bump at the top of the pimple. Whiteheads occur when blockage of pores remains below the surface of the skin. Open comedones are blackheads and tend to appear black or dark at the top of the pimple. This happens when the blockage is exposed to air and darkens due to oxidation.
- Hormonal acne. This type of acne is most often associated with hormonal changes that affect teens and adults.
What contributes to the formation of acne? There are many different factors that impact the development of this skin condition. Sebum overproduction is one of the biggest triggers to acne. Excess oil can clog pores on the skin, which lead to the development of acne. Dead skin cell on the surface of the skin can also clog up pores leading to acne. Dehydration. Dry skin can often worsen acne or current skin conditions.
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Can Vaping cause Acne?
It’s a complicated answer. There is no evidence that vaping directly causes acne. However, vaping can lead to skin irritation and skin conditions that can indirectly lead to the development of acne. The skin is the body’s largest organ. It is also the most resilient. However, constant trauma to the skin, whether directly or indirectly, can cause damage and irritation. There are many factors related to vaping that can lead to the development of skin conditions including acne.
Smoking or vaping of any kind can lead to skin barrier damage. Conditions such as skin pigmentation, redness, loss of elasticity, loss of collagen and a higher risk of cancer can result from vaping. Additionally, many of the chemicals found in vape liquids will inevitably end up on the skin’s surface. When these chemicals build up, they suffocate the skin barrier, decreasing the oxygen supply and over time can speed up the aging process making you look older than you actually are.
- Vaping can slow down the skin renewal process. This process flushes away old or dead skin cells. When this process is interrupted, it can lead to clogged pores, which can lead to acne breakouts and flare-ups.
- Vaping leads to dehydration. It can especially dry up the skin. Sometimes dehydrated skin can lead to a higher chance of developing acne because the skin will overcompensate by overproducing oils. Too much oil on the skin can clog pores. It is known that clogged pores often lead to acne.
- People who vape tend to touch their faces very often. Sometimes they constantly have to wipe vapor particles that settle on their faces. This can easily transfer dirt and bacteria onto the skin, which can again lead to the development of acne.
- Atypical post-adolescent acne is the most commonly found form of acne among smokers and those who vape. It is also known as whiteheads or blackheads. These open and closed comedones also lead to rough skin textures, which can lead to skin irritation and other skin conditions.
- Nicotine. Not only is nicotine an addictive substance found in traditional cigarettes but nicotine can also be found in vape liquids. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels which restricts blood flow to the skin. When there is reduced blood flow, it decreases the skin’s ability to receive oxygen and nutrients making it harder for it to self-heal. If a user already has acne, nicotine can worsen the acne. Nicotine impacts the sebaceous glands causing them to produce more oil and sebum which leads to clogged pores and can lead to ance. Nicotine can also affect a user’s hormonal levels which can impact existing skin conditions and worsen acne.
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Vape is an alternative to traditional cigarette smoking. However, this doesn’t mean it’s a healthier option. Vaping can lead to a number of health conditions including acne. Though there is no direct correlation between the two, vaping does majorly impact the skin, which can lead to the development of skin conditions that cause acne. One popular acne condition that is most commonly associated with smokers and nicotine vape users is called smoker’s acne.
Can you get addicted to vaping? Yes. Many times, liquid vape pods contain nicotine. Nicotine is known to be an addictive substance. Not only can nicotine become addictive, but it can also lead to an addiction to other mind-altering substances. Cigarettes and vapes are commonly referred to as a gateway to using other more intense drugs. When a substance addiction occurs, behavioral health treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide specialized care for those suffering from the disease.
We provide treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-proven methods such as CBT, DBT and family therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping our clients reach their recovery goals and overcome their addictions.
References:
https://www.skin.software/journal/does-vaping-cause-acne
https://www.khealth.com/learn/vaping/does-vaping-cause-acne
https://www.exposedskincare.com/blogs/blog/nicotine-and-acne?pb=0
https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-smoking-cigarettes-a-cause-of-acne-15687