Jake Paul raises suspicion among doctors after photo of star with severe facial acne

Speculation about Jake Paul’s steroid use is mounting after an unflattering photo of the star with acne on his face circulated on social media.

The 27-year-old child actor turned boxer is accused of using performance-enhancing drugs since switching to combat sports and rapidly gaining weight.

His critics point to Paul’s facial acne and thinning hairline — hallmarks of steroid abuse — and his laxity in pre-fight drug testing as further evidence.

Paul has repeatedly publicly denied that he used performance-enhancing drugs. ‘First of all, there’s no truth to it,’ Paul said in a podcast ahead of his match with UFC fighter Mike Perry. He has also previously posted negative performance-enhancing drug test results.

But the recent photo has raised suspicions among medical professionals about Paul’s bulking routine. Dr Stuart Fischer, a New York physician, told DailyMail.com: ‘It’s definitely suspicious.’

ONE PROBLEM: The controversy started when Dillion Danis, a former MMA fighter who is good friends with Connor McGregor, shared this photo of Paul with the caption: ‘Steroids are bad kids’

Paul started his martial arts career around 2018. Since then, he has gained massive muscle and caused controversy with some of the biggest names in combat sports, including Conor McGregor and Mike Tyson.

Dr. Fischer explained that steroids can weaken the skin and cause hormone fluctuations.

The hormonal fluctuations can then cause a person to develop acne and hair loss.

He also stressed that it was unusual for Paul to suddenly develop acne at such an age.

According to Tom Coughlin, sports performance nutritionist and anti-doping educator, these are common side effects of using performance-enhancing drugs.

He certainly has a reason to [use steroids] to improve his performance,” said Mr. Coughlin, who stressed that the Ohio native had gained weight in preparation for his fight against Perry.

Paul has published the results of several studies Performance Enhancing Drug Testing Over the Years with negative results. However, Mr. Coughlin said people are still skeptical of Paul because he has not taken all the anti-doping tests that other professional athletes undergo.

“He’s certainly not as closely scrutinized in that regard as a professional athlete,” said Coughlin, who trains professional athletes and has been a longtime fan of combat sports.

In the past, popular figures in combat sports have accused Paul of using performance enhancers. This also applies to bodybuilders Victor Martinezfighters Dillion Danis, Tyron Woodley and Conor McGregor and fitness YouTuber Kenneth Boulet.

Even with these suspicions, both Mr. Coughlin and Dr. Fischer caution that there is no way to know for sure without testing Paul.

“The evidence we have is not evidence in itself,” Coughlin said.

DailyMail.com has contacted Paul’s team for comment.

There are other possible explanations for these physical changes that have nothing to do with steroids. The stress of training to get into the ring could have caused Paul’s aesthetic changes, Dr. Fischer said.

When the body undergoes regular intense exercise, the immune system can shut down, which can lead to severe acne breakouts.

It’s also possible that Paul has always had acne and is losing his hair as he ages, Mr. Coughlin said. In the past, Paul has shared his frustrations about his acne online. In 2015 he wrote on X: ‘Why is acne a thing? Go away.’

According to Mr. Coughlin, acne and hair loss are just two of the many unpleasant side effects of steroids.

They can also cause nerve damage, heart and liver disease, fertility problems, aggression and depression.

They are ‘potentially very dangerous’ if used without a doctor’s supervision.