Can eggs cause acne? We answer a frequently asked question from readers

Can acne appear from protein (sports nutrition), how to avoid it?

Modern people are keen on many different ideological trends, but in recent years there have been more and more people who strive to lead a healthy lifestyle, active sports, and also adhere to the canons of proper nutrition.
But the further, the more often athletes are concerned about the question of whether acne can be caused by protein, since many of them actively add various nutritional supplements and protein products to their diet in order to quickly build muscles and create relief.

Why does protein cause acne?

Of course, the main reason here is also the usual blockage of sebaceous ducts and pores, but several other factors lead to this. In particular, the consumption of protein supplements often leads to water retention in the body, which, accumulating in the skin tissues, simply pinches the sebaceous ducts, causing them to become clogged with secretions, which leads to the formation of acne.

Other factors can also lead to water retention in the body, for example, frequent consumption of salty or spicy foods in large quantities, fast foods and other heavy foods. In combination with protein supplements, which contain a lot of proteins, carbohydrates and various amino acids, water is retained in an even greater volume, creating other problems in the body.

If at the same time a person begins to refuse to consume healthy fats, which the body needs for normal existence and some natural processes, for fear of accumulation of adipose tissue, then the concentration of insulin in his blood increases, which also leads to water retention.

In stressful situations, as well as frequent nervous or emotional stress, the concentration of small proteins in the body increases, which retain fluid.

The consumption of alcohol and certain medications taken without a doctor’s prescription or indications for them also leads to the same result.

Water retention also occurs due to hormonal imbalance, which people often try to return to normal by consuming fatty meats, dairy products, cheeses and hormonal drugs, thereby provoking abnormal surges that significantly worsen the situation.

Nutritional Features for Athletes

As a rule, special sports nutrition, containing concentrated proteins, carbohydrates and many types of amino acids, is used by athletes after intense sports activities with serious loads, before or during them to restore the body. In fact, such products are a source of many useful substances that athletes need during intense sports. That is why it is most often used by bodybuilders and those involved in fitness.

Protein refers to a special protein of natural origin, which is the main building material for muscle tissue and creates an active obstacle to a decrease in the level of immunity. In addition, it is protein that prevents muscles from atrophying.

Amino acids also take an active part in building muscle tissue, but the amount of consumption of these substances directly depends on the intensity of the training. Essentially, protein blends, which contain many important elements in a concentrated form, are designed to convert the calories the body receives into the energy it needs to build muscle faster.

However, you should not choose sports nutrition on your own. To do this, you need to consult with specialists and take into account many points, including the characteristics of the body. Incorrectly selected medications can lead to side effects and complications, of which the appearance of protein acne on the face, back and other parts of the body will be the lesser of the evils.

How to eliminate acne from sports nutrition

Of course, the first step is to take measures to remove excess fluid from the body, which requires reducing or completely abandoning the consumption of spicy foods, large amounts of spices and salt. You should also not take low-quality supplements containing so-called “dirty” types of protein, that is, steroids.

It is very important to follow a certain diet and adhere to certain rules so that acne from sports nutrition does not appear. It will be necessary to adhere to such canons for a long time.

From the diet you should completely exclude salted, smoked, pickled foods, dishes with a high content of spices, especially spicy ones, black tea of all varieties, many types of vegetables, oysters, as well as juices sold in stores, both canned and packaged.

Treatment for sports acne

As a rule, when athletes develop acne, it is recommended to treat it with a regular calendula tincture with alcohol, which can be purchased at almost any pharmacy. This simple remedy helps in most cases, effectively drying out the rash and reducing its size.

If for some reason the calendula tincture does not have the desired effect, you can treat it with special lotions, for example, Ugresil or gel products, such as Baziron AC. But it is important to remember that such drugs must be applied exclusively to the spot, applying only to the surface of acne, while avoiding damage to the skin.

Treatment with natural tea tree or rosemary oil, which should be applied to the surface of pathogenic elements twice a day, also has an excellent effect in eliminating acne.

Important Principles

It is also necessary to observe some basic principles of behavior during training and consumption of protein sports nutrition in order to avoid or eliminate the formation of acne on the back and other parts of the body. It is important to lead a correct lifestyle, for which you should:

Take a shower, thoroughly washing off all impurities from the skin, after each workout, regardless of its intensity.
Wash your face twice a day using mineral water and special gel products.
For oily skin, after each wash it is important to disinfect the epidermis by wiping it with salicylic alcohol or tonics containing this acid.
When pathogenic elements appear, it is necessary to treat the face and body with zinc ointment, which has a pronounced drying effect. It is best to apply the ointment at night after water procedures. But you shouldn't expect quick results here. Such treatment should be quite long.
To eliminate inflammation, you can use compresses with the drug Dimexide, diluting it in the correct proportion. You can also apply the drug to the rashes themselves, performing exclusively spot treatment of pimples and blackheads.

