Why Dairy and Skin Health Matters
We’ve all been there—waking up to a new pimple and wondering what we did wrong. While there are many factors that contribute to acne, like stress or hormonal changes, many people suspect that dairy could be a big culprit.
From teens to adults, people are asking: “Is ditching dairy the key to clear skin?” Let’s take a look at what the science has to say.
What Do The Studies Tell Us?
Dairy and Acne in Teens
One of the first places researchers looked was at teenagers, who often suffer from acne.
A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that frequent consumption of milk and other dairy products was positively linked with acne development in teenagers.
The study didn’t prove that dairy causes acne, but it did show that teens who drank more milk tended to have more acne.
Dairy Type Matters
Not all dairy is created equal when it comes to acne. Another study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that skim milk had a stronger link to acne compared to full-fat or low-fat milk.
The reason for this is still being researched, but it’s a consideration if you’re worried about acne.
Hormones in Dairy
Milk naturally contains a cocktail of hormones since it’s intended to nourish rapidly growing calves. Some experts believe these hormones might contribute to acne.
A review in the journal Nutrients suggested that these hormones could trigger increased oil production in skin, which is a well-known contributor to acne.
Should You Say Goodbye to Dairy?
Talk to Your Doctor: If you’re struggling with persistent acne, the best first step is always to consult with a healthcare provider. They can guide you through the various treatment options, which may or may not include dietary changes.
Try an Elimination Diet: One way to see if dairy affects your skin is to try cutting it out of your diet for a few weeks and monitor any changes.
Always consult a doctor before making any drastic dietary changes, especially if you have other health conditions.
Consider Alternatives: If you find that dairy worsens your acne, you can opt for dairy alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
Just make sure to read labels, as some of these alternatives can contain added sugars, which could also affect your skin.
So, what’s the final word? While the evidence doesn’t definitively prove that dairy causes acne, there’s a strong enough link to consider it as a contributing factor, especially for those who are prone to breakouts.
If you’re concerned about acne, you might want to examine your dairy consumption. Cutting back or choosing alternatives may be worth a try, but as always, consult your doctor before making any big changes to your diet or health routine.
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