Can Dairy Cause Acne?

You might associate acne with puberty, but people of all ages can have acne. This skin condition is generally the result of clogged pores. The oil on your skin (sebum oil) combines with dead skin cells, which may plug up the pore and lead to a pimple.

But acne is also inflammatory. The combination of sebum oil and dead skin cells creates an environment where bacteria may thrive. The bacteria (called Cutibacterium acnes, or C. acnes) multiply in the clogged pore, creating inflammation. This is what makes a pimple red and swollen.

So, how does your diet play a role? Researchers have found many potential links between what you eat and the pimples on your skin, but the answer is complex.

What’s the link between dairy and acne? 

Acne is the result of several factors:

• Hormones

• Genetics

• Skin type

• Environment

• Skin care habits

• Other health conditions

Researchers are still learning the exact role of diet in acne, but it is clear that diet may influence the severity of your acne in some way. No individual food appears to “cause” acne, but certain types of foods may worsen your breakouts — and this may be true for dairy.

A 2019 study ranked the severity of acne in individuals and then grouped them together based on how much cow’s milk they drank. In this study, the group who drank the most milk had the highest occurrence of acne.

Why does dairy lead to more breakouts or make symptoms worse?

The exact role that dairy plays in acne is still unclear. In general, dairy may contribute to inflammation in the body, which may lead to clogged pores.

One theory is that cow’s milk contains certain hormones called androgens that may be inflammatory. Androgens can stimulate androgen receptors in your body’s cells. This may then trigger those cells to produce more sebum oil. Extra sebum oil may then combine with dead skin cells to trigger breakouts.

Another possible factor is that cow’s milk may increase the activity of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone found naturally in your body. This may lead to more production of sebum oil, a risk factor for acne. IGF-1 activity is also higher during puberty, which contributes to increased acne during that time period.

What other foods may affect acne? 

Other inflammatory foods that may worsen acne include foods with a high glycemic load. This refers to foods high in sugars and other carbohydrates but low in fiber. The body quickly digests these foods, and they lead to a fast rise in blood sugar. These high-glycemic foods may also affect IGF-1, leading to increased production of sebum oil and more breakouts.

Examples of high-glycemic foods include:

• White bread

• Candy

• Desserts, pastries, cookies, and cakes

• Sugar-sweetened beverages

• Pretzels and crackers

Do different types of dairy affect acne in different ways? 

Whole milk, low-fat milk, and skim milk appear to affect acne in similar ways.

In the earlier mentioned study on cow’s milk and acne occurrence, the researchers found a link between drinking any type of cow’s milk and acne severity. However, they did not find a significant link between the occurrence of acne and the intake of yogurt and cheese.

On the other hand, a meta-analysis from 2018 did find a link between breakouts and yogurt and cheese. The researchers warned to interpret the results with caution due to limitations and biases throughout the studies.

Currently, the American Academy of Dermatology states that no studies have found that yogurt and cheese contribute to acne breakouts. 

Is it worth giving up dairy if you have problems with acne? 

Researchers know that what you eat and drink may worsen your breakouts. For some people, giving up dairy may be worth it if it reduces their breakouts and improves their self-esteem.

It’s possible to have a healthy diet without cow’s milk, as long as you make sure you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D from other sources. This includes canned salmon and tuna, fortified cereals, fortified nondairy milk, and dark leafy greens. A registered dietitian can help you make sure you’re eating a healthy diet while cutting out dairy.

That said, diet alone is usually not enough to achieve clearer skin. Healthy skin also requires good skin care habits, such as:

• Using a gentle cleanser twice a day

• Washing with clean hands instead of a harsh washcloth

• Not sharing makeup products with others

• Applying an acne-friendly moisturizer to dry skin

• Not squeezing pimples

Some people may also need medications or special treatments for their acne. A dermatologist may help you find the right treatment plan for your acne based on individual factors.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Edited by:

Kelsey Abkin

Kelsey Abkin has been working as a journalist since 2016. She has held many titles throughout her career, including editor, content strategist, digital strategist, and writer.

Reviewed by:

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA

Maria Robinson, MD, MBA, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist who has practiced dermatology and dermatopathology for over 10 years across private practice, academic, and telehealth settings. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatopathology.

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