With all the health-related rumors surrounding vapes, it is hard to know what to actually believe. In this blog, Vapor Shop Direct will be exploring the link between acne and vaping and finding out whether vaping can cause acne. So, buckle up folks, let’s get this show on the road!
The Science Behind Acne
Before talking about the link between acne and vaping, let us first take a look at what acne actually is. Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. These clogged pores then can lead to pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads. There are many factors that can cause acne and many factors that can worsen it.
Factors that cause acne:
- Excess oil (sebum) production
- Hair follicles clogged by oil and dead skin cells
- Bacteria
- Inflammation
Factors that worsen acne:
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Stress
The Link Between Vaping and Acne
Now that we know about what acne is and what are its causes, let’s dive into the question at hand. So, does vaping cause acne? The short answer is that there is no definitive answer. Although there have been some studies suggesting that vaping can cause acne and also worsen acne, there had been no exact confirmation that there is a correlation between these two.
One study suggests that the nicotine in vapes is to blame. It states that nicotine can restrict blood vessels and decrease blood flow, causing increased oil production in the face which then leads to clogged pores and acne. And nicotine is also known for causing an inflammatory response on the skin's surface, which may promote bacterial growth.
Nicotine is also known to be absorbed into the skin through third-hand smoke (THS). THS is the nicotine substance that remains on the skin, clothing and even on the surfaces of walls after the vaping is stopped. This THS is believed to be absorbed through the skin's surface, causing inflammation, irritation, and even acne.
Another study suggests that chemicals like vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol in the e-liquids of vapes can lead to skin irritation and breakouts. However, it's worth noting that these chemicals are also found in many skincare products, so it's unclear if vaping alone is to blame.
Vaping vs Smoking
Vaping is safer than smoking because it does not involve the burning of tobacco, which releases thousands of harmful chemicals and toxins, many of which are known carcinogens. In contrast, vaping devices work by heating a liquid (often called e-juice or e-liquid) to produce a vapor that can be inhaled. While e-juice can contain nicotine, it is free of the many harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke.
Additionally, many vaping devices such as disposable vapes allow users to adjust the amount of nicotine they consume, which can help them gradually reduce their dependence on the substance. While we aren't certain if vaping causes acne, it is surely a dozen times safer than smoking.
Conclusion
The jury is still out on whether or not vaping causes acne. Some studies say that vaping can cause acne and others don’t find anything in correlation. And ultimately, more research is needed to fully understand their relationship. But in the meantime, if you're experiencing breakouts, it may be worth considering other factors such as your diet, stress levels, and skincare routine.