It is important to remember that if, despite all the measures taken, the number of pathogenic elements does not decrease, you cannot independently begin treatment with various antibacterial drugs, especially those that contain erythromycin. In the first days, such products bring some benefit, but the bacteria that live on the skin get used to such drugs in just a few days, after which they begin to use them as a nutrient medium, with the help of which they develop even more actively. As a result, the condition of the skin deteriorates sharply.

You can often find recommendations for the use of the well-known drug Skinoren against acne in athletes, but this should not be done. The product has a very high cost, but at the same time it is characterized by low effectiveness against pathogenic elements, and subject to constant intense training and consumption of sports protein nutrition, the drug is simply useless, and in some cases it can worsen the condition of the skin.

Video about how to properly consume protein and for what purpose

How does protein affect the skin of jocks?

The consumption standards and brands of sports nutrition are selected by the trainer individually.
If a person approaches the selection of sports nutrition responsibly, then acne from protein is not scary. It is important to contact a professional trainer who, after conducting a thorough survey on the desired results, the clinical picture, allergic reactions and the direction of the sport, will suggest a high-quality brand and product. It is necessary to clarify the norms for the use of amino acids and the time; sometimes taking the product is important before training or after training. The option of drinking cocktails during breaks between approaches is not excluded.

The correct regimen and diet of an athlete will help the body absorb amino acids without causing side symptoms. Excessive amounts of microelements can contribute to disruptions in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and disrupt metabolism. Deviations contribute to the formation of clogged pores, excessive sebum production and, ultimately, the appearance of rashes (the back is most susceptible). Acne after a course of steroids in a weightlifter often develops as a result of ignoring post-cycle therapy.

Protein diet for clear skin - benefits

Lack of protein leads to sagging muscles, skin withering, sagging (facial contour worsens, a double chin appears), elasticity and firmness are lost.

A healthy menu with a sufficient amount of this nutrient (about 100 g of pure protein per day) will help improve the quality of the skin, but their condition will depend primarily on the ability of the intestines to evacuate food waste.

Protein foods contain the following beauty vitamins:

selenium (especially in cottage cheese) helps improve the structure;
seafood contains zinc, which is effective in solving acne problems;
mushrooms contain a large amount of antioxidants (anti-aging effect, prevention of wrinkles);
all fermented milk products are beneficial for the microflora of the stomach, the poor condition of which will always affect the skin;
gelatin is a protein that solves the problem of sagging and loss of elasticity (as well as brittle nails and hair).

Dietary meat, fish, nuts, legumes, cottage cheese, eggs should be present on the menu regularly. Excluding proteins means jeopardizing not only your health, but also your beauty.

But it is a mistake to say that a protein diet is the solution for clear skin. The dominance of proteins, reduction (or almost complete elimination) of carbohydrates and fats (and this is what the popular “Kremlin”, “Protasovka” and others are based on) will lead to the opposite effect - problematic skin.

Effective recipes for egg-based masks

For all skin types

Recipes:

To tighten pores. Brew 1 tsp. chamomile and mint leaves, mix 2 tbsp. the resulting liquid with one egg and 1 tbsp. honey, after melting it in a water bath.
For acne with fruits. Take 1 tbsp. grapefruit juice, add 5 strawberries (or 2-3 strawberries), add 1 beaten quail egg. All components must be thoroughly mixed, for which it is better to use a blender.

For oily skin

Recipes:

For acne. Beat the white of one egg, add 1 tbsp to it. sugar, mix thoroughly. Apply the composition to the skin for a few minutes.
Antiseptic mask. Prepare chamomile infusion, mix 2 tbsp. liquid with 1 tbsp. blue clay, mix with whipped egg white.
By preparing egg masks at home, you can significantly save on expensive cosmetics (Photo: chirpstory.com)
To cleanse clogged pores. Grind the oatmeal in a blender, take 1 tbsp. Combine the resulting “dust” with the beaten white of one egg. This mask should be washed off with cool water.

For dry skin

Recipes:

For acne on the neck and face. Take the white of one egg, add 1 tbsp. liquid honey, 1 tsp. olive oil and a few drops of rose essential oil solution.
Paper mask against acne. Beat the egg white, apply it to the pimples with a brush, and cover with napkins. You need to create up to 5 layers of paper, soaking each layer with protein. They are removed after about half an hour.

