Dairy and Acne: Does dairy consumption have an effect on your skin?

A question everyone wants the answer to: what is the relationship between dairy and acne? Is it casual or is it official? It’s a bit hard to navigate if both parties don’t have it in their instagram bio… Thankfully, there are researchers (or private investigators if you will) that have the answers to our burning questions.

A number of studies have determined that certain dietary factors can be the cause of acne reaching its peak performance on our skin. Although, more research needs to be considered before coming to any solid conclusions.

Researchers have explored the following links regarding dairy intake:

• Types of dairy: milk, yoghurt, and cheese.
• Subgroups: full fat, low fat, skim and whole milk.
• Amounts and frequencies.

Results from the study had shown that consuming any type of dairy - specifically people aged between 7 and 30 years old - associated a more feasible outcome of acne. Those who consumed or drank one glass more of milk each day, typically low fat or skim milk, there was a higher denouement of acne surfacing.

There are various theories associated with the scandalous dairy and acne relationship that researchers have devised, which include growth hormones, artificial hormones, and milk proteins that dairy accommodates. The main proteins in milk are whey and casein. Whey is sought to increase blood insulin levels, while casein increases IGF-1 (growth hormone), which therefore can trigger acne breakouts.

A strong belief that we at Ritology live by is ‘everything in moderation’. It is not recommended that specific dietary changes be made with people who possess these irritating red spots. Instead, maintain a food log to track the dairy products you are consuming as well as your overall skin complexion.

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