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Milking Acne: The influence of cow’s milk in acne formation

Tired of trying so many acne medications, yet still haven’t achieved the skin you always wanted?

Perhaps, it’s time to look more closely at your diet, such as having too much cow’s milk

Research suggests that cow’s milk can trigger acne formation regardless of its kind (e.g. whole, skim, or low-fat).

Although there is no clear study that can explain how cow’s milk contributes to acne, there are a few existing theories.

One theory claims that the growth-promoting steroids and hormones in milk influence the formation of acne.1

A second theory suggests that the growth hormone given to cows to increase milk supply, stimulates insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) release in our bodies. This IGF-1 is supposedly harmless, except that, too much of this leads to acne.2

Whereas a third theory claims that the hormones present in cow’s milk, messes up our hormonal balance. Hence, acne formation.

To test these theories, different studies across the globe were collected.

In the US, 44% of those who consumed more than two glasses of skim milk a day were more likely to develop acne.3

In Italy, patients who consulted for moderate to severe acne consumed more cow’s milk than those who had mild acne.4

In Malaysia, patients with moderate to severe acne consumed more cow’s milk and high glycemic foods than those who did not have acne problems.5

1 Danby F. W. (2010). Nutrition and acne. Clinics in dermatology, 28(6), 598–604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.03.017

2 Katta, R., & Desai, S. P. (2014). Diet and dermatology: the role of dietary intervention in skin disease. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 7(7), 46–51.

3 Can the right diet get rid of acne? (n.d.). American Academy of Dermatology Association. Retrieved March 11, 2021, from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet#:%7E:text=Cow’s%20milk%20may%20lead%20to, have%20been%20linked%20to%20acne.

4 Can the right diet get rid of acne? (n.d.). American Academy of Dermatology Association. Retrieved March 11, 2021, from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet#:%7E:text=Cow’s%20milk%20may%20lead%20to, have%20been%20linked%20to%20acne.

5 Can the right diet get rid of acne? (n.d.). American Academy of Dermatology Association. Retrieved March 11, 2021, from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet#:%7E:text=Cow’s%20milk%20may%20lead%20to, have%20been%20linked%20to%20acne.

Read also: Is face steaming. Really good for skin?

Dr. Elli Reyes is a specialist of Aesthetic Medicine from the Philippines. With over four years of specialized training, her aesthetic practice has involved a variety of skin treatments involving Botox, fillers and the like. As a licensed physician, she has been engaged by multiple clinics and is regularly interviewed by the local media as an expert in the science of the skin. Her research and writings to date have centered on nutrition, functional health and general beauty.

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