IT’S CONFIRMED. DAIRY PRODUCTS AND SUGAR CAUSE ACNE.
As our sugar and dairy consumption has increased over the last 100 years so has the number of people with acne. We now have over 17 million acne sufferers, costing our health care system $1 billion a year. Eighty to ninety percent of teenagers suffer acne to varying degrees. The pimply millions rely on infomercial products hawked by celebrities or over-the-counter lotions, cleansers, and topical remedies. Recent research suggests that it’s not what we slather on our skin that matters most but what we put in our mouth.
Many have suggested a diet-acne link, but until recently it has not been proven in large clinical studies. Instead dermatologists prescribe long-term antibiotics and Accutane, both of which may cause long-term harmful effects. In 2009, a systematic review of 21 observational studies and six clinical trials found clear links. Two large controlled trials found that cow’s milk increased both the number of people who got acne and its severity. Other large randomized prospective controlled trials (the gold standard of medical research) found that people who had higher sugar intake and a high glycemic load diet (more bread, rice, cereal, pasta, sugar, and flour products of all kinds) had significantly more acne. The good news is that chocolate (dark chocolate that is) didn’t seem to cause acne.
The dietary pimple producing culprits—diary and sugar (in all its blood sugar raising forms)—both cause spikes in certain pimple producing hormones. Dairy boosts male sex hormones (various forms of testosterone or androgens) and increases insulin levels just as foods that quickly raise blood sugar (sugar and starchy carbs) spike insulin.
Androgens and insulin both stimulate your skin to make those nasty, embarrassing pimples. One patient recently told me he would give a million dollars for a pill to cure acne. He doesn’t need to. It seems that for many the cure to acne is at the end of their fork, not in a prescription pad.
While pimples are not as simple as too much milk or sugar in your diet, both have a significant impact. Nutritional deficiencies as well as excesses can worsen acne. Correcting common deficiencies including low levels of healthy omega-3 anti-inflammatory fats, low levels of antioxidants such as vitamin E, zinc, and vitamin A, and including an important anti-inflammatory omega-6 fat called evening primrose oil all may be helpful in preventing and treating unwanted pimples. I will explain how you can correct and incorporate all of these nutritional elements of your diet and outlines some supplements that will help you fight acne in a moment.
But first it is worth taking a deeper look at milk and sugar.
It appears that anabolic or sex hormones in milk contribute to acne …
Stay Away from Dairy and Avoid Acne
One scientist referred to milk as a “complex aqueous, suspended fat, liposomal, suspended protein emulsion”. What we do know is that milk is designed to grow things—namely, babies—and in the case of cow’s milk, calves. It is naturally full of what we call anabolic hormones (the same ones that body builders and A Rod use to grow big muscles, and which cause bad acne). These are mostly androgens (like testosterone) and growth hormones including insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). There is no such thing as hormone-free milk.
Here’s a short list of the 60-some hormones in your average glass of milk—even the organic, raw, and bovine growth hormone free milk:
- 20α-dihydropregnenolone
- progesterone (from pregnenolone)
- 5α-pregnanedione
- 5α-pregnan-3β-ol-20-one, 20α- and 20β-dihydroprogesterone (from progesterone)
- 5α-androstene-3β17β-diol
- 5α-androstanedione
- 5α-androstan-3β-ol-17-one
- androstenedione
- testosterone
- dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate acyl ester
- insulin like growth factors 1 and 2 (IGF-1 and IGF-2)
- insulin
This is what our government suggests we drink in high doses—at least 3 glasses a day for me, a healthy adult male, according to the mypyramid.gov website. Those guidelines have been strongly criticized by many including leading nutrition scientists from Harvard such as Walter Willett and David Ludwig.
The famous Nurse’s Health Study examining health habits of 47,000 nurses found that those who drank more milk as teenagers had much higher rates of severe acne than those who had little or no milk as teenagers. If you think it is the fat in milk, think again. It was actually the skim milk that had the strongest risk for acne. In other studies of over 10,000 boys and girls from 9 to 15 years old, there was a direct link between the amount of milk consumed and the severity of acne.
It appears that it is not just the anabolic or sex hormones in milk that causes problem but milk’s ability to stimulate insulin production. It actually may be the lactose or milk sugar in milk that acts more like a soft drink than an egg. Drinking a glass of milk can spike insulin levels 300 percent. Not only does that cause pimples, but it also may contribute to prediabetes. This is true despite studies funded by the dairy council showing that milk helps with weight loss. The question is compared to WHAT diet—a diet of bagels and Coke, or a healthy phytonutrient, antioxidant-rich, plant-based diet with lean animal protein?
