He’s the biggest thing in fitness. Literally. Sam Sulek has completely taken over the bodybuilding world with his lo-fi car vlogs and "ego-lifting" intensity. But if you scroll through his comments for more than ten seconds, you aren't just seeing praise for his massive pumps. You're seeing people obsess over his skin. Specifically, the sam sulek back acne that has become a lightning rod for debate about his health, his "natty" status, and the dark side of the sport.
It’s hard to miss. In his older videos, Sulek's back and chest often showed deep, cystic-looking lesions. Some fans call it "battle scars." Others call it a cry for help from his liver. Honestly, it’s a bit of both.
Why Bodybuilders Get "The Purge"
Acne isn't just for teenagers going through puberty. In the world of high-level bodybuilding, it’s often referred to as "bodybuilding acne" or "doping acne." When you're pushing your body to the absolute limit—whether through diet, supplements, or more "enhanced" means—your skin is usually the first thing to wave a white flag.
Why does it happen? Basically, it’s a hormone storm.
High levels of androgens (like testosterone) cause your sebaceous glands to go into overdrive. These glands produce sebum, which is just a fancy word for skin oil. When you produce too much of it, your pores get clogged. Throw in the massive amounts of sweat from a two-hour Sam Sulek style back workout, and you have a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
There's also the "whey factor." Many experts, including dermatologists who have analyzed Sam’s physique, point out that high-dairy diets—specifically whey protein—can spike insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). This hormone is great for building muscle, but it’s a nightmare for clear skin. If you’re drinking three or four shakes a day, your skin is basically being marinated in acne-causing triggers.
Sam Sulek Back Acne: Steroids or Just Genetics?
Let's address the elephant in the room. Most people assume the sam sulek back acne is a direct result of PED (Performance Enhancing Drug) use.
Is that fair? Well, it's complicated.
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While anabolic steroids are notorious for causing "bacne" because they skyrocket androgen levels, genetics play a huge role. Some guys can take a pharmacy's worth of gear and have skin as smooth as a baby’s. Other guys get one pimple and it turns into a permanent scar. Sam has mentioned in passing that he dealt with skin issues back in high school, long before he became a 240-pound mass monster.
However, the specific type of acne Sam has shown—deep, cystic, and often inflamed—is a classic hallmark of hormonal fluctuations. In more severe cases, bodybuilders can develop something called Acne Fulminans. This is a rare but serious condition where the acne becomes ulcerative and can even cause fever or joint pain. It's often triggered when someone with a predisposition to acne starts a heavy cycle of androgens.
The Accutane Turnaround
If you’ve watched Sam’s more recent videos in late 2025 and early 2026, you’ve probably noticed something. His skin looks... actually pretty good. The deep red welts are mostly gone, replaced by scarring and "texture."
How did he do it? Most of the community assumes he went on Isotretinoin, better known as Accutane.
Accutane is the "nuclear option" for acne. It literally shrinks your oil glands. For a bodybuilder, it’s a double-edged sword. It clears the skin, but it can also cause:
- Severe joint dryness (bad for heavy lifting)
- Liver strain (already a concern in the sport)
- Extreme skin fragility
Sam hasn't made a "My Skincare Routine" video (and he probably never will), but the transformation is undeniable. He went from having active, painful-looking breakouts to a much clearer, albeit scarred, complexion.
What You Can Learn From It
If you’re a lifter struggling with your own version of sam sulek back acne, you don't necessarily need a prescription. But you do need a plan.
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Most guys just scrub harder. Big mistake. Scrubbing at cystic acne just causes more inflammation and leads to those deep "pockmark" scars you see on Sam's shoulders. You've got to be smarter than that.
First, look at your protein. If you’re breaking out, try switching from whey concentrate to a high-quality isolate or even a plant-based protein for a month. The difference can be shocking. Second, the "gym shirt" rule is real. Never sit in your sweaty clothes after a session. Bacteria loves a warm, damp environment. If you can't shower at the gym, at least wipe your back down with a 2% salicylic acid pad.
Actionable Steps for Clearer Skin
Don't wait until your back looks like a topographic map. If you're training hard and noticing your skin is starting to flare up, take these steps immediately:
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- Switch your cleanser: Stop using regular bar soap. Use a wash containing Benzoyl Peroxide (10% is usually best for the back). Let it sit on your skin for 2-3 minutes before rinsing so it actually kills the bacteria.
- Change your sheets: You spend 8 hours a night rubbing your back against a pillowcase or sheet. If you aren't washing them every few days, you're just sleeping in a pool of old oil and dead skin cells.
- Watch the "Cheat" meals: High-glycemic foods (sugar and white bread) cause insulin spikes that trigger sebum production. Sam’s "chocolate milk and cereal" diet might work for his gains, but it’s a disaster for skin health.
- See a pro: If the acne is painful, deep, or leaving scars, skip the TikTok advice and see a dermatologist. Over-the-counter stuff won't touch hormonal cystic acne.
Sam Sulek's journey shows that even at the highest level of the sport, nobody is "perfect." His skin has been a point of vulnerability in an otherwise superhuman physique. Whether it was the "gear," the milk, or just bad luck, the lesson remains: your skin is an organ, and it tells the story of what's happening inside your body. Take care of it.