Can Acne be Caused by Allergies? (Updated March 2020)

As if the sneezing and coughing from allergies wasn’t bad enough, you suddenly break out with acne at the same time. Is it a coincidence?

Maybe—but maybe not. Here are three fast facts about acne and allergies:

1. Rubbing and itching caused by allergies can aggravate acne and cause breakouts.
2. Dry skin caused by allergies can worsen acne.
3. Treating your allergies, along with following a simple skin care routine, can help fight acne and improve your complexion.

In this post, we’ll uncover the truth about allergies and acne.

Allergies and Acne—What’s the Connection?

Currently, there is no evidence that allergies cause acne. However, there is a strong connection between the two.

If you’re allergic to something (pet dander, pollen, food, dust mites, etc.), the body can overreact and produce antibodies which attack the allergen.

This can lead to common allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes and red skin.

Naturally, many of us want to rub and itch our faces.

If our eyes and nose are watery, we may even use a tissue or wash cloth to wipe away the moisture. But all that rubbing, itching and wiping of your face can severely dry out the skin.

The Problem with Dry Skin

What’s so bad about dry skin? Well, besides the fact that dry skin can cause wrinkles and premature aging, it can also be the cause of your acne breakouts.

When the skin is stripped of its natural oils, it overcompensates by producing more sebum, which is the oil produced by your skin’s sebaceous glands.

The right amount of sebum can help protect the skin, but too much oil can clog your pores and cause pimples, whiteheads, blackheads and cysts.

How to Treat Allergy-Related Acne

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 50 million Americans suffer from some type of allergy each year.

Coincidentally, roughly the same number of Americans suffer from acne.

No, we aren’t saying that everyone who has allergies also has acne. However, there is little doubt that many allergy sufferers also suffer from acne.

If you suspect that your acne flare-ups are caused by allergies, here is how to treat it:

Stick to a Regular Skin Care Regimen. Like we said, there is no evidence that allergies directly cause acne. But since acne can be exacerbated by allergies, it’s important to control your breakouts with an acne treatment formulated for men.

After all, guys have skin that is different from women's skin, which means that the most effective skin care products will be made to treat men's unique skin care needs.

Treat Your Allergies. Once you have your current acne under control, you need to treat your allergies. 

Allowing your allergies to go unchecked will likely result in rubbing, itching and drying of the skin, which can lead to breakouts.

If your allergies are seasonal, use an over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamine for allergy relief. If OTC antihistamines aren’t doing it for you, a doctor can prescribe you something stronger.

Not sure what’s causing your allergies? See an allergist to get to the bottom of it. Although it might take a while to find the root cause, your skin (and sanity) will thank you for it.

Stop Rubbing Your Face. We know, this is easier said than done. But rubbing and itching your face will only dry out your skin and irritate inflamed pimples. Too much rubbing can also cause wrinkles and premature aging.

Test Your Skin Care Products. If you have sensitive skin, be careful about which skin care products you use. Some skin care products designed to sooth inflamed skin can end up making the problem worse.

Test the product first by putting a dab on a small patch of your skin. Wait at least 24 hours to see if any reaction occurs. If not, then you can proceed to apply it to your entire face.

Use Gentle Skin Care Products. If you’re struggling with both allergy symptoms and acne, it’s important to stick to skin care products that are gentle on skin but tough on acne.

Avoid skin care products with fragrances and parabens, which can further irritate the skin.

To best treat your acne, look for a product containing Salicylic Acid, an ingredient which can relieve inflammation and redness while eliminating acne-causing bacteria.

A Simple Solution for Men

Anyone who suffers from allergies or acne knows that neither one is fun.

Suffering from both at the same time can be a complete nightmare.

You can start taking control of your allergy-related acne by using the tips above, as well as treating your skin the right way with a simple skin care regimen.

Actual Tiege Hanley customer testimonial:

“Over a 3 year period, I probably spent over two grand in skin care and still had acne. I decided to reach out and request to be a part of the Tiege Hanley Acne trial and I have been blown away. After two weeks, my skin was clear. It’s not the acne cream alone that cleared it up, but how all of the products work together as a whole.” Kyle B., NJ.