Do Spicy Foods Cause Acne? Myth or Fact?

Calling all spicy food lovers — chili, sambal, seblak, extra spicy noodles at level 5 … sounds delicious, right?

But have you ever noticed that after indulging in super spicy food, you wake up the next day with unexpected breakouts?

Here comes the question: Do spicy foods cause acne? Let’s dig into the facts.

What’s the Link Between Spicy Food and Acne?

Many people believe spicy food directly causes acne. But here’s the truth: it’s not the chili itself that’s to blame.

It’s the side effects of spicy food that may trigger breakouts, especially if you already have acne-prone skin.

For example:

• After eating spicy food, your body tends to produce more sweat. Sweat on the face can mix with oil and dirt, clogging pores.
• Some spicy ingredients contain acidic compounds, such as lycopene, which may irritate sensitive skin and disrupt the pH balance.
• Capsaicin, the active compound in chilli peppers, can increase inflammation in the body, which may exacerbate acne for some individuals.

But everyone reacts differently. Some people eat spicy food daily with no skin issues, while others break out after just one bite.

How Can Spicy Food Trigger Acne?

While there’s no solid scientific proof yet, here are a few potential ways spicy food might be linked to acne:

1. Inflammation

Capsaicin can increase inflammation in the body, potentially leading to excessive sebum (oil) production.

2. Increased Blood Flow

Spicy food causes facial flushing and redness. That extra blood flow may worsen inflammatory acne.

3. Digestive Issues

Spicy foods may trigger acid reflux or digestive stress, which in turn can affect your skin.

4. Hormonal Stress Response

Capsaicin might elevate cortisol (the stress hormone), which is known to contribute to oil production and breakouts.

5. Allergies or Sensitivities

Some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain spices, which can cause skin inflammation or irritation.

Myth or Fact?

The answer is that it could be both.

Research is still inconclusive. Some studies have shown no strong link between spicy food and acne, while anecdotal reports suggest that individuals with sensitivity to spicy ingredients, such as capsaicin, may experience flare-ups.

Tips for Enjoying Spicy Food Without the Breakouts

The good news? You can still enjoy spicy food, just be mindful of your consumption.

Here are some tips to reduce the risk of acne:

• Wash your face after eating, especially if you’ve been sweating.
• Use a gentle, non-irritating cleanser.
• Stay hydrated to help your body flush out toxins.
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fiber and antioxidants to support overall well-being.
• Watch how your skin reacts. If you notice breakouts after eating spicy food, try switching to milder spices or reducing the amount.
• Treat breakouts properly with skincare products containing salicylic acid or niacinamide.
  If the area is inflamed, use wund+™ Regeneration Cream to soothe irritation and support healing.

Spicy foods can contribute to breakouts, but they’re rarely the leading cause.

Genetics, hormones, skincare habits, and overall lifestyle play a much bigger role.

If you suspect your skin reacts poorly to spicy food, try reducing the heat or changing the ingredients.

And above all, listen to your body and your skin.

Enjoy your sambal … without the acne drama!

References

Iclinic. Accessed in 2025. Spicy Food and Acne

PubMed. Accessed in 2025. Salty and spicy food; are they involved in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris? A case-controlled study

STRYX. Accessed in 2025. Does Spicy Food Cause Acne? 5 Foods That Cause Breakouts