Acne or pimples must be the last thing you would expect on your skin in the morning. I know how annoying and heart-breaking it is. But wait, what is causing those in the first place?
Dairy products, especially milk is known to have a significant impact on acne. However, there is still debate going on about it. You must be feeling safe while using almond milk. Interestingly, people already started asking does almond milk cause acne?
No, almond milk does not cause acne directly. However, the high level of phytoestrogen and omega-6 fatty acid in almond milk can cause a breakout and aggravate acne. It will only happen if you have hormone imbalance issues. Otherwise, almond milk has no significant impact on your pimples.
It doesn’t mean you can gulp almond milk whenever you want. If you want to stay away from milk-included acne this article is the most reliable resource for you. So, stay put.
Table of Content
Does Almond Milk Cause Acne?
So you already have an idea that almond milk does not cause acne. But they can have a fatal effect on your pimples if you have any hormone imbalance issues. Besides, if you are allergic to nuts or have lactose intolerance the compound effect will be severe including almond milk induced constipation and acne.
You better take a cautious step towards almond milk if you love your skin to glow all day long. And there are other non-dairy options for you to replace almond milk. But before we dig into the topic, the first thing you must be wondering about is why on earth a nut cause acne on my face.
Why Nuts Can Cause Acne?
Like any nuts, almond has plant estrogen aka, phytoestrogen. Although different in name, they function similarly to the estrogen in the body.
Phytoestrogen in some cases counteracts testosterone. Women with PCOS have higher levels of testosterone that cause acne. In patients with a high level of androgens, almond milk has shown improvement. However, adding more estrogen to the system, in some instances, has aggravated the condition.
Almond also has omega 6 fatty acids which are pro-inflammatory. And it can again aggravate the acne. So, before getting a jar of almond milk you should consider the impact of phytoestrogen and omega-6.
Almonds and Acne
Almonds are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E that nourish and soften the skin when applied daily. The antioxidants protect the body from free radicals such as harmful bacteria and pollution. And a healthy body and skin will help improve acne.
However, there is no such data that suggests any direct connection between almonds and acne. Then you must be wondering does almond milk cause acne? Well, it does but not directly. Just like the way people ask is Almond milk good for diabetics?
Applying almond oil or milk protects again the UV rays and sun damage. Including almonds in the diet on a regular basis does not only provide acne-free, but soft and smooth skin. However, eating almonds alone is not enough to prevent acne. One needs to have a proper, balanced diet.
Patients suffering from hormonal acne may want to keep almonds off of their diet chart. The slightest imbalance in their hormone levels can make acne worse as well as upset stomach.
Other Dairy-Free Milk Substitutes For Acne-Prone Skin
Are you scared as hell to take a single sip in your almond milk glass? I know you are a bit. But, don’t stress yourself out. There are plenty of non-dairy milk options for you to enjoy your cereals or oats.
Oat Milk for Acne
Yes, oat milk contains saponins which are natural cleansers of skin. No matter how oat milk tastes, it soaks up excess oil and dirt; helps unclog pores, and helps in reducing acne.
Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help soothe skin. They are an excellent exfoliating agent which helps remove dead cells. It contains zinc which helps kill acne-causing bacteria.
Do you know that oats are seeds from a cereal plant called Avena Sativa?
In recent years there has been a shift from dairy milk. And there has been a relentless debate on animal cruelty, its effect on the skin, and intolerance of cow milk. That’s why the alternative to dairy has become so demanding in the food industry.
A study conducted in 2015 stated that 75% of the world’s population is someway intolerant to lactose. So the dairy alternatives such as oat milk are becoming popular.
How is it made?
Oatmeal rolls are soaked and blended in water and strained using a cheesecloth.
How to use Oats on the skin for acne?
- Boil oats in the same amount of water and let it cool. Stir the mixture and make it into a fine paste.
- Apply the paste over the skin and let it sit for 20 minutes and after that rinse with warm water.
Oat Milk vs Cow Milk: Which One Is the Best
It is fortified with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B, D, and calcium, and is a great substitute for cow’s milk in lattes and coffees for its thick and creamy texture. It has less protein compared to cow’s milk or soy milk but more protein than other plant-based beverages such as coconut or almond milk.
Dairy or nondairy, according to studies, oat milk contains the most fiber such as beta glucans. This is a soluble fiber that benefits the heart and reduces LDL levels in the blood.
One must be aware of the high content of carbohydrates in oat milk. Oat milk is expensive and the most expensive oat milk is not even gluten-free certified.
Coconut Milk and Acne
Coconut Milk is the safest dairy alternative as it is low in sugar content and inflammation causing omega 6 fatty acids. The milk is high in acne clearing micronutrients such as magnesium, potassium, and selenium.
Coconut is one of the most digestible plants one can consume as it is gluten and soy free. Besides, it is ‘gut friendly’ and you don’t have to worry about almond milk gastritis. So you don’t have to worry about the way you seeks does almond milk cause acne.
It is not only a safe alternative to dairy but is known to clear existing acne. One must keep in mind that adding refined sugar will eliminate the benefits it has and will not serve the purpose.
So, when choosing coconut milk, it is important to select the organic as well as the sugar and additive-free options.
Soy Milk and Acne
Soy Milk is an increasingly demanding ingredient used in the vegetarian and vegan diets in the West. Soy milk comes from the soy plant and is rich in proteins and isoflavones which are similar to estrogen.
A study conducted by a Chinese university in Hong Kong found the intake of soy products was associated with a low occurrence of acne among the participants.
Regardless of such data, there is something called ‘soy allergy’ which can cause an inflammatory response in the body and aggravate acne vulgaris.
Consumption of soy milk or soy products regularly can make hormonal acne worse.
