Does Whey Protein Cause Acne? How To Prevent It

Whey Protein: Does It Really Cause Acne?

Yes. Whey protein may cause acne as it is derived from milk (along with casein) and forms as a by-product of the cheese-making process. Dairy intake is linked to acne (2). Several studies have found a possible link between the two:

• A study involving teenage athletes found that whey protein triggered acne lesions in them, and they diminished once the drink was discontinued (3). However, further studies are required to determine the exact mechanism.
• In another study, researchers observed that whey protein could enhance insulin levels or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and aggravate acne in healthy men (4).
• In a study involving 30 patients, researchers found that females were prone to develop acne after taking whey protein. They also concluded that whey protein could trigger acne in people with no active lesions and no family history of acne (5).

A survey was conducted of 11,000 participants with 2826 in the acne group and 3853 in the control group from ages 15 to 39. It was found that 11% of the people in the first group consumed whey proteins in the last 12 months, compared to 7.3% in the second group.

Hannah Esch, a YouTuber and fitness coach, explained her decision to transition from whey protein to vegan protein due to concerns about potential links between whey protein isolate and acne. She shared that her dermatologist had recommended discontinuing whey protein consumption. She says, “The whole reason that I swapped from whey protein to vegan protein i because there are links between whey protein isolate and my dermatologist recommended that I don’t drink whey protein anymore (i).”

Even though further studies are required to determine the exact mechanism and link, we cannot deny that whey protein aggravates and triggers acne. Let’s explore the possible reasons and mechanisms in the next section.

How Whey Protein May Trigger Acne: The Mechanism

Dairy products (including whey protein) spike up blood sugar levels and produce insulin and insulin-like growth factor  (IGF-1) in your body.  IGF-1 is the factor that is thought to accelerate muscle growth and trigger acne. Milk has a low glycemic index (GI), but it also triggers the release of comedogenic hormones like progesterone, estrogen, androgen precursors, and 5-alpha-reductase steroids. This hormone imbalance increases excess sebum production, abnormal keratinization, and bacterial proliferation, causing acne (5), (6), (7). Mary Sabat, MS, RD, LD, says, “Consuming too much protein can increase the production of hormones, such as testosterone, which can lead to hormonal acne in some people. Also, animal protein, if not organic, may contain hormones that get into your system and cause skin issues.”

Most of us consume whey protein either with our food, smoothies, or water. The ingredients you add to your protein powder also make a difference. Scroll down to know more!

Ingredients To Avoid In Your Protein Shakes

What you mix in your protein shake may also play a key role in acne. Adding milk, especially skim milk, may double the risk of acne.

Manufacturers often add whey protein to skim milk to maintain its consistency. Moreover, compared to regular and full-fat milk, skim milk increases the risk of comedogenesis (formation of comedones due to clogged pores) (8), (9). Hence, avoid preparing your protein shakes with skimmed milk.

It is best to avoid any foods that may trigger acne. However, it may not always be possible if you are into athletics. Here are a few ways to prevent and manage breakouts caused by whey proteins.

How To Prevent Acne Breakouts Caused By Whey Protein

1. Avoid wearing tight clothing during any form of exercise. It may cause accumulation of sweat and sebum, leading to acne.
2. Shower immediately post-workout. Avoid using dirty towels and clothes to prevent bacterial growth and dirt accumulation in the skin pores.
3. Reduce the intake of whey protein. You may reduce the quantity or frequency and check how it is working. If there is no improvement, stop consuming it and look for alternatives.
4. Use a medicated acne treatment (like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) to reduce inflammation. Talk to a dermatologist for product suggestions.
5. Use a non-comedogenic cleanser, preferably with salicylic acid, to unclog the pores.
6. If you have acne-prone skin, avoid consuming foods with a high glycemic index (GI) like sugar, processed food, and carbohydrates. Also, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Quick Tip

Switch to detox beverages like green tea, aloe vera juice, coconut water, green kale juice, honey-lemon water, etc., to flush out toxins and result in clearer skin.

Whey Protein Alternatives

The best alternatives for whey protein include:

• Pea protein powder – Derived from yellow peas and rich in essential amino acids.
• Soy protein powder – Made from soybeans and a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.
• Egg white protein powder – Made by drying and pulverizing egg whites and low in fat and carbohydrates, making it ideal for low-carb diets.
• Brown rice protein powder – Derived from whole brown rice grains and easily digestible and hypoallergenic.
• Hemp protein powder – A plant-based protein source containing all essential amino acids along with fiber, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Collagen protein – Sourced from animal connective tissues, often bovine or marine sources.
• Pumpkin seed protein – Made from roasted, hulled pumpkin seeds, offering essential amino acids and minerals.
• Bone broth protein – Derived from simmered animal bones and provides essential amino acids, collagen, and minerals.

Other than these protein powders, nuts, lentils, and oily fish are good protein sources. Sabat adds, “It is best to follow a balanced diet and speak to a doctor or dietitian to determine the appropriate amount of protein for an individual’s needs. All animal protein, including whey, should be organic from grass-fed animals.”

Plant-based protein powders are easier to digest than whey protein and carry an abundance of nutrition too. However, before buying, check the product to ensure they contain minimally processed ingredients.

Quick Tip

Balance your protein intake between your diet and supplements. If you get enough protein in your diet, supplements might be unnecessary.

Infographic: Tips To Prevent Acne Breakouts Caused By Whey Protein

Whey protein is popular among fitness fiends and weightlifting enthusiasts. But, consumption of excess whey protein may trigger a series of internal events that may result in an eruption of acne across your face and hinder skin health. While this event may be uncommon, it is not unheard of. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the steps you can take and tips you need to keep in mind to prevent acne related to the consumption of whey protein.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does whey protein acne take to go away?

Whey protein acne takes approximately 2 -3 months to clear out completely. However, the time period varies from person to person.

Is whey protein good for the skin?

Yes, whey protein is good for the skin. Its amino acids and collagen help maintain skin elasticity and firmness.

Is it safe to take whey protein every day?

Yes, whey protein is safe for daily consumption for most people. However, limiting the quantity to 1-2 scoops is generally advised.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Was this article helpful?

The following two tabs change content below.

• Reviewer
• Expert
• Author
• Editor
• Fact-checker

Dr. Seepika JaiswalMBBS, Diploma In Dermatology, FAM

   

Dr. Seepika Jaiswal is a cosmetic dermatologist, hair transplant surgeon, and micro pigmentation specialist with 7 years of experience. After completing her MBBS, she went on to do a diploma in weight loss and another in clinical dermatology from the University of London. She has a fellowship in aesthetic medicine from Germany and a master's degree in medical micro pigmentation/permanent...more

• Mary SabatMS, RDN, LD

  Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, is a registered dietitian and a certified in personal training by the American Council of Exercise. She has 30 years of experience in nutrition education, wellness coaching, fitness training, holistic health, and weight loss coaching. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Delaware and master’s degree in Human Nutrition with an emphasis on Exercise Science from Rutgers University.
  
  Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, is a registered dietitian and a certified in personal training by the American Council of Exercise. She has 30 years of experience in nutrition education, wellness coaching, fitness training, holistic health, and weight loss coaching. She obtained her bachelor's degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Delaware and master’s degree in Human Nutrition with an emphasis on Exercise Science from Rutgers University.

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. Her interest in staying updated on beauty and lifestyle...more