Stay Away from Sugar, Refined Carbs, and Pimples
If a glass of milk causes pimples, that may drive you back to your Pepsi. But not so fast. Recent studies also show that sugar and refined carbs (a high-glycemic diet) cause acne. More importantly, taking kids off sugar and putting them on a healthy, whole foods, low-glycemic load diet resulted in significant improvements in acne compared to a control group eating a regular, high-sugar American diet. In addition to less pimples, the participants lost weight, became more sensitive to the effects of insulin (resulting in less pimple-producing insulin circulating around the blood). They also had less of the sex hormones floating around their blood that drive pimples. We know that women who have too much sugar and insulin resistance get acne, hair growth on their face, hair loss on the head, and infertility. This is caused by high levels of circulating male hormones and is called polycystic ovarian syndrome but is a nutritional, not gynecologic disease.
But the dietary influences don’t stop there. It is not just sugar, but the bad fats we eat that may also contribute to acne.
Get an Oil Change
Our typical Western diet is full of inflammatory fats—saturated fats, trans fats, too many omega-6, inflammatory, processed vegetable oils like soy and corn oils. These increase IGF-1 and stimulate pimple follicles. Inflammation has been linked to acne, and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats (from fish oil) may help improve acne and help with many skin disorders.
Balance the Hormones that Cause Skin Problems
The link is clear—hormonal imbalances caused by our diet trigger acne. Our diet influences sex hormones like testosterone, IGF-1, and insulin, which promote acne. The biggest factors affecting your hormones is the glycemic load of your diet (which is determined by how quickly the food you eat increases your blood sugar and insulin levels), and the amount of dairy products you eat. The good news is that eating a healthy diet and taking a few supplements can balance those hormones. Exercise also helps improve insulin function.
How To Prevent and Treat Acne
Eight simple steps will help most overcome their acne problems.
- Stay away from milk. It is nature’s perfect food—but only if you are a calf.
- Eat a low glycemic load, low sugar diet. Sugar, liquid calories, and flour products all drive up insulin and cause pimples.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables. People who eat more veggies (containing more antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds) have less acne. Make sure you get your 5–9 servings of colorful fruits and vegetables every day.
- Get more healthy anti-inflammatory fats. Make sure to get omega-3 fats (fish oil) and anti-inflammatory omega-6 fats (evening primrose oil). You will need supplements to get adequate amounts (more on that in a moment).
- Include foods that correct acne problems. Certain foods have been linked to improvements in many of the underlying causes of acne and can help correct it. These include fish oil, turmeric, ginger, green tea, nuts, dark purple and red foods such as berries, green foods like dark green leafy vegetables, and omega 3-eggs.
- Take acne-fighting supplements. Some supplements are critical for skin health. Antioxidant levels have been shown to be low in acne sufferers. And healthy fats can make a big difference. Here are the supplements I recommend:
- Evening primrose oil: Take 1,000 to 1,500mg twice a day.
- Zinc citrate: Take 30 mg a day.
- Vitamin A: Take 25,000 IU a day. Only do this for three months. Do not do this if you are pregnant.
- Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols, not alpha tocopherol): Take 400 IU a day.
- Try probiotics. Probiotics also help reduce inflammation in the gut that may be linked to acne. Taking probiotics (lactobacillus, etc.) can improve acne.
- Avoid foods you are sensitive to. Delayed food allergies are among the most common causes of acne—foods like gluten, dairy, yeast, and eggs are common culprits and can be a problem if you have a leaky gut.
Following these simple tips will help you eliminate acne and have that glowing skin you have always dreamed of. And it’s much cheaper (and safer) than expensive medications and dermatologist visits. Improve your diet and take acne-fighting supplements and you will watch your pimples disappear.
For more information on how to optimize your nutrition and improve your skin, see www.drhyman.com.
Now I’d like to hear from you.
Have you struggled with an acne or skin problem? Have you noticed any link between your skin? What seems to be a problem for you?
Why do you think we are encouraged to consume so much dairy when the risks to our health (and our skin) are so high?
What other steps have you taken to fight acne? What has worked? What hasn’t?
Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
To your good health,
Mark Hyman, MD
References
- F. William Danby, MD, Nutrition and acne, Clinics in Dermatology (2010) 28, 598–604
- White GM. Recent findings in the epidemiologic evidence, classification, and subtypes of acne vulgaris. J Am Acad Dermatol 39(2 Pt 3):S34-7 (1998 Aug).
