Is the Milk you drink the cause of your acne?

We want to encourage you to find the best milk alternative that works for you as we appreciate that everyone's skin concerns are different! This is why the relationship between milk consumption and acne is still a current topic of debate and ongoing research. We see that some have suggested a potential association between dairy intake, including milk, and the cause of acne. However, it is important to note that the impact of milk on acne can vary among everyone. 

It’s been quite the popular thing to do, switching to alternative milks for your iced lattes, hot coffees and protein smoothies. But before you decide to follow the alternative milk craze, have you educated yourself on what’s actually in these milks and how they may affect your body?

The most popular milk alternative has without a doubt been Oat milk, a frothy, creamy substitute that tastes a lot better than almond milk. But do you know what you are actually drinking? A sh*t load of oats is what your drinking. While oat milks popularity continues to grow, so does potential concerns for skin health and skin issues related to this milk. So which milk is the best for helping with clear skin?

Oat Milk-

Oat milk is a ‘high glycemic food’ meaning that it often tends to rise your blood sugar levels. Often high blood sugar levels cause breakouts and skin irritation. Foods that are high in oats and wheat has been proven to further the skins aging process, causing skin irritations and issues such as acne and rosacea. Oat milk is high in fibre, which for some may be beneficial on their gut. However too much fibre can actually cause the opposite effect and irritate your gut with bloating and inflammation and gut inflammation and issues can end up effecting your skin. Your digestive system effects your general health, which in turn affects your complexion and your skin health, making your food intake the most crucial aspect in achieving a clean complexion. When your gut health and digestive system is off, your skin more than often becomes irritated. Skin irritations can include breakouts, redness, inflammation.

Almond Milk-

Almond milk. In our opinion, a slightly less tasty milk alternative. Almond milk still has some benefits, however it has unfortunately been known to cause breakouts. Almonds are rather high in Omega-6 fatty acids and research has shown that any diet that is high in Omega-6 is often linked to issues with acne and inflammation. Almond milk is high in Vitamin e which is great for your body’s immune system. It’s also high in magnesium, which is important for muscle function and blood pressure, however there are no real outstanding skin benefits linked to almond milk. Oat and cow’s milk are most known for causing breakouts and acne. Typically, if you cut these out you should notice skin issues to clear up, however almond milk may still have some complications of its own with regards to acne. Almonds contain estrogen, small consumption of almonds typically doesn’t affect the body. However if you are noticing issues with acne, this may be because you are absorbing that estrogen from the almonds.

Coconut Milk-

Coconut milk seems to be the strongest contender here in regards to skin and body benefits! As coconuts actually help to treat dry and damaged skin. Coconuts are extremely hydrating and also contain electrolytes and antioxidants. Proving to be very beneficial for the skin and body. Coconut milk is also extremely high in Vitamin C, which we all know and love as Vitamin C helps to maintain skin elasticity and brightening of the skin. Unless you are allergic to coconuts, studies have shown it is quite unlikely to have any adverse effects from coconut milk.

But what about the OG Cows Milk-

It’s no secret that cow’s milk is not what it used to be, or as healthy and organic as it used to be. Cows are now frequently treated with synthetic growth hormones and proteins due to the increased demand for milk. In some cases, these hormones in milk often interact with the hormones in our bodies, causing potential breakouts. The chemicals and hormones included in cow's milk frequently cause human bodies to produce more of certain hormones, especially insulin-like growth factor-1, or IGF-1. This can result in confusing our bodies endocrine system causing breakouts.

When it comes to choosing your milk, make sure you pick what works best for you and your body. Not necessarily what your favourite influencer uses or what the girl on TikTok says is best  If you suspect that milk consumption is affecting your skin , it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist for personalized advice and to rule out any other potential causes or underlying conditions contributing to your acne.