Can Dairy Cause Acne? Dermatologist Answers

Acne is one of the most common skin woes. There are different factors that can trigger an acne flare up, such as pollution, stress, and hormonal issues. Did you know that even dairy products can cause acne? This has been a common belief among many. But how much truth is there in this belief? This article will explain it for you.

To understand this better, we reached out to Dr Shitij Goel, Senior Consultant, Dermatology, Shardacare-HealthCity, Greater Noida.   

Can Dairy Cause Acne?

Let us straightaway get to the main point: is there a link between dairy and acne? Answering this, Dr Goel says, “Dairy, particularly cow’s milk, may worsen acne in some people. But it is important to understand that dairy is not a universal cause of acne. Some people may notice more frequent or severe breakouts after consuming milk, while others may not experience any noticeable effect.”

The expert further explains, “One possible explanation is that milk may influence hormones and pathways such as insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and androgens, which can increase sebum production, encourage clogged pores and promote inflammation. Dairy products are also sometimes consumed alongside high-sugar or refined-carbohydrate foods, which may further contribute to acne in susceptible individuals.” 

A 2019 study, published in the Clinical Nutrition journal, closely examines how consuming dairy products may impact the development of acne. The researchers took into account data from multiple observational studies to see if there is any link that exists between what people eat and their skin health. 

The study revealed a strong and positive link between general dairy consumption and the likelihood of experiencing acne breakouts. In fact, the findings added that people who consumed the highest amounts of dairy were more than two and a half times as likely to develop acne, as compared to those who consumed the least. 

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Who Are More At Risk?

So who should avoid dairy products in order to protect their skin from acne? Shedding light on this, Dr Goel shares that those at greater risk include:

• Teenagers and young adults with acne-prone or oily skin.
• People who consistently notice breakouts after consuming milk.
• Individuals whose overall diet is high in sugary foods, refined carbohydrates and processed dairy products. 

“It is worth noting that the association appears more noticeable with milk, while the evidence around products such as yogurt and cheese is less consistent,” adds the expert.

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Moreover, the aforementioned study notes that not all dairy products trigger breakouts the same way. It adds that drinking cow's milk was specifically shown to raise the chances of getting acne, regardless of the fat content. One surprising finding was that skim milk was actually linked to an even higher risk of breakouts than regular whole milk. 

The experts from the research said that this happens because milk proteins stimulate certain growth hormones in the body, which directly increase oil production and block pores in the skin. However, fermented dairy products such as yoghurt and cheese did not show any significant link to acne development. The study concluded that while drinking milk may worsen your acne, you do not have to give up your favorite cheese or yoghurt to keep your skin clear. 

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Tips To Prevent Dairy-induced Acne

Dr Goel says that if you suspect dairy is triggering your acne, avoid making sudden or unnecessary dietary restrictions. “Instead, maintain a food-and-symptom diary and discuss a short, supervised dietary trial with a dermatologist or dietitian. If dairy is reduced, make sure you continue getting adequate calcium and protein from other sources,” suggests the expert.

He further adds, “Most importantly, acne should not be attributed to diet alone. Gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic skincare, a balanced diet and appropriate medical treatment remain important. Persistent, painful or scarring acne warrants a dermatology consultation rather than relying solely on dietary changes.”

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Conclusion

Dairy is not a universal trigger of acne for everyone. However, scientific studies and dermatologists agree that consuming cow's milk can worsen breakouts for those with acne-prone skin. But the good news is that you don't need to eliminate all dairy entirely from your diet. Fermented options such as yoghurt and cheese are less likely to cause sudden flare-ups. If you suspect your daily glass of milk is causing your acne, try keeping a food diary to track your symptoms before making any drastic dietary changes. Ultimately, achieving clear skin needs a well-rounded approach of mindful eating with a solid skincare routine. However, consult a dermatologist if your struggle with acne persists.