- Lello J, Pearl A, Arroll B, et al. Prevalence of acne vulgaris in Auckland senior high school students. N Z Med J 108(1004):287-9 (1995 Jul 28).
- Venereol 21(6):806-10 (2007 Jul).
- Wolf R, Matz H, Orion E. Acne and diet. Clin Dermatol 22(5):387-93 (2004 Sep-Oct).
- Magin P, Pond D, Smith W, et al. A systematic review of the evidence for myths and misconceptions’ in acne management: diet, face-washing and sunlight. Fam Pract 22(1):62-70 (2005 Feb).
- Spencer EH, Ferdowsian HR, Barnard ND. Diet and acne: a review of the evidence. Int J Dermatol 48(4):339-47 (2009 Apr).
- Bendiner E. Disastrous trade-off: Eskimo health for white civilization, Hosp Pract 9:156-89 (1974).
- Adebamowo CA, Spiegelman D, Danby FW, et al. High school dietary dairy intake and teenage acne. J Am Acad Dermatol 52(2):207-14 (2005 Feb).
- Adebamowo CA, Spiegelman D, Berkey CS, et al. Milk consumption and acne in adolescent girls. Dermatol Online J 12(4):1 (2006).
- Adebamowo CA, Spiegelman D, Berkey CS, et al. Milk consumption and acne in teenaged boys. J Am Acad Dermatol 58(5):787-93 (2008 May).
- Hoyt G, Hickey MS, Cordain L. Dissociation of the glycaemic and insulinaemic responses to whole and skimmed milk. Br J Nutr 93(2):175-7 (2005 Feb).
- Kaymak Y, Adisen E, Ilter N, et al. Dietary glycemic index and glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-I, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3, and leptin levels in patients with acne. J Am Acad atol 57(5):819-23 (2007 Nov). Cordain L, Lindeberg S, Hurtado M, et al. Acne vulgaris: a disease of Western civilization. Arch Dermatol 138(12):1584-90 (2002 Dec).
- Smith RN, Mann NJ, Braue A, et al. A low-glycemic-load diet improves symptoms in acne vulgaris patients: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr 86(1):107-15 (2007 Jul).
- Smith RN, Mann NJ, Braue A, et al. The effect of a high- protein, low glycemic-load diet versus a conventional, high glycemic-load diet on biochemical parameters associated with acne vulgaris: a randomized, investigator-masked, controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol 57(2):247-56 (2007 Aug).
- Smith RN, Braue A, Varigos GA, et al. The effect of a low glycemic load diet on acne vulgaris and the fatty acid composition of skin surface triglycerides. J Dermatol Sci 50(1):41-52 (2008 Apr).
- Zouboulis CC. Is acne vulgaris a genuine inflammatory disease? Dermatology 203(4):277-9 (2001).
- James MJ, Gibson RA, Cleland LG. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory mediator production. Am J Clin Nutr 71(1 Suppl):343S-8S (2000 Jan).
- Simopoulos AP. Essential fatty acids in health and chronic disease. Am J Clin Nutr 70(3 Suppl):560S-9S (1999 Sep). 26. Kaaks R, Bellati C, Venturelli E, et al. Effects of dietary intervention on IGF-I and IGF-binding proteins, and related alterations in sex steroid metabolism: the Diet and Androgens (DIANA) Randomised Trial. Eur J Clin Nutr 57(9):1079-88 (2003 Sep).
- Fulton JE, Jr., Plewig G, Kligman AM. Effect of chocolate on acne vulgaris. Jama 210(11):2071-4 (1969 Dec 15).
- Anderson PC. Foods as the cause of acne. Am Fam Physician 3(3):102-3 (1971 Mar).
Hi Jessica,
Thank you for sharing your concerns with dairy and acne. It is great that you followed the elimination diet so well because you are now that much closer to getting your personalized results! The cheese intolerance could be for many reasons and we cant know by the sole description off the itnernet but here are some ideas you are welcome to play around with. The cheese has more fat, sodium and fungus/yeast/bacteria than the milk which might all (or some) be contributing to your intolerance. You can do an elimination test for these foods and see what results you get. Many people have issues with certain foods in a group but not all… This might be you!
