Connection Between Dairy and Acne – Does Milk Cause Acne?

Dairy And Acne: What Research Says

Several studies found a link between dairy products and acne. Researchers believe that the carbohydrate in dairy products may affect the serum insulin levels and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). This may trigger acne.

Dairy cows in the US are injected with bovine growth hormone to increase milk production. Such milk contains high levels of IGF-1. Moreover, cow’s milk is meant for the calves and contains growth hormones and anabolic steroids, which may trigger acne in humans (2).

Dairy products may contain hormones like (3):

• Androgens
• Estrogens
• Progesterone
• Insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1)
• CRH, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
• Melanocortins
• Glucocorticoids
• Growth hormone (GH)

Ingesting these hormones through dairy products may lead to some hormonal issues, leading to acne and even cancer (4).

The American Academy Of Dermatology Association agrees that cow’s milk may increase the risk of developing acne. However, there is no substantial clinical evidence to prove a link between dairy products like yogurt or cheese and acne (5), (6).

On the flip side, dairy products like cheese, butter, and sugar (milk contains lactose) have a high glycemic index (GI). High glycemic diets lead to insulin resistance and acne (7). Hence, in one way or the other, dairy products may worsen your acne.

Does that mean you should skip milk altogether? Do low-fat and skimmed milk also trigger acne or worsen existing lesions? Let’s find out in the next section.

Why Does Milk Cause Acne? Should You Avoid It Completely?

All forms of milk, be it total, whole, low-fat, and skimmed, are linked to acne (6). The exact mechanism is unknown, but the hormones in milk are to be blamed for that.

As discussed earlier, milk naturally contains growth hormones, anabolic steroids, and other growth factors. In dairy farms, the cows are further treated with artificial growth hormones to increase their milk production (8). This increases the hormone levels in the milk.

When you drink such milk, it affects the IGF-1 levels in your body. Increased IGF-1 levels and male hormones (androgens) may cause adult acne in men and women (9).

If you have acne-prone skin or hormonal acne, it is better to avoid any form of milk and dairy products. If you have noticed flare-ups recently, dairy or milk can be one reason. Here are a few tips to find if your flare-ups are due to dairy products.

How To Check If Dairy Products Are Worsening Your Acne

• Maintain A Food Journal: Record if the consumption of certain foods, especially milk, cheese, yogurt, and protein powder, increases acne inflammation or causes new breakouts.
• Skip A Particular Food: If you notice excessive breakouts when you consume a particular food, eliminate it from your diet for 30 days. Watch how your skin and existing acne behave.

Follow these ways for at least a month to understand the exact reason behind your acne. Can reducing the intake of dairy or eliminating it from your diet helps in acne management? Read next.

Can Avoiding Dairy Improve Acne?

It depends on the individual. Consuming dairy products and milk worsens acne. However, there is no evidence suggesting that cutting out dairy can improve acne.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that eliminating certain trigger foods can help you manage acne. A study involving men found that following a low glycemic index (GI) diet could reduce acne severity and insulin sensitivity (10). You may try cutting out milk or any other trigger food from your diet to see how your skin responds.

Acne is a complex condition triggered by many factors. It is important to understand which factors are worsening your condition. Frequent flare-ups may also indicate underlying health conditions. Consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. If you want to eliminate milk from your diet, here are a few alternatives you can try.

Alternatives To Milk

You can try:

• • Almond milk
  • Soy milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Rice milk
  • Oat milk
  • Cashew milk

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dairy face?

If you are someone who gets acne and other skin issues after consuming dairy products, then you have a dairy face.

Where do you break out from dairy?

Breakouts usually happen around the lower and outer areas of the face. However, one may also get acne breakouts on other parts of the face.

How long after eating dairy do you break out?

Breakouts may flare up in one or two days after consuming dairy products.

Can Greek yogurt cause acne?

Greek yogurt may cause acne if you have a dairy face.

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Dr. Priya GillMBBCH, MRCP

 

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy. She has more than 25 publications in local and international journals to her name. She is passionate about public and patient education...more

Annie JangamBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Annie Jangam is a researcher-turned-content writer with 11 years of experience. She enjoys dissecting complex clinical studies and shuffling through the scientific jargon to make science interesting and easy to understand. Her scientific aptitude and love for writing paved the way to pursue a career in writing research-backed articles on skin care and hair care. Her expertise stems from her...more