The Link Between Dairy & Breakouts: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Indulging in Italy's culinary delights - gelatos, pizzas, and pastas - may seem like a dream vacation, but for those sensitive to dairy hormones, it can quickly turn into a nightmare of acne breakouts. While milk and dairy products were once considered essential for growth and strength in childhood, the truth is that their impact on our health changes dramatically as we age. As adults, our ability to digest lactose falters, leading to a surprising culprit behind acne: dairy. In this blog post, we'll explore the unexpected link between dairy and acne, uncovering the causes of acne on face and what you can do to prevent it.

It’s no secret that diet plays a significant role in overall health. However, the impact of certain foods on skin conditions remains a subject of debate. Dairy products, in particular, have often been linked to skin sensitivities and breakouts. Some studies suggest that certain individuals may experience the worst acne or other skin issues when consuming dairy. do dairy products cause acne

But does dairy cause acne? Alone? NO. Acne is a multi-factorial skin condition that can be caused due to many reasons. Let's explore how dairy consumption might impact your skin, identify safer dairy options, and discover acne skin care strategies to determine if you need to completely eliminate dairy from your diet.

Dairy Products: The causes of acne on face 

The anatomy of dairy plays a pivotal role in determining if dairy was ever meant for the human body & the causes of acne on face, inflammation, indigestion & nausea. Dairy can aggravate acne.Nowadays, when patients don’t understand what exactly is triggering their acne, dermatologists recommend cropping out all dairy products from their diet.

There are four potential theories shedding light on the question: Do Dairy Products Cause Acne?

• 1. Growth Hormones: Cows produce milk to feed their baby calves and help them grow. Whey and casein are two proteins found in the cow’s milk for the promotion of growth & development. However, humans cannot digest milk well post-infancy. This is because, during your childhood, humans have the ability to break down the lactose hormone through the specific enzymes. As we grow old, digesting milk becomes uncomfortable. 
• 2. Role of IGF-1 in dairy: Does milk cause acne? As we hit adulthood, digesting dairy becomes a bit of a hassle. This is because, when we digest whey & casein, they release a hormone similar to insulin, called IGF-1. This hormone spikes up the insulin levels in your body, leading to the over production of oil & sebum. Perhaps, this sebum inflation leads to the causes of acne on face, inflammation & clogged pores.

• 3. Adulteration in dairy: In the era of everything being adulterated, consuming milk in its purest form is rare. This is because cows are treated with adulterated hormones, preservatives, to meet the increasing demands of online dairy products. 
• 4. Lactose sensitivities: If your body reacts differently to the consumption of all dairy products, it is a good indication that you are lactose intolerant. 

The Role of Dairy Types and Processing

While researchers are still figuring out the anecdotal evidence between dairy and the reasons for acne on face, some studies suggest that certain types of dairy products might have different side effects.

Milk: Skimmed milk is considered as a silent devil.  This is because skimmed milk undergoes several stages of alteration which makes it ultra-processed. This heavily-laden processed skimmed milk leads to the worst acne & breakouts. But does milk cause acne? Well, on the contrary, whole milk, semi-processed milk, fat-free milk is considered safer to its other counterparts. However, people with lactose sensitivities cannot digest milk with lactose hormones. They opt for more vegan friendly options like oat milk, almond milk, soy milk or hormone-free milk to meet their daily dairy consumption.

Cheese: Does cheese cause acne? Well, there is some good news for cheese lovers! Cheese is not responsible for triggering acne (directly). Aged cheese like cheddar and parmesan are less likely to induce acne due to their fermentation process.

Curd: Does curd cause acne? Curd falls under a different category of dairy. This could be purely due to the limited presence of lactose in curd. The probiotics and prebiotics present in curd are essential for the maintenance of your gut health. This indirectly benefits your skin as well.

Are dairy products the causes of acne on face, and if they are, how should you react?

If you suspect that consumption of all dairy products are the causes of acne on face, then restricting your dairy consumption would be ideal. During this elimination period, observe how your skin reacts. This will help you understand if dairy products are the reasons for acne on face.

Given the significance of dairy in our culture, eliminating it completely could be challenging. Here are some ways to streamline your dairy intake and acne skin care.

• Cut down on your milk consumption. If you have 2-3 cups of coffee or tea, switch it with other healthier vegan alternatives. Try having these beverages without milk. Chamomile tea, ginger tea, americanos are healthier alternatives. 
• Avoid the carbs and sugar in dairy products. Influenced by the western diet, consuming dairy products with processed sugars, carbohydrates and other fatty ingredients could be the trigger. 

• Even on a cut-down diet, for some people yogurt, cheese and paneer could have a milder effect. These types of dairy products are considered healthy for your body.

Try following this elimination diet for at least 2 weeks to notice a difference. This is because the residue of products you want to eliminate also takes time to leave your body.

Record, Restrict & Reintroduce

Follow this 3 step-guide to understand what type of dairy is affecting your body and what is not. Accordingly, eliminate the silent devils and reintroduce the foods essential for your growth.

Other factors explaining the causes of acne on face

• Hormones: Hormonal fluctuations, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can contribute to acne.
• Genetics: A family history of acne may increase your risk.
• Stress: Emotional stress can trigger or worsen acne.
• Excessive sodium:Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats can contribute to acne.

Conclusion

While completely eliminating dairy might seem drastic for those seeking clearer skin, there are numerous plant-based alternatives that can provide satisfying substitutes for traditional dairy products. From frothy cappuccinos to creamy pasta, plant-based milks offer a delicious and healthier way to enjoy your favourite foods.

Remember, our skin is a reflection of overall health. By making mindful dietary choices and following a comprehensive skincare routine acne prone sensitive skin, you can significantly improve your skin's appearance. However, it's important to note that dairy products, alone are not considered as the causes of acne on face. A holistic approach, including a healthy lifestyle and a nutritious diet,is essential for achieving your desired skin goals.