Links between diet and acne (specifically dairy)

LiddyBit

I didn't intend to, but I noticed while reviewing my food diary that I've significantly reduced, almost to complete exclusion, dairy in my diet. I also noticed that in the past few weeks, my skin has been uncharacteristically clear and I have not done anything different with my skincare regime.

I never had acne or problems with my skin until I turned 23. Then, suddenly and seemingly out of nowhere, it just became this never ending problem with acne. No matter what I did with my skincare, nothing seemed to help. I refuse to take BC pills or other prescribed medication for it and I always assumed that I had experienced some sort of hormonal change at 23 that caused the acne.

So now, at the age of 30, my skin seems to be clearing up and the only thing I've changed is my diet. I did a little cursory internet research and it seems that some doctors believe there is a link between dairy and acne in people who may already be predisposed to having bad skin.

So basically I wanted to start a topic on this to put it out there for others to potentially try if they are having trouble with their skin, but also to ask if others have experienced this or know more about it. And not just dairy but diet in general. Most of what I read said that chocolate or greasy food causing acne is more or less a myth but I have read some anecdotes in comment sections and message boards in which people say eating cleaner has helped their skin. The only actual research I found focused on dairy specifically, but there aren't any double-blind studies because it's difficult to make placebo-milk and many studies relied on self-reporting. So the cause or correlation is unclear.

Anyway, thoughts?

VMarkV

I've shied away from dairy over the past few years, but have reintroduced some as of lately
What I have noticed digestion-wise, whole-fat dairy is way easier on the stomach (whether it's a high lactose or low lactose source) compared to non-fat or low-fat dairy. Fat helps emulsify high protein foods (better absorption)

I'd be curious to see how whole vs. low/non-fat dairy would affect your acne
Your descent could also play a role in how you tolerate dairy

LiddyBit

My descent? Not sure what you mean.

The things I've read said that lactose was not the issue when it comes to acne, rather it has to do with the hormones in the milk. And it didn't matter if the hormones were added or naturally occurring in the milk.

callmecaptain

Has your liquid intake changed or consumption of more fruits and veggies?

The lymphatic system is directly related to skin conditions. More liquid, fruits, especially grapes, and veggies directly help cleanse your lymph nodes. Sugars are also a contributor of dirty lymphatic system, so if you have dropped your sugar intake this could effect it on a large scale also.

For anyone unfamiliar with the lymphatic system, it is basically our bodies sewer system, anything bad is sent there and it’s our lymphatic’s systems job to break it down and get rid of it. One of the common reasons people will have cancer in their lymph nodes and one of the first things doctors will do is cut them out and then people commonly will get cancer again only in their lungs or some other organ that can’t be removed because instead of having patients cleanse their system they just cut cut cut or poison poison poison!

VMarkV

Where your descendents came from/family background (northern/southern europe, etc.)
I haven't investigated anything to do with hormones, but I know that there is a movement/trend towards consuming raw/unpasteurized organic dairy. It's illegal to sell in the US except for aged cheeses

callmecaptain

Where your descendents came from/family background (northern/southern europe, etc.)
I haven't investigated anything to do with hormones, but I know that there is a movement/trend towards consuming raw/unpasteurized organic dairy. It's illegal to sell in the US except for aged cheeses

I haven't heard that it is illegal!!! I know places that sell it

skinnylion

My descent? Not sure what you mean.

The things I've read said that lactose was not the issue when it comes to acne, rather it has to do with the hormones in the milk. And it didn't matter if the hormones were added or naturally occurring in the milk.

There's a lot that science doesn't know yet. If you personally see improvements without dairy, then there's probably a correlation, and it could have to do with any aspect of the dairy product. It's possible you could be some form of lactose intolerant or allergic or whatever and that the problems arise via your skin.

VMarkV

My descent? Not sure what you mean.

The things I've read said that lactose was not the issue when it comes to acne, rather it has to do with the hormones in the milk. And it didn't matter if the hormones were added or naturally occurring in the milk.

There's a lot that science doesn't know yet. If you personally see improvements without dairy, then there's probably a correlation, and it could have to do with any aspect of the dairy product. It's possible you could be some form of lactose intolerant or allergic or whatever and that the problems arise via your skin.

Agreed, the introduction of dairy in Adults is still a relatively new adaptation for humans

LiddyBit

Where your descendents came from/family background (northern/southern europe, etc.)
I haven't investigated anything to do with hormones, but I know that there is a movement/trend towards consuming raw/unpasteurized organic dairy. It's illegal to sell in the US except for aged cheeses

Oh, yes, sorry. I'm Mediterranean.

From what I understand, the hormones in dairy can mimic testosterone and androgen hormones. If someone is already experiencing overactive sebaceous glands, this can make it worse. However I should add that I'm not especially conversant in physiology - haven't studied it since high school - so I am definitely not an expert here!