In good health,
Lizzy
I am 51 years old. I had not expereienced acne till the last 3 yrs. I have been
drinking about 3 glasses of milk and taking supplements daily, for about 10 years now, due to being diagnosed
with osteopenia. I have had painful cystic acne and was put on spirolactone by
dermatologist 2 years ago. It worked for me but I recently stopped taking it as
a trial. Hoping I no longer needed it. The cysts are better, but my face still
breaks out quite a bit. Never have a day when I don’t have one coming on or
healing up. My questions is on other kinds of milk. Can I use the soy, almond
or other varieties of milk instead of cow? I eat bran cereal every morning and need
an alternative product. Thanks.
Hi Melodie,
Yes! You can certainly drink other NON dairy sources of “milk” but keep an eye out for the sugar. Look for No added sweeteners. There are plenty of other healthy sources of calcium such as greens, nuts, sardines (with bone), sesame seeds and tahini etc. It is important to ensure intake of vitamin K, Vit D along with some microminerals for proper absorption and metabolism relating to bone density.
We also suggest supplements: http://store.ultrawellnesscenter.com/Store/Show/SearchResults/631/OsteoThera-Capsule-Formula
Of course, when adding or removing supplements from your diet it is prudent to discuss these changes with your primary healthcare provider.
As far as the acne, definetly removing the sugar and all forms of high glycemic index and low fiber forms of carbogydrates is best. Increasing all anti inflammatory sources of foods in the diet is best! Taking an omega 3 fish oil from a pure high quality source will also help. The acne might potentially be related to other imbalances in your gut and taking a high potency probiotic is a great place to start.
In good health!
Lizzy
Dear Dr.: Thank you for your informative website. I became lactose free a few months ago due to digestive problems, followed by seborrhea. I also avoid gluten and have developed dietary intolerances for sulfites and lectins, although these seem dose dependent. I am not perfect on my food plan, but do also eat a lot of fruits and veggies, as I had cancer in the distant past. Since giving up lactose I have noticed a remarkable improvement in my skin. I have very nice skin as a teen and young adult, but since menopause suffered from rosacea and now seborrhea. At 63, I had very clogged pores no matter what my skin regimen. I use pure cosmetics and cleansers and absolutely avoid my allergens and SLS, etc. But now my pores are naturally clearer and my skin continues to heal. It is really miraculous to see. I will be interested to see what hot humid weather brings this summer, which is usually my most difficult time for my skin. I always knew that drinking milk caused me to a)gain weight and b) break out. But I never knew before that even yogurt and cheese contributed. I also take probiotics. And I cook meat on the bone to gain calcium. Also, I eat broccoli, etc. which has high calcium content. Again, thank you for your website: now I know why this regimen is working.
I read your article and thought it was great. I have been suffering from acne for 13yrs now and would really like to altar my diet to see if it improves. I noticed that you suggested staying away from yeast because of the high gi it has. Is whole wheat bread, rice ok to eat?
Hello,
This article was an interesting read!
I have had moderate acne that began around the age of 18 (I am now 25). Last year, I rid my diet of chocolate, and I noticed an improved complexion! I used Vitamin E on my face, and the scars lightened drastically.
In the past couple of months, I’ve had more breakouts! I’m trying to figure out why.
I am not sure if it is due to more stress, but I’m currently analyzing my diet.
My personal mission is to rid my diet of dairy, alcohol, and sugar for the next 2 weeks and see if I notice a difference!
I’ll look into taking some essential supplements and adding more antioxidants as well.
Thanks!
I am a 30 year old woman and I have always had trouble with acne. I’ve changed my makeup and skin care routine many times. I’ve also struggled with migraines for about the same amount of time. about 2 years ago I changed to a gluten free diet and my migraines improved, but not until lately did I realize the link between dairy and my breakouts. I’ve switched to coconut milk ice cream and I wasn’t a big milk drinker anyway. I’m trying to determine if butter also affects me as well. I use coconut oil a lot, but haven’t made the ultimate switch. And yogurt and cheese is avoided as well. I don’t get the big empty zits anymore, unless I cheat. I have told my husband my theory about this several times and I’m so thankful to hear someone talking about this! Thank you!
Do we take all the supplements at once with the probiotics? Do we take them on an empty stomach or should we eat a light meal?
Thank you,
Tana
Hi Tana,
Yes, take them on an empty stomach, before a meal. For acne, we like: http://store.ultrawellnesscenter.com/Store/Show/Probiotics/628/ABx-Support or http://store.ultrawellnesscenter.com/Store/Show/Probiotics/426/Ther-Biotic-Complete-capsules
In good health,
Lizzy
Hey Demetria,
Sounds like you have a plan set out for yourself! Yes, eliminating those foods is a goo idea a long with all processed foods including sugars, salts and refined fats. On the contrary, eating more whole grains and healthy fats can paly a role in helping your hormones and blood sugar. And trying to increase you fiber intake DRAMATICALLY should help with your detoxification pathways which is beneficial!
