Can You Get Pimples From Kissing? Causes & Prevention Tips

Can You Get Pimples from Kissing?

Kissing is an enjoyable way to bond with a partner. However, some people find themselves breaking out with pimples after an intense make-out session. Is it possible to get pimples from swapping spit? Let's take a closer look at the causes and how to prevent post-kiss pimples.

Bacteria Transfer

One of the main ways kissing can lead to pimples is through transfer of oral bacteria. Skin naturally contains bacteria, which is balanced when healthy. However, introducing new bacteria from someone else's mouth can upset this balance, allowing pimple-causing bacteria to flourish.

Excess oil production in pores also enables bacteria growth. The combination of oil and foreign bacteria swapped through kissing, or even sharing makeup and pillowcases, can certainly spur breakouts in acne-prone skin.

Frontal Contact

Skin-to-skin contact during kissing can also clog pores and cause pimples. Greasy sunscreens, lotions, and makeup often coat the face. Rubbing faces can transfer these oils and products onto your partner's face leading to clogged pores.

This direct contact can be particularly problematic if you or your partner have large pores or oily skin types. Friction from heavy kissing and touching faces can exacerbate clogged pores and pimples.

Hormonal Fluctuations

In some cases, hormonal shifts rather than bacteria transfer may be the culprit behind kissing-induced pimples. Making out raises adrenaline and testosterone levels in the body, at least temporarily.

These androgen hormones trigger increased production of oils and sebum. Excessive sebum is widely responsible for trapping dead skin cells in pores and causing pimple formations.

Stress Response

Lip-locking with a partner, especially new romance, also elevates stress hormones like cortisol. Stress hormones disrupt other bodily processes, like digestion and sleep cycles. This can impact hormone levels and increase inflammation.

Cortisol also ramps up sebum production. The interplay of hormones from arousal and stress can overwhelm pores leading to post-kiss pimples in acne-prone individuals.

Tips to Prevent Pimples After Kissing

While you can't completely prevent pimples caused by kissing and hormonal factors, you can take steps to reduce the risk and minimize breakouts.

Cleanse Beforehand

Wash your face with a gentle cleanser right before an intense make-out session. This removes excess oil, makeup, and buildup that could clog pores during kissing. It also rinses away some bacteria.

Avoid Heavy Makeup

Go light on makeup if you plan on kissing, especially oil-based products like liquid foundation and concealers. Mineral makeup and powder formulas transfer less. Or simply let your natural beauty shine through!

Tie Hair Back

Keep hair pulled back to prevent trapping oils against your face during kissing. Hair products can also rub off and clog pores.

Limit Face Touching

Keep hands off each other's faces as much as possible before and after kissing. This prevents transferring bacteria and oils from fingers onto chins, noses and cheeks where breakouts commonly occur.

Rinse After

Gently wash your face again after a marathon kissing session to rinse away excess bacteria, oils and dead skin cells on the surface of your skin before they have a chance to get trapped inside pores.

Apply Acne Treatments

Use medicated acne cream with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide after kissing. These ingredients kill bacteria, dry out oil and help keep pores clear.

Watch Diet

Avoid foods that trigger your own breakouts. High-glycemic foods, dairy products and fried items often worsen acne.

Manage Stress

Try relaxing activities like yoga and meditation to lower stress and stress-induced pimples related to kissing and intimacy.

Other Causes of Kiss-Induced Acne

While swapping spit is the most obvious cause of kiss-related pimples, there are some other surprising culprits. Here are a few more ways that kissing can bring on blemishes:

Beards and Stubble

Facial hair harbors oils and bacteria that transfer during kissing. The coarse hairs also cause micro-abrasions that allow germs to enter pores. Shave or trim facial hair before kissing to prevent pimples.

Chest and Back Contact

Hugging and touching bodies can cause pimples on the chest and back. Oils, sweat and bacteria transfer from your partner's skin onto yours leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

Shared pillowcases

Sleeping together allows oils to transfer from faces onto shared pillows and then back onto skin. To prevent this, place a clean towel over pillows and change frequently.

Drool

Excess saliva from sloppy kisses contains mucins, sugars and enzymes that feed acne-causing bacteria. Slobber can also block pores, so keep the drool in check.

Chin and Lip Products

Ingesting small amounts of cosmetic products like lipstick, chapstick, lip gloss and chin products can cause breakouts. Opt for non-comedogenic, oil-free options.

Phone Contact

Don't let your phone touch your cheek after kissing someone. Phones harbor bacteria which can lead to kiss-related breakouts.

When to See a Dermatologist

Occasional minor breakouts from kissing are usually nothing to worry about. However, if you experience large, painful cysts or excessive acne clearly related to kissing, see your dermatologist.

You may need prescription acne treatments or antibiotics to get severe kiss-induced breakouts under control. Your doctor can also test for underlying hormonal imbalances contributing to the problem.

Hormonal Therapy Options

For women with pimple flares from kissing and intimacy, hormone-balancing medications may help. Common options include:

Combined oral contraceptives
Anti-androgens like spironolactone
Isotretinoin
GnRH agonists

Discuss these therapies with your doctor if over-the-counter products don't resolve hormonal kiss-related acne.

Treatment for Men

Men can also develop pimples after kissing due to shifts in testosterone. Topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics and over-the-counter anti-androgen creams may be recommended.

When to Avoid Kissing

While you don't need to avoid kissing altogether, you may want to refrain in certain situations if breakouts are a concern:

When you or your partner have an active cold sore or oral infection
When either of you have a respiratory illness
If you have open acne sores or wounds
If your partner has facial hair that irritates your skin
Before important photoshoots or events where you want clear skin

You can still show affection without lip-to-lip contact in these situations - a nuzzle, hug or holding hands are safer options.

Other Tips for Clear Skin

While you shouldn't have to give up kissing altogether, here are some other tips for keeping your complexion blemish-free:

Consistency is Key

FAQs

Can you get acne from kissing?

Yes, it's possible to break out with pimples after kissing due to transfer of bacteria, oils and dead skin cells that clog pores.

Why do I get a pimple after kissing?

Pimples after kissing can form due to bacteria swapped through saliva, friction of skin contact, hormonal changes, and oils or makeup transferred between faces.

How can I prevent pimples caused by kissing?

Wash your face before and after kissing, avoid heavy makeup, don't touch your face, rinse away excess saliva, and use acne treatments to help prevent kiss-related breakouts.

Can my partner's facial hair give me pimples when we kiss?

Yes, facial hair can cause micro-abrasions and harbor bacteria that lead to pimples after contact through kissing and touching.

Should I stop kissing to avoid acne?

You don't need to completely avoid kissing if you are prone to breakouts. Just take preventive steps like cleansing before and after, and avoiding kissing those with contagious illnesses.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.

Can You Get Pimples From Kissing? Causes & Prevention Tips