Does milk cause acne?

Most researchers believe that there is no link between dietary habits and acne. However, some studies have shown that people who consume dairy products seem to be more vulnerable to acne. This is not due to the fat content in milk. It appears that hormones present in milk are responsible for triggering outbreaks of acne. Cow’s milk contains androgen hormones which are associated with acne. An androgen hormone called testosterone is responsible for stimulating the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum and cause pore blockages and acne.

Cow’s milk contains dihydrotestosterone which can trigger acne outbreaks in people who are prone to the condition. Another fact is that many farmers give their cows hormone injections to stimulate milk production. These hormones also find their way into the cow’s milk. As a matter of fact, cow’s milk has been found to contain high levels of the growth factor IGF-1. This hormone along with testosterone can cause severe acne outbreaks on the skin. If you have a family history of acne or if you are more prone to this condition, then it would be a good idea to limit intake of dairy products. You can replace dairy with soy products which are also very rich in calcium, proteins and minerals.