Does eating spicy food cause acne?

In general, eating spicy food may lead to acne breakouts, but not everyone will experience acne after consuming spicy food, and individual differences exist in the relationship between spicy food and acne development.

Components in chili peppers, such as capsaicin, can stimulate the human body. After chili consumption, the body's blood circulation may accelerate, potentially enhancing the sebaceous glands' secretory function. Excessive sebum production can easily block hair follicles, providing a favorable environment for the proliferation of microorganisms like Propionibacterium acnes, thereby increasing the likelihood of acne. After spicy food enters the body, the body may respond to this irritation with a stress reaction, potentially causing hormonal imbalances—for example, relatively increasing the levels of androgens. Androgens enhance sebaceous gland activity, promoting increased sebum production. Hormonal imbalances may also affect the balance of other hormones, further disrupting the normal metabolism of the skin and increasing the likelihood of acne outbreaks.

For individuals whose skin already has mild inflammation or who are in the early stages of acne, eating spicy food may exacerbate the inflammation. Inflammation can make acne more red, swollen, and painful, and may prolong the duration of the inflammatory response. This reaction can also damage skin tissue, delay the skin's healing process, and make acne more likely to leave behind dark spots and scars.

It is recommended that individuals struggling with acne moderately control their intake of spicy foods in their daily diet, especially when the skin is in an unstable condition. At the same time, maintaining good lifestyle habits, such as regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, sufficient sleep, and moderate exercise, can help maintain healthy skin.