Did you know that certain prescription medications, supplements, and even recreational drugs can trigger acne or make breakouts worse? Many people overlook this connection — even those doing everything else right for their skin. If you’ve been diligent with your skincare and still can’t seem to clear your complexion, this might be your missing piece of the puzzle.
Before we dive in, please remember: never stop or change your prescribed medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Your health always comes first. At Art of Skin Care, our goal is to help you understand your skin, support your wellbeing, and find the best path to clear, radiant skin.
Recreational Drugs and Acne
Marijuana – Can disrupt hormone balance by affecting testosterone levels, potentially worsening acne.
Cocaine – Whether powder or crack, can lead to inflammatory breakouts.
Methamphetamines (Crystal, Speed, etc.) – Stimulate hormonal and stress responses that aggravate acne.
Steroids (including anabolic) – Topical or oral corticosteroids (like Prednisone) mimic cortisol, a natural stress hormone that increases sebum (oil) production and inflammation. Common acne-triggering steroids include dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, methylprednisone, and anabolic steroids such as danazol and stanozolol.
Bromides – Although rare in the U.S., these sedatives can still be found abroad and are linked to acneiform eruptions.
Prescription Medications That May Trigger Acne
Anticonvulsants (e.g., Dilantin) – Used for epilepsy and seizures; acne is a common side effect.
Lithium Carbonate – Often prescribed for bipolar disorder; frequently linked to acne.
Thyroid Medications – Thiourea and Thiouracil can disrupt hormonal balance and stimulate breakouts.
Quinine – Used for malaria prevention and treatment.
INH (Isoniazid) – A tuberculosis medication that can trigger acne-like lesions.
Immuran (Azathioprine) – Immunosuppressant for organ transplant patients.
Danazol (Danocrine) – Hormone therapy that can increase androgen activity and sebum production.
Hormonal Medications – Older contraceptives or those containing progesterone, androstenedione, or testosterone can worsen acne, while newer options like Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Estrostep may improve it.
Gonadotrophin – May increase testosterone levels, leading to breakouts.
Cyclosporin – Commonly used post-transplant; can increase oil gland activity.
Iodine and Bromine-containing Medications – Excessive iodine (including from kelp or supplements) can cause widespread acneiform eruptions.
Disulfiram (Antabuse) – Prescribed for alcohol dependence; may cause acne.
Phentermine – A weight loss medication that can exacerbate breakouts.
ADD/ADHD Medications (e.g., Ritalin) – May trigger acne in sensitive individuals.
Over-the-Counter Drugs and Supplements Linked to Acne
These common substances can cause acneiform eruptions, especially when taken in excess or combined with other triggers:
Steroids (topical/systemic)
Testosterone (bodybuilding use)
Biotin (B7) and Vitamin B12
Antidepressants (Lithium, Amineptine)
Antiepileptics (Valproic Acid)
Tetracyclines
Thyroid Supplements
Disulfiram
Chloroquine, Azathioprine, or Barbiturates
Halogens (Bromides, Iodides)
EGFR Inhibitors (e.g., Tarceva)
Sea-based Supplements (Kelp, Spirulina, Chlorella, Seaweed, Carrageenan)
Lugol’s Solution or Iodine Drops
Asthma and Cold Medications, Hypnotics, Sedatives
Even some “natural” supplements marketed as healthy can cause breakouts when they disrupt hormone or oil production balance.
Other Chemicals and Environmental Substances
Not all acne triggers are ingested — some are environmental.
Coal Tars – Common in roofing and paving materials; can cause occupational acne.
Grease and Oils – Frequent exposure, especially for cooks and mechanics, can clog pores.
Chlorinated Industrial Chemicals – Can cause a severe condition known as chloracne.
Dioxins – Found in some herbicides; toxic and linked to both acne and other health issues.
What If You Need To Take One of These Drugs?
If you must continue a prescription that contributes to acne, focus on controlling every other factor within your power:
Adopt a Clear Skin Diet – Reduce dairy, processed sugar, and iodine-rich foods like seaweed and kelp.
