We all know that dairy products are packed with hormones that can wreak havoc on our skin. But did you know that dairy may also be one of the main causes of acne? In particular, cystic acne—the large, deep breakouts that often appear on the chin and jawline. If you're struggling with chronic breakouts, it might be time to cut back on the dairy. Here's what you need to know.
Dairy and Acne: The Link
There are a few theories about how dairy may cause acne. For one, Cow's milk contains growth hormones that can stimulate the production of sebum, which is an oily substance that clogs pores and leads to breakouts. Milk also contains IGF-1, a hormone that's been linked to acne.
Another theory is that milk sugar (lactose) increases insulin levels, which in turn increases inflammation throughout the body—including the skin. Inflammation is one of the main causes of acne.
Finally, many commercial dairy products contain inflammatory additives like carrageenan and rGBH. These additives can further aggravate already inflamed skin.
If you're struggling with chronic breakouts, dairy may be to blame. Try cutting back on dairy for a few weeks to see if your skin improves. You might be surprised at the difference it makes!
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We’ve all been there: you start using a new skincare product and suddenly your skin is covered in pimples. You may be wondering, is this purging or is my skin breaking out?