Finally, it is a good idea to take probiotic and fish oil if you are not as repairing the gut and cooling inflammation are key roles in decreasing the causes of acne.
We would love to support you more. If you need more assistance check us out: http://store.drhyman.com/Store/List/Coaching-Programs
In good health
Lizzy
Hi Lydia!
Great! We also recommend you try a probiotic and a high quality fish oil. We recommend: http://store.ultrawellnesscenter.com/Store/Show/Probiotics/426/Ther-Biotic-Complete-capsules
we also recommend the book, The Clear Skin Diet
In good health and clear skin!
Lizzy
Hi Tana,
Thank you for your interest in Dr. Hyman’s work with acne, we are glad you have found it helpful! Yes, staying away from all refined carbohydrates especially those containing gluten and yeast might be helpful for you. We also suggest increasing your fiber intake drastically and including plenty of healthy fats, especially omega 3 fats! Are you on a probiotic? Making sure that healthy gut flora are plentiful is crucial for healthy skin. We suggest:http://store.ultrawellnesscenter.com/Store/List/Probiotics
If you would like more nutrition support: http://store.drhyman.com/Store/List/Coaching-Programs
In good health
Lizzy
I’m going to my health store tomorrow to see what things they have and I will order the probiotics:) I am really excited about trying this and I hope that it will be the end to my ever so long search for stopping my breakouts:) Thank you for all your help and I’ll let people know how i’m doing in a couple months:) Thanks again:)
Hi! Thanks for the info, its great!
I’ve had severe acne since I was 10 on my face and back. Now I’m 25 and I went off gluten and dairy, eggs almost two years ago. I’ve been taking supplements, including E, D3, B12, alpha lipoic acid and others. I got tested and my DHEAS levels were high. When I went on the birth control pill two years ago, my acne cleared up a lot. I’m not on the pill anymore but I’m taking more zinc, which I was very low in and seems to help with the acne. I know that it is mainly hormonal, and I get less acne, but it is still coming even though I avoid dairy and eat mostly low glycemic foods. I do eat a lot of fruit and veggies though, and I wonder if that could be causing some of it since they are carbs too? How can I tell if I’m eating something that’s low glycemic? I get more acne when I am stressed and close to my period sometimes…
Also, you say that exercise improves insulin function- is that vigorous exercise like running or could it be something like yoga or walking too?
One thing that is interesting- I used to get keloids when I was younger, and 2-3 years back they started to go down to be like regular scars. I wasn’t on any medication and it wasn’t when I was on the pill, but I was taking supplements including E, D3, C, a multi and others.
Anyway, thanks for your help, just thought I’d share my experience and see if it helps others too.
How long do proibiotics take to work, when will I start noticing a difference in my skin? i bought some at my health food store and wanting to know how long i should give them a try for.
Thank you:)
I am 39 years old and have had acne on and off for years; most recently being very bad. I used to eat a yogurt daily, however over Christmas vacation, I didn’t have any yogurt and my face immediately cleared up. I haven’t had any milk or yogurt since and I have not had any pimples.
Would taking vitamins such as centrum help with acne or make the condition worse? Thank You.
Hi Jose,
Because Centrum does not have all the necessary forms of certain vitamins and because it has other fillers and binders in it, we would advise you to opt for a higher quality vitamin if possible!
In good health
Lizzy
Thank you Dr hyman for all your valuable information about acne treatment, I am a big fan . Again thank you for always teaching us. cystonovarycure.com
What vitams would you recommend?
I have suffered from acne from for 10 years(18-28). A few months ago I read an article about the link between acne and dairy and cut out dairy. I then started the south beach diet which is a low glycemic diet and my face has been the clearest it has ever been. It is so great to find something that actually works. I wish I would had been aware earlier but thankfully I’m not suffering anymore. Sugar is the hardest for me to stay away from but as long as its moderate intake then it hasn’t seemed to set me back. I came across your site while researching whether goat cheese would be safe to eat. I will stay away from it after reading your article. I do eat soy cheese from time to time and it’s really good. I noticed in the ingredients that soy cheese contains milk casein. Is that a problem?
Hi Lisa,
If you are allergic or sensitivie to the dairy than it might. If not, no worries, eat in moderation though…
In good health!