Here is why it happens
We know why does almond milk cause acne. But how come soy milk does the same?
Soy milk has a lot of phytoestrogens which can disrupt the hormonal balance. The phytoestrogen in the soy act as estrogen hormones as the body will respond to it like estrogen in the body.
Consuming soy will subsequently raise phytoestrogen which will go and attach to the estrogen receptors, leaving the real estrogen to roam around and not performing its job.
Phytoestrogen is weaker in functionality compared to real estrogen so the androgens are the only ones who are performing their job accurately and the end result becomes androgen dominant which may be a reason for acne break out.
There are other ways soy may aggravate acne. Genetically engineered soy products are cheap and used as food fillers. They are available in a lot of fast-food chains to reduce cost which is why there can be a rise in the consumption of soy and a worsening of acne.
Another way for soy products to reach consumers is through skin care products or makeup products which contain soy. Whether it is coconut oil, wheat extract, or soy-containing products soy is a ‘pore-cloggger’ that can contribute to acne formation or make acne conditions worse.
Health Benefits of Soy vs Cow Milk
| Soy Milk (1 cup) | Whole Milk (1 cup) |
| 4g carbohydrate, 80 calories. | 10g of carbohydrate, 2000 calorie |
| 30mg sodium, 7g protein | 125mg sodium, 8g protein |
| Rich in vitamin B6, 10% magnesium, Phosphorus, riboflavin | 35mg cholesterol, 30% daily calcium |
| 25% of daily thiamine | 25% of daily vitamin D |
Benefits of Soy Milk:
- High in Protein
- Reduce Cholesterol as it is low in saturated fats hence reducing heart disease
- Suited for lactose intolerant consumers
- 10% of daily dietary fiber
- Rich in omega 3 fatty acids which reduce cholesterol
- 10% dietary iron
Benefits of Cow Milk
- Unlike soy milk Cow’s milk is rich in calcium and vitamin D which help in maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
- Harvard School of Public Health stated that both dairy and calcium can help reduce colon cancer as well as osteoporosis.
Does Milk Cause Pimples
Yes, dairy is one thing patients with acne or acne-prone skin must avoid as it may aggravate acne and make it worse.
Although, this is not true for everyone. Individuals react differently to milk but those who do reacts the worst to skimmed milk. It is more likely to cause an acne flare than yogurt, cheese, or other dairy products.
Acne can be a result of hormonal imbalance in the body and milk is known to have insulin spiking hormones that trigger acne break out.
Acne over the jaw line, chin, and cheeks can be seen in hormonal acne. There is no evidence that says acne is directly linked to intake of milk but some studies suggest milk can make acne conditions to become worse.
A study conducted in 2018 involved and examined 78,529 adults, adolescents, and children. It studied the consequences of dairy consumption on acne.
It included different types of dairies such as cow milk, cheese, and yogurt and various amounts and frequency at which they were given. It concluded, that any type of dairy aggravated acne breaks out among 7-30 years of age, and among them skimmed milk was the worst.
Researchers came up with three probable theories:
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1)
IGF-1 is a hormone in the blood that is also found in milk. Other hormones such as estrogen, prostaglandin, prolactin, and steroids may also be found in milk.
Studies found that adults, who drank more than three servings of milk per day, had, ten percent higher IGF-1 in blood compared to those who did not consume dairy products. It also stated that IGF-1 was nine to twenty percent higher in children between 10-12 years of age who consumed milk.
So, what does IGF-1 have to do with acne?
IGF-1 increases sebum production which is oil in skin that clogs pores and contributes to acne formation. The number of acne lesions was found to be associated with the higher IGF-1 which means the higher the particular hormone was found in blood, the higher the number of acne lesions.
Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone(rBGH)
In America, farmers often inject cows with rBGH which is a synthetic hormone that stimulates milk production. Consuming milk from farmed animals may increase iGF-1 among consumers which increases sebum production and aggravate acne.
However, these are theories that need to be researched further. The American Academy of dermatology does not include avoiding dairy as part of acne treatment yet.
FAQs
Which non-dairy milk is best for acne prone skin?
It is best to choose a milk low in glycemic index, unsweetened, and that which do not spike up glucose level or IGF-1 as it can trigger acne formation. Almond milk is a better choice than dairy for sure but coconut milk is best suited for acne prone skin while soy milk is the most controversial.
Which milk cause acne?
Dairy milk or soy milk can trigger hormonal acne breakout or worsen an acne condition. Non-dairy milk like almonds or oats does not cause acne directly. However, phytoestrogen can aggravate the acne situation like soy milk.
Is acne a dairy allergy?
Acne is not a dairy allergy. It is an inflammatory response where there are three things that play pivotal roles: Sebum production, Clogged pores, and Inflammation. While it is not clinically placed under allergies, a dairy allergy or precisely being lactose intolerant could create an allergic response. And it may look like acne but the difference is acne usually does not itch according to Dr. Jaliman, a New York-based dermatologist.
Why does cheese cause acne?
Cheese and other dairy products increase the level of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) which increases sebum production that clogs pores and lead to the formation of acne. However, a study conducted in 2019 concluded that people who consumed milk had more acne compared to that cheese and yogurt.
Conclusion
Are you still wondering about does almond milk cause acne?
Due to the presence of phytoestrogen and omega 6 fatty acids which are pro-inflammatory, almond milk may aggravate the formation of acne and is a chaotic introduction to the body in those with a hormonal imbalance.
However, there are many alternatives to dairy which are more suitable for people with acne-prone skin. That being said, one must keep in mind, that almond milk may not trigger everyone with acne. Those who notice a significant flare-up or worsening of acne after consuming almond milk must eliminate or limit the consumption of almond milk.
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