Can Dairy Really Cause Acne?

Nov 6, 2013

Kim M.

I've been using Neutrogena for years. I've tried proactive, clean and clear, benzoyl peroxide, sulfur. pretty much everything. I have black heads and white heads over 90% of my face. I still eat dairy at 28yo. could it be causing the acne?

Nov 6, 2013

Sasha RussianPrincess R.

I drink a half gallon of non fat milk almost everyday and eat a lot of yogurt and never had it break me out.
but every one is different so it could and it could not be effectong you.

Nov 6, 2013

Maggie F.

I think information has shown that dairy contributing to acne is a myth. I stopped eating dairy except for cheese a year ago and still get some breakouts. I would definitely see a dermatologist. I waited to long to take care of the acne I had on my teens that was pretty bad and now I do have some minor scarring on one side. It sounds like you have done all you can with over the counter stuff so a doctor is the way to go. My acne is kinda the same way, nothing works, except for the prescription Accutane and since it had so many side effects I'm not even sure if it's on the market anymore.

Nov 6, 2013

Diana J.

Food doesn't cause acne, it's a myth. I would also recommend to see a doctor because the blackheads could be a symptom of a lot skin diseases.

Nov 6, 2013

Roz X.

I'd see a dermatologist.

Nov 6, 2013

Bree B.

Yes. Dairy can trigger allergies in your body, it's the first thing they have you try in an elimination diet= it's the #1 irritator for people. That doesn't mean it's causing your acne, but is it worth a try? I would say so! Dairy can cause eczema, digestive upset, etc. it really can disrupt the body's system. You may find after eliminating it that you can add it back in small amounts: some yogurt and cheese might be ok for example.

Nov 6, 2013

Kim M.

Thanks everyone for your input. I'll have to go see a derm.

Nov 6, 2013

Diana J.

Yes, ppl have allergy but better do a test to be sure.

Nov 6, 2013

Traci L.

Yes food can cause inflammation and that can cause acne if you are allergic to the food your eating ,it depends on the person and there reaction to the food , if you are allergic to dairy or wheat and your eating it anyway it will show on your skin with breakouts a ruddy complextion and overall unhealthy look to your skin.

Nov 6, 2013

Sable G.

Actually it can, just like wheat can. I had the same issue until I switched to organic dairy. I pretty much had to drop wheat all together because it makes my psoriasis go ham. Oh well, less carby temptations! Haha.

Nov 6, 2013

Shelley W.

For me yes it does. For other folks who lay off dairy and still havs issues there could be something else in your diet. So in my opinion from reading research studies that confirm it as fact and my personal experience I don't find it to be a myth. And even meat that was fed hormones can also cause havoc to our skin. You'd be disgusted if you learned about the junk that is pumped into our food supply.

Nov 6, 2013

Mary T.

Yes it can! It is not a myth. I've seen it with my own eyes! But it's not super common. So can soy, eggs and a number of things. The best way to find out is to give it up and see. It could also be your neutragena! Its probably more likely to be something you are putting on your face. There are many ingredients that I am allergic to in their makeup along with their clearing concealer too. I found out that I am allergic to ingredients in about all drugstore face makeup I've tried and about half hi end. I use tarte bb, clinique and everyday minerals and not a whole lot more on my face. Even super "natural" bare minerals has bismuth oxychloride that makes me have irritated clogged pores quick! When I realized that everything was breaking me out I started shopping a sephora a lot because of the awesome return policy. It took years of testing products and reading ingredients to figure it out. I use cosdna.com, google and wiki to read about what the ingredients are and makeup alley for ppls feedback. Good luck.

Nov 6, 2013

Kim M.

thanks gals.

Nov 6, 2013

Diana J.

This fact isn't confirmed in any international approved document. If skin reflects your untolerance to dairy in any way it doesn't mean it is acne. And btw why ppl call almost every skin imperfection acne!? What about research -> if there is any deal with food, it isn't the reason itself, it is smth indirect which could make it more severe.

Nov 6, 2013

Diana J.

And here on beautylish was a post about some of myths about acne.

Nov 6, 2013

Shelley W.

@Diana J. WOW! So you require international approval? Do you know how insane that sounds considering that the research has already been done out two university medical dermotology departments in New York alone followed by UCLA and one out of London...studies that I had the joy of reading myself because my husband has a medical degree and is a cosmetic chemist so these journals of studies sit on our coffee table like coasters. I've been to two dermos over the years and they both advised me to drop the dairy because for me it was creating the acne. They diagnoised it as traditional acne and when they investigated my diet they requested I lay off it. First time I didn't listen. Second time I didn't listen. Third time came when I just got tired of using everything under the sun to get rid of it and nothing was working. Took the dairy out and my skin cleared up big time. Now the only acne I receive is hormonal base but I'm now controlling that with flaxseed pills. When mother nature comes knocking I may see three bumps along my jawline versus something of epic proportions. Certain foods for some individuals brings out acne and I can attest to that myself and so can the dermos who have dealt with my skin.

Nov 6, 2013

Traci L.

I'm a Esthetician in a medical spa and I work with derms and millions of people have food allergies and acne is caused by inflammation and bacteria so with that being said if your eating or drinking somthing your body rejects it will cause you inflammation taking just one thing that you may be allergic to out of your diet may be a big help and you need to see a Doctor then a Derm you need to have food allergy test done to see if there is anything your body is rejecting and not everyone will have this issue.and it is not a quick fix you still need a good skincare routine that agrees with your skin.

Nov 8, 2013

Sina J.

When I consulted a dermatologist he asked me to stop eating dairy products.