Creatine alone does not cause acne or other skin issues.
Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in foods or taken as a supplement.
It is used to improve physical performance and enhance workouts.
Tatiana / Getty Image
Tatiana / Getty Image
Does Creatine Cause Acne?
There is no research to indicate that creatine causes acne.
It can also protect against the sun’sultraviolet (UV) damage.
Ingredients in nutritional supplements may cause acnefor example, whey.
Anabolic steroids are synthetic (man-made) versions of testosterone.
Both naturally occurring testosterone, made by your body, and anabolic steroids can cause acne.
Exercise and perspiration cause a buildup ofbacteriaand dirt on the skin, which can also lead to acne.
What Is Creatine?
Creatine is a nonproteinamino acidproduced in your liver, kidneys, and pancreas.
External sources include meat and seafood andcreatine supplements.
Approximately half of your body’s creatine needs are supplied by your diet.
About 95% of the body’s creatine is found in theskeletal muscle.
Creatine produces ATP (adenosine triphosphate), molecules that your muscles use to contract.
It is a source of cellular energy used during heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
People takecreatinesupplements for several reasons.
One of the most common is to improve athletic and physical performance.
Side Effects of Creatine
There are other possible side effects from taking creatine.
One of the more common side effects iswater retention.
Other possible side effects include:
Another possible side effect of creatine is hair loss.
Athletes with larger bodies may require as much as 10 g per day.
It is taken as a supplement by people seeking to improve physical performance and muscle mass.
There is concern that creatine causes acne.
However, research has not shown this to be accurate.
Topically applied creatine can improve the skin’s appearance.
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