Acne is the most common skin condition in the country. Although acne is more prevalent in adolescents, it can affect people of all ages. It isn’t just a superficial issue. Acne can be painful and result in dry, itchy, scaly and irritated or inflamed skin. The stress of facing acne everyday can also lead to mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. Many people have shared their chronic acne stories on the sub Reddit Skincare Addiction which boasts 4.5 million members. Several visits to doctors offices and hundreds of dollars on skincare later, they haven’t been able to resolve their acne.
Forum Poster Shares Their Acne Story
While multiple factors contribute to acne development, one reddit poster discovered his own connection to his skin issues. A person with the user name coyoteeatingtrash provided the folowing information about himself and the impact acne has had on his life.
“I just wanted to chime in with my experience for anyone scrolling through today that might benefit from it. I’m a middle aged fellow that has struggled with acne his entire life. Though not ‘severe’, it was cystic, and persistent, and certainly significant enough to profoundly hamper my ability to move through the world, develop/maintain relationships, and ultimately, to live a fulfilling life.
Anyway, I’d heard rumblings here and there about a causal link between dairy and acne, but never really took it seriously because there didn’t seem to be a strong consensus about it, and mostly dismissed this chatter as people just ‘saying stuff on the internet.”
Is There a Link Between Dairy and Acne?
While not everyone who consumes dairy products experiences skin issues, there are studies that have shown that for many individuals, dairy consumption can trigger or worsen acne breakouts. But the relationship between dairy and skin health is complex because there are multiple mechanisms that affect hormone levels, inflammation and the body’s insulin response.
Hormonal Factors
Dairy products naturally contain hormones and androgens which can affect the skin’s behavior. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2018) found that milk contains significant amounts of IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), a hormone that stimulates skin oil production and promotes inflammation. The increased sebum production can clog pores and lead to acne. Even organic or hormone-free milk contains these naturally occurring hormones, as they are present in all mammalian milk.
Also the artificial hormones administered to dairy cows may further contribute to hormonal imbalances in consumers.
Insulin Response
Dairy consumption can lead to higher insulin levels. Increased insulin can stimulate the production of androgens, hormones that elevate sebum production, and promote acne development. This is particularly interesting because milk’s glycemic index is relatively low. However, milk proteins (whey and casein) can stimulate insulin production independently of blood sugar levels.
Inflammatory Response
Dairy products can trigger inflammatory responses in many individuals, even those who aren’t clinically lactose intolerant. Inflammation can also occur in individuals who have a sensitivity to A1 casein, a protein commonly found in cow’s milk. The result can be redness, swelling and increased acne formation.
It’s Not All Dairy
Not all dairy products have the same effect on skin health. Research indicates that milk, particularly low-fat and skim varieties, has a stronger association with acne development. In contrast, fermented dairy products like yogurt and cheese have not shown a consistent link to acne. This discrepancy may be due to the fermentation process, which could alter the hormonal and protein composition of these foods.
Poster Experiences Success
The study mentioned that was published by the American Academy of Dermatology also confirmed the link between dairy consumption and acne after analyzing data from 78,529 individuals aged 7 to 30. The findings indicated that those who consumed any type of dairy had a higher likelihood of developing acne compared to those who did not consume dairy products.
It’s no surprise that the reddit poster saw positive results after removing dairy and whey protein products from their diet after deciding to explore this link of dairy to acne. The poster said he also kept his skincare routine basic, only washing his face with warm water.
The poster confirmed that the experiment worked and referred to finally achieving clear skin as a “huge life-changing revelation.”
Still, it’s important to note that the relationship between dairy and skin health varies significantly among individuals. Genetic factors, overall diet, hormone levels, and other environmental factors all play roles in determining how someone’s skin will react to dairy consumption.
How to Test If Dairy is Your Causing Acne
For individuals experiencing dairy-related skin issues, several approaches have shown promise:
Complete Dairy Elimination
Many dermatologists recommend a 4-6 week dairy elimination trial to determine if dairy is contributing to skin problems. A study in the International Journal of Dermatology found that 70% of participants who eliminated dairy saw improvement in their acne within 3 months.
Plant-based Alternatives
Modern plant-based milk alternatives can provide similar nutritional benefits without the hormonal impact of dairy. However, it’s important to choose unsweetened varieties to avoid potential blood sugar spikes that could affect skin health.
Supplementation
If eliminating dairy, ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake through other sources or supplements.