Do SARMs Cause Acne?

You want the impressive bulking effect of using steroids without the danger or side effects such as acne. So perhaps you have been investigating the alternative steroid SARMs. 

The problem with SARMs is they are a fairly new type of compound. We don’t yet have a clear scientific picture of the side effects caused by SARMs.

Taking gym supplements should help you look good and feel good. Let’s face it; an acne breakout does neither of those things! 

So is it worth trying SARMs? 

Or could you be messing with that handsome face of yours?

What are SARMs?

SARMs stands for Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators. Like anabolic-androgenic steroids, they mimic the effects of testosterone on our muscles, meaning that they can increase muscle gains when taken alongside an exercise regime. 

Unlike steroids, however, SARMs are more selective in which tissues they interact with. They are therefore thought to cause fewer side effects.

SARMS are usually sold as a pill, and you will often see SARMs listed by their specific name on a supplement bottle, i.e., Ostarine, Andarine, RAD140, Cardarine, MK-677 and Ligandrol 4033. 

Like steroids, they are usually taken in cycles to reduce side effects. For instance, someone may take them for 4-8 weeks, followed by an 8-week break.

Do SARMS work?

Studies have shown that SARMs contribute to enhanced increases in lean body mass. 

Are they as powerful as steroids? 

Not quite - you probably won’t see gains as fast.

Are SARMs legal?

While some SARMs are technically legal for recreational use, they are not approved by the FDA, which has warned against using this potentially dangerous workout supplement. More on their side effects below. 

They have been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, meaning that they can’t be used by those taking part in competitive sports.

Generally, the legality of SARMs is shaky, and they aren’t regulated by the FDA. This means you don't really know what you are getting in supplements that contain SARMs.

Do SARMs cause acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that most of us experience at some point in our lives, most often during our teenage years. Our hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, causing whiteheads, blackheads and painful red spots to form. 

Severe acne can leave long-term scars. Acne is most likely to occur on our face, chest, back or shoulders. 

SARMs have been known to cause mild to severe acne in many who use them as a workout supplement. People with naturally high testosterone levels are more prone to acne, so anything mimicking testosterone levels will cause acne in some. 

Higher levels of androgen in our body encourage the production of sebum, i.e., the chemical that makes your skin oily. This clogs your pores and leads to the formation of pimples. Most find that the breakouts occur more severely on their body, i.e., their back, shoulders and chest. This is because we have more adrenal glands in these areas compared to our faces.

So, yes, to answer the questions, SARMs use do have a chance of causing acne. 

Other side effects of SARMs

Acne, while unappealing, isn't life-threatening, but this isn’t the only side effect you should be worried about when it comes to SARMs. The FDA has warned that SARMs can increase your heart attack, stroke, and liver damage risk. All of which are life-threatening conditions.

Other side effects which have been reported include:

Hair loss

There may be other long-term health effects that we have yet to learn about; not enough research has been done to fully determine how safe (or unsafe) SARMs actually are.

Safe alternatives

If the thought of an acne-ridden chest, mood swings and a heart attack has put you off using SARMs… then you're smart. 

The thing is, you still wanted to be a shredded, smart guy! 

So what are the safe alternatives to SARMs?

There are a number of effective natural supplements which are legal across the globe and have zero known side effects. 

They are so safe that they can be used every day; no need for cycling. At CrazyBulk, we sell a range of SARMs alternatives that help you burn fat while building muscle. Our natural, health-focused supplements will also enable your body to repair itself faster after every workout, meaning you are ready to go again faster and harder.

You can try our individual products or purchase our SARMS stacks for better value and bigger results.