The Truth About Using Egg Whites To Treat Acne Breakouts
This article originally appeared in the September 24th, 2020 edition of *Byrdie.com*
Egg whites are a breakfast staple and an essential for making a soufflé, but are they also a choice complexion-clearing ingredient? According to the Internet, you may want to stop using egg whites in your morning omelette and start using them as a blemish-buster. But how much validity is there behind using egg whites to treat blemishes, and is it even safe to do so? Or is this yet another hyped up DIY spot treatment that can do more harm than good? (We’re looking at you, toothpaste). Ahead, Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, board-certified dermatologist and founder of 5th Avenue Aesthetics Marie Hayag, MD, and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Stacy Chimento of Riverchase Dermatology in Miami explain whether or not you want egg (whites) on your face.
FAST FACTS
EGG WHITES
TYPE OF INGREDIENT: Egg whites are rich in proteins and an enzyme known as iysozyme, which has antimicrobial effects.
MAIN BENEFITS: Egg whites have some antimicrobial benefits and also act as an anti-inflammatory. They’re slightly astringent and can also help temporarily plump the skin.
WHO SHOULD USE IT: Generally speaking, egg whites are a better option for treating blackheads or singular pimples, rather than chronic or cystic acne. (Though the derms we spoke with aren’t necessarily married to the idea of egg whites as a blemish treatment to begin with, but more on that to come.)
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU USE IT: Weekly, according to Hayag.
WORKS WELL WITH: They should be used alone if you’re using them as a spot treatment.
DON’T USE WITH: Avoid combining them with other acne-fighting ingredients, as this can boost the likelihood of irritation.
What Are Egg Whites?
At risk of sounding too obvious, the egg white (technical term: albumen) is the clear, viscous substance surrounding the yolk. From a biological standpoint, its function is to protect the yolk, but the two parts are very different compositionally. “Unlike the yolk, which is high in lipids or fats, the egg white contains almost no fat,” explains Hayag. “Instead, it’s made up of approximately 90% water and 10% proteins, including ovalbumin, which makes up about 55% of that total protein.” Egg whites also contain a unique enzyme, lysozyme, which is not found in the yolk, she adds.
Benefits of Egg Whites for Acne
It’s these unique components of the egg whites—that enzyme and those proteins—responsible for the benefits egg whites can (theoretically) have for skin. The key word here is theoretically, so don’t head to the fridge quite yet.
Target acne-causing bacteria: Lysozyme is antibacterial and destroys p.acnes, the bacteria involved in acne formation, says Hayag.
Have some anti-inflammatory benefits: “Egg whites have long been used as DIY treatments for inflammatory skin conditions. The proteins form a protective coating that can help soothe inflammation,” says Zeichner. When it comes to acne, that’s why (again, theoretically) egg whites could be an option as a spot treatment for those big, one-off red pimples that always seem to pop up at the least opportune time.
Are slightly astringent: Egg whites have astringent qualities so they can help draw blackheads out of skin. When using egg whites topically, they can help pull out some dirt, debris, and excess oil out of clogged pores as they dry, notes Chimento.
Other Benefits for Skin
Act as a humectant: Egg whites have some moisturizing properties. Notes Hayag, “The proteins are humectants that attract and bind moisture to the skin. This can temporarily plump up fine lines and wrinkles, though the effects are transient.”
Side Effects of Egg Whites
Broadly speaking, egg whites fall on the more mild end of the spectrum when it comes to comparable DIY acne-fighting ingredients, says Zeichner. Still, there’s always a risk of allergic reaction; it should go without saying, but don’t use egg whites topically if you’re allergic or sensitive to eggs. Raw eggs also contain salmonella (it’s why your mom wouldn’t let you eat raw cookie dough as kid). And while the bacteria is more likely to be found in the yolk, putting raw egg whites on your skin does come with the risk of salmonella infection, especially if there’s an open cut or wound in the area, cautions Chimento.
How to Use Them
We’ll cut to the chase—while the three dermatologists we spoke with weren’t necessarily vehemently opposed to using egg whites an at-home acne treatment, they unanimously agreed that there are far better, more effective options out there. “The information we have on the use of egg whites is all anecdotal and I have not seen any scientific studies showing any definitive data,” points out Zeichner. Hayag also underscores the lack of scientific evidence, while Chimento notes that even if they do have some benefits, they’re not a miracle solution to clear blemishes overnight.
Per our previous point about salmonella, Hayag advises to use only pasteurized eggs in order to minimize the risk of infection. Whisk just the whites into a frothy foam (yes, you’ll have to separate a few eggs to do this), then use a cotton swab to dab them on as a spot treatment or use a masking brush to spread them onto a larger area—think across your nose, where you’d apply a pore strip. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse off with cool water.
Marie V. Hayag, M.D.
Fifth Avenue Aesthetics
875 Fifth Avenue
mariehayagmd.com
212.722.2055