Lizzy
Yeah, well this is actually for my friend Jose because you won’t let his post anything with his own e-mail.
I hate how there’s people like you out there making life for a minority much more difficult.There’s the good and the bad in every race, I understand how you could dislike the one’s that cause trouble such as illegal immigrants and the one’s that commit crime, but thats not me. I was born and raised in the U.S, with parents who are citizens of this country, I do great in school, and have never once done anything to make me any less than the one’s around me. Maybe you aren’t “rascist” but it sure seems like it, and it’s just not right for me to feel the way I’m feeling right now because of it.
please review and help me doctor hyman im 47 ive had gallbladder surgery and have had issues every since from diarrhea constipation itchy skin bad breath yeast problems gas bloating the list goes on and on its been twenty years or more i take a oill to help me eat but every day i have bowel issues of some kind. im at the end of my rope. please help me i have tried to contact dr oz i have had every test you could think of i really dont know how much more i can take i dont have a social life now because of this
Hi Monica,
We are sorryy to hear the pain you are in. It sounds like you have been seeking help and trying different testing methods. In order to provide you the proper care you need we hope you will seek the attention of a local qualified Functional Med practitioner soon. To locate a doctor who practices functional medicine like Dr. Hyman, go to http://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117 and scroll down to where it says “locate a practitioner” and enter your zip. Progress accordingly from there.
To make an appointment at Dr. Hyman’s UltraWellness Center in Lenox, MA please go to: http://www.ultrawellnesscenter.com/becoming-a-patient/ When you are finished reading through the material you may call the office at After you have reviewed this, please contact our office to make an appointment. By phone, (413) 637-9991; by email, office@ultrawellnesscenter.com
Are you on digestive enzymes and watching your fat intake? Check this article out for more info: http://drhyman.com/ultrawellness-lesson-4-gut-digestive-health-135/
In good health!
Lizzy
Lizzy
I an a 40 year old male and have had acne on and off for 20 years. I recently (over the course of a week) ate a fair bit of quiche, lots of other cheesey snacks, and drank more milk than usual and broke out very noticably. I then researched dairy and found numerous information like that on this site. I have since reduced (nearly eliminated) dairy from my diet and so far my face has improved a lot.
My question is this: do the hormones in milk remain after cooking. For instance, if I am eating baked biscuits, does this count as dairy (in terms of hormones)? I eat minimal sugar so it’s not like I eat a lot of baked treats, but would like to know if I should avoid them like I avoid drinking a glass of milk or eating yoghurt.
Anyone have any thoughts or knowledge on this?
I can live without milk and cheese, but I can’t let go of my yogurt and kefir! Doesn’t it help at all that they’re full of probiotics? I always eat the plain, lowfat versions with no added sugars. Please tell me it’s ok!
Hi Sophie,
Thanks for writing in about the fermented query regarding dairy intake. It really depends on the individual so we cannot predict how you will do. However, research has shown fermented to be much better. In fact it is the probiotics responsible for these effects so it would be useful to take a high quality probiotic too… Of course moderation is key as is quality. Good to know you are taking it plain and with no added sugars! And finally, if you do notice acne getting more frequent and intense then by all means cut back and eliminate all dairy completely. There are many alternatives on the market currently which are quite tasty!
In good health!
Lizzy
Hi Eljay,
Thank you for sharing your story with acne. Unfortunately it still matters, regardless if it is cooked or not. In fact, might even be a bit worse when enzymes and any healthy bacteria (if using yogurt) are heated to a high temperature. Best to avoid it for a trial run and see if it helps make a difference. And judging by your experience, it has been!
In good health
Lizzy
I’m sending this from Nigeria at the moment and I must say that the article has been most enlightning. I love milk but on reading this and realizing it may be the sole cause of my acne and black spots -I’ve decided to remove it completely from my diet. But my second biggest worry is oil-i’ve been told I have what is called oily skin and ur article has encouraged certain intake of oil in ones diet.I’m totally worried as to how that may cause more acne?
I suffered with acne my entire adolescent life and still get breakouts to this day, even though I drink about a gallon of water a day and breathe fitness. I’ve noticed some of the supplements I’d been using were giving me acne. Such as Creatine.
I really can’t get rid of this stuff permanently, I’m 20 now and still get little breakouts
I went through two Accutane cycles, both 3 months each spaced out over a year.
Accutane cured my acne the first time around and my skin stayed clear for a good 6 months, but then it came back worse. So after another cycle it did go away (I hope for good).