Could your recommended daily glass of milk be what causes acne breakouts? According to Dr. Joel Schlessinger, milk is a major culprit of acne prone skin.
“Acne is frequently worsened by exposure to milk,” said Dr. Joel Schlessinger. “The reason for this is that milk has active hormones in it that also work on humans.”
Milk is naturally designed to promote rapid growth in nursing children and, in the case of cow’s milk, calves. It is full of anabolic and growth hormones that build muscles and in turn, cause acne prone skin.
“Cows pass these hormones into milk and due to the fact that many cows are actually pregnant while being milked, there are other hormones in play that can further complicate the situation,” he said.
In just one glass of milk, an average of 60 hormones is present. These hormones have been found to be a major component in what causes acne.
“Almost all of these hormones can play a role in worsening acne prone skin.”
It’s not just whole milk either – in fact, skim milk could be worse for acne.
“The hormones in skim milk seem to be more concentrated which can cause more problems in people who see a link between their consumption of milk and acne,” he said.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends taking a break from milk if you have concerns over what causes acne blemishes in your skin.
“If you feel that your acne is worse when you drink milk, stop it for a month and see,” he says.
If you can’t give up your daily bowl of milk and cereal, Dr. Joel Schlessinger recommends trying almond milk as this alternative does not have hormones. Avoid soy milk, as it can have the hormone genustein in it.
A glass of milk may not be what causes acne in your skin, however.
“Not all people are subject to the hormones’ activity, so milk may not be what causes acne in your skin,” Dr. Joel Schlessinger points out. “Be sure to check with your dermatologist and discuss if milk and acne might be connected in your case.”
Have you noticed any correlation between milk and acne in your skin?