Optimize Your Lifestyle – Manage stress, improve sleep, and avoid pore-clogging detergents or fabric softeners.
Use Acne-Safe Skincare – At Art of Skin Care, every product is clearly marked as acne-safe. If you’re unsure, the products on this website that are acne safe have an acne-safe badge. You can also live-chat with our estheticians.
Evaluate Your Birth Control – Some contraceptives help acne; others worsen it. Learn more here!
Check Your Shaving Routine – Switching to a single-blade razor can help reduce irritation and breakouts.
Take Control of Your Skin Journey
Acne — especially when drug-induced — can be incredibly frustrating, but you’re not alone. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward clear, healthy skin. At Art of Skin Care, we believe knowledge is power — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Join our free AOS Clear Skin Insiders Club to get exclusive access to expert acne tips, education, and personalized guidance from our team of Master Estheticians. As a member, you’ll receive:
A free acne consultation with one of our certified Acne Specialists
Exclusive acne-care tips and product recommendations delivered to your inbox
Access to our private AOS Insiders community, where you can ask questions and share progress
Early access to promotions, expert videos, and skincare insights from Jeana and the AOS team
Take the guesswork out of your skincare routine — and start your journey to clear, confident skin today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drugs and Acne
Can certain medications really cause acne?
Yes. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can trigger breakouts or acneiform eruptions. Drugs that affect hormones, increase oil production, or alter immune or inflammatory responses — such as corticosteroids, lithium, and some seizure or thyroid medications — are common culprits.
What does drug-induced acne look like?
Drug-induced acne often looks like small, uniform pimples or pustules that appear suddenly and spread quickly across the face, chest, shoulders, or back. Unlike traditional acne, these breakouts usually lack blackheads and can appear at any age, regardless of your usual skin type.
How long does it take for acne to appear after starting a new medication?
It can vary — some people notice breakouts within days, while for others it may take several weeks. If you recently began a new medication and are seeing new or worsening acne, discuss your concerns with your prescribing doctor before making any changes.
If my medication is causing acne, should I stop taking it?
No. You should never stop or adjust prescribed medication without consulting your healthcare provider. Instead, talk to your doctor about alternative options, dosage adjustments, or supportive acne treatments. In the meantime, focus on maintaining an acne-safe skincare routine.
Which supplements can make acne worse?
Common acne-triggering supplements include Biotin (B7), Vitamin B12, iodide, and iodized salt. If you are unsure, reach out to our online estheticians via live-chat, we are happy to help.
Can birth control pills cause or clear acne?
Both! Some older or progesterone-heavy birth control pills can worsen acne, while newer formulations like Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Estrostep are FDA-approved to help clear it. Everyone’s hormonal balance is unique, so results vary.
How can I prevent acne if I have to stay on a medication that causes breakouts?
Focus on controlling other acne triggers:
Use acne-safe skincare to avoid additional congestion.
Follow a low-iodine, low-dairy diet to reduce inflammation.
Get enough sleep and manage stress.
Avoid pore-clogging products, detergents, and fabric softeners.
What’s the best way to find acne-safe products while on medication?
At Art of Skin Care, we clearly label all acne-safe products so you can shop confidently. From cleansers to moisturizers, each product is vetted by our estheticians to ensure it won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts — even for those managing medication-related acne.
Author
Celine LeClerc
Celine LeClerc is a licensed esthetician, Certified Acne Specialist, and the lead esthetician at Art of Skincare, where she also serves as the Director of Education and Research & Development. With 14 years of experience in the skincare industry, Celine is renowned for her deep expertise and exceptional ability to match clients with the most effective, results-driven skincare solutions.
Guided by a passion for innovation, Celine scours the globe in search of cutting-edge, science-backed products that deliver visible transformations while supporting skin health at every stage of life. Her expertise spans everything from clearing stubborn acne to creating advanced, holistic routines for healthy aging.
At Art of Skincare, Celine leads with a commitment to education, training both clients and estheticians on the latest advancements in skincare. Her mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge, tools, and routines they need to achieve radiant, resilient skin without compromise.