Nutritional Features for Athletes

Sports nutrition contains a huge amount of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats and other substances, such as vitamins, creatine, gainers, amino acids and fat-burning components in high concentrations. The use of such drugs during sports allows you to quickly destroy fatty tissue deposits, turning them into energy, and build muscle mass.

Amino acids also take an active part in building muscle tissue, but the amount of consumption of these substances directly depends on the intensity of the training. Essentially, protein blends, which contain many important elements in a concentrated form, are designed to convert the calories the body receives into the energy it needs to build muscle faster.

Acne after bodybuilding: other causes

Although nutrition is the main, but far from the only cause of acne in athletes. For example, we may notice excessive sweating during exercise. If the training time is long, then the discharge manages to clog the pores and cause inflammation on the skin. Also, there are other factors that are worth paying attention to.

Hormones as the cause of acne after bodybuilding

In addition to high-calorie and frequent meals, bodybuilders’ bodies sharply increase hormonal levels and the production of androgens, in particular testosterone (male sex hormone). In a bodybuilder, like a teenager, the work of not only the sebaceous glands, but also the endocrine system, increases, so many extra hormones are “released” into the body.

Due to excessive amounts of male sex hormones, the skin can be too dry, but often the opposite happens. The oily epidermis provides favorable soil for the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, and, as a result, the skin becomes covered with acne of various types and severity.

Anabolic steroids also cause acne in bodybuilders

An equally common factor that actively influences the skin condition of a bodybuilder is the use of anabolic steroids. This group of steroids is designed to increase testosterone levels, and this is very important for those who “build” their body.

Anabolic steroids have a very significant effect on the development and intensification of acne.

Risk factors

In a situation where acne appears after physical activity, a predisposition to the appearance of rashes plays a role.

Factors prone to skin rashes:

People with oily skin or excessive sebum production. Intense physical exercise accelerates this process, causing the pores to become clogged and inflamed.
Tendency to allergic reactions. Many allergy sufferers may have a reaction to synthetic fabrics in sportswear. Allergies to wet material are especially common.
The use of specialized wetsuits that retain moisture on the surface of the skin and do not allow air to pass through. Divers often suffer from rashes.

In addition, with heavy loads and activities with heavy weights, you can injure the skin and, through micro-cuts and tears, become infected with the lymph or skin, which will cause the appearance of inflammatory acne.

Milk and dairy products

A Malaysian study found that those who regularly consumed milk were four times more likely to develop acne than those who did not (hormones in dairy products are thought to lead to skin problems). Even more surprising: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skim milk may be worse than whole or low-fat milk. The exact cause is still unclear, although it may have to do with the various proteins found in skim.

Treatment of acne during sports

First of all, you need to find out the cause of acne and try to get rid of it. That is, if inflammation occurs due to tight clothes, you need to change them to looser ones; if the protein and its dose are chosen incorrectly, you need to change the nutrition program.

You can remove the inflammation itself with the help of numerous cosmetics presented on the shelves of pharmacies and stores, or with the help of traditional medicine. An effective remedy from the folk medicine cabinet is calendula tincture; it heals and dries out purulent pimples well. This method is also easy to use: it is enough to wipe the affected areas several times a day (no more than three).

It is important to follow the rules of hygiene, wash your face in the morning and at night using foams or lotions that will remove the layer of sebum from the skin!

Among pharmaceutical products, ointments based on benzoyl 10% have good effectiveness. There is a risk of addiction to this product. The drugs can be used spot-on, applying them only to the pimple. During active sports, there is a possibility of infecting the skin with a staphylococcal infection through microtrauma and sweat. Treatment of such acne must be carried out together with a dermatologist and an infectious disease specialist; sometimes it is enough to use only some essential oils.

How to use?

If external blemishes appear on the skin, you can use chicken eggs in different variations of face masks to get rid of blemishes. They are able to cleanse the dermis of impurities and remove excess secretion secreted by the sebaceous glands. Refreshes and gives a healthy glow. Eliminates wrinkles and rejuvenates human skin.

Before preparing masks, it is important to pay attention to the components to see if they cause an allergic reaction.

With honey for blackheads

To prepare a honey mask, you will need the white of one chicken egg, liquid honey, ground oatmeal, and olive oil. Used twice every seven days. The mask clears away comedones and acne. Preparation and use:

A face mask with honey and protein helps get rid of unwanted manifestations in the form of blackheads.

