Did you know that the skin is the body’s largest organ?  Not only does it act as a protective shield, it also functions to assist our bodies in eliminating and expelling toxins.

Acne is an inflammatory skin condition that is exacerbated by the food we consume. Dairy, particularly milk, increases the severity and frequency of acne breakout activity.

How do milk and diary products relate to acne? 

Firstly, it is worth acknowledging, that dairy is not an essential part of the human diet.  Female mammals nourish their young with their own milk until their babies are weaned and begin eating solid foods. Humans are the only mammals who continue to consume milk into adulthood.

A mother cow produces milk for approximately ten months after giving birth. In order to maximize milk production, the dairy industry may inject the cow with a bovine growth hormone to increase their milk output. Additionally, the milk of pregnant cows is also being pumped for bottling purposes. Elevated hormones, like estrogen and progesterone, will therefore be present in the extracted milk.

Acne breakout typically develop at puberty. That is the time that the bloodstream is flooded with hormones. By drinking milk, more inflammation and eruptions will occur.  The consumption of milk also causes the body to increase the production of insulin, which in turn, sparks the levels of androgen and testosterone.

Consuming a diet high in diary, as well as sugar, put the body under a constant state of stress and inflammation. Stress has a huge impact on acne since it triggers an increase in insulin production.

For those of you who are dealing with acne issues, it would be advisable to limit — or even completely remove — milk and dairy products from your diet.  Try doing this for a month and evaluate your skin condition after this time frame.  I am confident that you will see a major improvement in the reduction of breakout activity.

Lori Weintraub is a licensed skin care therapist, holistic health coach and a hair removal expert. She offers consultations, exceptional products and hand-holding guidance to help women over 40 regain their youthful glow. Learn more here.