Is dairy or almond milk causing your acne?

Is dairy or almond milk causing your acne

Have you ever wondered if your favourite milk—whether dairy or almond—might be behind those frustrating breakouts?

Dive into this article to find out if dairy really causes acne and get tips on achieving smooth, acne-free skin!

What food triggers hormonal acne?

What we eat affects our skin health more than we think. This is because our diet directly translates into the nutrients that we supply our body with, including our largest organ, the skin.

A balanced diet with fresh fruit and vegetables can provide essential vitamins and minerals with antioxidant properties and promote healthy cell turnover and skin repair. Some proteins, like fish, provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that help maintain the skin’s lipid barrier and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Conversely, highly processed foods, sugary foods and dairy products can also affect the body and negatively impact skin health, causing premature ageing, wrinkles, increased oil production and clogged pores.

Dairy milk and acne

If you often get acne breakouts, you’ve probably experienced being told to stop consuming dairy. Although not everyone who drinks dairy milk will get acne, it may be a contributing factor to your breakouts for several reasons:

  • Hormonal content — Milk in general contains more hormones. Some of these hormones, like growth factors and androgens, also lead to an increased production of sebum, which can contribute to acne breakouts.
  • Insulin response — Contrary to popular belief, low-fat or skim milk actually increases our insulin levels because they have a lower glycemic index. This causes increased levels of oil production in our skin and can lead to acne formation.
  • Inflammatory response — As milk is often high in saturated fat, it can increase inflammation. Sometimes, our body responds by the sebaceous glands becoming inflamed and an ensuing breakout.

It is, however, important to remember that different types of dairy products can have different effects on your acne. Ultimately, this depends on how the milk was processed and its impact on your insulin levels.

Does cutting out dairy get rid of acne?

Although it’s true that dairy milk could be causing your breakouts, you don’t have to go cold turkey. Paying attention to your skin and the types of milk you consume can make a difference:

  • Opt for plant-based milks that do not contain hormones and observe how your skin reacts to these changes.
  • Limit your dairy intake gradually to see how much you can tolerate before breaking out.
  • Opt for fermented dairy, like yoghurt and kefir, which are high in probiotics and can potentially be good for gut health and improve skin complexion.
  • Experiment between types of milk with varying fat contents to see what would better suit your skin type.

However, for teenagers going through teenage acne, we recommend consulting a nutritionist before making any major diet decisions.

Can almond milk cause acne?

On the other end of the spectrum, plant-based almond milk that has no animal hormones or lactose can also cause breakouts in some people. Here are some reasons why:

  • Additives and sweeteners — Some types of almond milk on the market may include preservatives or artificial sweeteners that can contribute to acne by increasing insulin levels or inflammation in the body.
  • Individual sensitivities — Although almond milk is a generally safe and beneficial non-dairy alternative, some people may have specific allergies or sensitivities to almonds. They can then develop acne, especially if they consume large amounts of almond milk.

Recommendations

Almond milk is a generally well-tolerated milk alternative for those who experience hormone-related acne. If you notice breakouts after consuming almond milk, you can consider:

  • Making your own homemade almond milk to control the ingredients and cut out any additives.
  • Avoid store-bought almond milk with added sugars and preservatives.
  • Limit your almond milk intake to prevent weight gain-related hormonal imbalances.
  • If you suspect an almond allergy, consider allergy testing to determine if you have a sensitivity to almonds or other ingredients.
  • Consider other plant-based milk alternatives, such as oat milk, cashew milk, soy milk or coconut milk.

Acne facials: treatment and prevention

Signature Medical Peel

While your diet plays a huge role in skin health by reducing inflammation and providing essential nutrients, regular acne facials can also complement your dietary efforts for clearer, healthier skin.

SkinLab’s Signature Medical Peel is a holistic chemical peel treatment designed to rejuvenate ageing skin, combat acne and lighten pigmentation. Developed by in-house doctors, this customised medical peel treatment utilises medical-grade AHAs and BHAs to deeply cleanse and hydrate the skin. Its key benefits include:

  • Increased skin cell turnover
  • Removes dead skin cells
  • Regulates sebum production
  • Kills acne-causing bacteria
  • Encourages serum absorption
  • Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
  • Lightens hyperpigmentation

You can choose to add Omega Light Therapy for enhanced results.

Get an acne facial in Singapore

Making informed dietary choices that support your gut and skin health can go a long way in reaching your goals for a perfect, acne-free complexion! In addition, the right skin treatment will go a long way in providing holistic acne treatment inside and out. Take the first step by scheduling a consultation with us today for a comprehensive skin analysis and personalised treatment plan.

Book An Appointment For SkinLab

Don’t Have Time On Your Hands? Try Our Products Today!