Does Dairy Cause Acne? What the Science Says

TLDR: Acne can be worsened by dairy intake

For years, it has been debated whether dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can contribute to acne breakouts. Many patients have suspected a link, reporting worse acne after consuming dairy. But what does the scientific evidence actually show?

Multiple meta-analysis published reputable peer-reviewed journals have aimed to settle this question by reviewing all the highest-quality studies on dairy and acne to date.

The conclusions of these studies? Higher dairy intake was associated with a modest but significant increased risk of developing acne, with the risk being higher for skim milk as opposed to other dairy products. Those with acne also tended to have higher levels of certain dairy proteins and hormones in their blood.

Why might dairy trigger breakouts for some people? The study authors point to several potential culprits in dairy:

  • Hormones like androgens and progesterone that can interact with hormones involved in acne development

  • Bioactive molecules that may influence factors like insulin and IGF-1 levels, both linked to acne risk

  • Pro-inflammatory proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that could worsen inflammation and clogged pores

Of course, not everyone who consumes dairy will get acne, and cutting out dairy alone is unlikely to clear severe, persistent acne. But for those struggling with stubborn breakouts, reducing dairy consumption may be something to discuss with your dermatologist.

The bottom line is that while dairy isn't the only dietary factor that can impact skin health, these studies show strong evidence yet that dairy products could indeed worsen acne for some individuals. More high-quality research is still needed, but these findings give dermatology patients another reason to reevaluate their dairy intake.

References

Juhl CR, Bergholdt HKM, Miller IM, Jemec GBE, Kanters JK, Ellervik C. Dairy Intake and Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 78,529 Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults. Nutrients. 2018 Aug 9;10(8):1049. doi: 10.3390/nu10081049. PMID: 30096883; PMCID: PMC6115795.

Meixiong J, Ricco C, Vasavda C, Ho BK. Diet and acne: A systematic review. JAAD Int. 2022 Mar 29;7:95-112. doi: 10.1016/j.jdin.2022.02.012. PMID: 35373155; PMCID: PMC8971946.

Ulvestad M, Bjertness E, Dalgard F, Halvorsen JA. Acne and dairy products in adolescence: results from a Norwegian longitudinal study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2017 Mar;31(3):530-535. doi: 10.1111/jdv.13835. Epub 2016 Jul 16. PMID: 27422392.

Caren Campbell