First, separate the white from the yolk.
Beat the egg whites until a thick foam forms.
Add one teaspoon each of butter and honey, two tablespoons of oatmeal flour.
The mixture should be immediately applied to the previously cleansed dermis.
After 20 minutes, wash off your face without using foam or soap for washing.

Mask with sugar

This product will cleanse your skin of impurities and give you a fresh look. Eliminates the problem of secretion from the glands and tightens pores. You will need an egg white and a dessert spoon of powdered sugar; you can grind the sugar. For dry skin, apply only to problem areas. It is enough to apply three times a week. Preparation and use:

Mix powder with protein.
Apply the first layer. Let it dry.
The second layer is applied thicker and driven into the epidermis using fingers or a brush.
Rinse with water and apply moisturizer to the dermis.

Lemon mask

Applying a layer of lemon juice and egg helps cleanse and restore the skin's fresh appearance.
Refreshes and cleanses the dermis. Gives her a new breath. You will need egg whites and fresh lemon juice; you can also replace lemon with orange or grapefruit. This mask can be used if you are not allergic to citrus products. Use three times a week. Preparation:

Mix protein and citrus juice.
Apply to cleansed facial dermis.
After 20 minutes, rinse with cool water.
You can apply nourishing cream after use.

Other face masks

You can also prepare the following mask for blackheads based on chicken eggs:

Flour and protein. The components mix well with each other. Apply to a clean face. After drying, rinse with water. Relieves redness. Use once a week.
Egg yolk. Separate from protein. Beat a little with a stick. Steam your face and apply the yolk to it. Wait until completely dry. Rinse off with warm water. Relieves acne and pimples.
Boiled egg. Boil the egg until completely cooked. Clear it. Using a blender, puree into a paste or grind until smooth. Pre-prep your face by steaming the pores. Apply the composition for 20 minutes. Rinse off with running water. Removes inflammation on the dermis.
Yolk and sour cream. You will need to mix one yolk with heavy sour cream. Apply the mixture to your face for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. The product is used three times a week. Effective for dry or chapped skin during frosty periods. Relieves peeling and itching, removes acne.
Aloe vera and egg. Beat the egg white until foamy. Add one spoon of fresh aloe vera juice and half a teaspoon of salicylic acid. Mix it all. Steam the pores. Apply the mixture for 20 minutes until dry. Wash off under running, cool water. To avoid dryness, apply nourishing cream.

Who is susceptible to sports acne?

Of course, most often those people whose skin is excessively oily are susceptible to acne. In this case, playing sports becomes an additional provoking factor, especially in the presence of tight clothing. In this case, after playing sports, pimples and serious acne may appear on almost all parts of the body, including in the groin area and even on the buttocks.

People with Asian skin type are also susceptible to developing sports acne, since their epidermis is particularly sensitive. In such people, after the gym, acne may appear in those places where elastic bands or synthetic clothing fit tightly to the body.

They suffer from a lot of acne after playing sports and suffer from allergies. Especially those people for whom the main allergens are seafood, melons and latex.

Wearing special sports wetsuits and thermal suits made of special sealed materials also quite often causes the appearance of large and painful acne all over the body. The fabric of such suits does not allow air to pass through, which is why the skin is not ventilated, and sweat accumulates on it. The purpose of thermal clothing is to create a kind of sauna effect for the active elimination of fat deposits and weight loss, but at the same time, the result of such exercises is acne. Due to wearing wetsuits, divers often suffer from the constant formation of pathogenic elements.

An important point is that many people are allergic to the fabrics from which sports thermal clothing and wetsuits are made, which significantly increases rashes and provokes serious skin inflammation.

Questions and answers

Can they cause rashes?

Chicken eggs can certainly cause breakouts.

Moreover, it does not matter in what form the product is consumed - if you have an allergy, a rash develops from both fried and boiled eggs.

Photo: eggs can cause skin rashes

At the same time, if there is no allergy, then the liver and digestive system receive less load from boiled eggs. Fried foods, including eggs, are more harmful to the body.

Do they come from quails?

Quail eggs are another product that has great nutritional value.

The composition of quail eggs (as well as goose, duck, and ostrich eggs) is practically no different from chicken eggs.

The main difference is in the quantitative content of vitamins and minerals – quail eggs contain 2–4 times more of them.

Do quail eggs cause acne?

Many people believe that quail eggs do not cause allergies and even, on the contrary, help in treating them. This is not entirely true.

Quail eggs (if you are hypersensitive to the ovomucoid protein they contain) can also cause allergies, and therefore acne.