Dairy and acne

Diet, especially dairy consumption, has been increasingly linked as a contributing factor to acne severity. Over the past decade, several studies have explored this link, with many pointing toward a modest but consistent association between dairy intake and acne severity.

Milk splash

What the research shows

A 2018 meta-analysis study published in the Nutrients journal reviewed 14 observational studies involving over 78,000 participants aged between 7 and 30. It found that dairy consumption, particularly skim milk, was associated with an increased occurrence of acne.

Another study, called the Growing Up Today cohort study, involved over 6,000 adolescent girls. This research also found that consuming more milk was linked to a higher prevalence of acne. Similarly, a 2020 French NutriNet-Santé study of 24,452 adults connected milk and sugary foods to recurrent acne.

A 2025 Springer review further supported these findings. It highlighted that dairy proteins like casein and whey elevate insulin and IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1) levels. These hormones are known to stimulate sebum production and follicular keratinisation, which are key drivers of acne.

How dairy might influence acne

Dairy could encourage acne outbreaks in several ways:

• IGF-1 and insulin: Dairy stimulates insulin and IGF-1, which increases sebum production and skin cell turnover.

• Hormonal load: Milk contains bioactive hormones that may interact with androgen receptors, exacerbating acne.

• Inflammatory pathways: Elevated mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) activity from dairy intake may promote inflammation and oil production.

  
  

Pros and cons of reducing dairy

Cutting back on dairy might help decrease inflammatory lesions and enhance skin clarity. This can be beneficial for those sensitive to dairy proteins or hormones. However, lowering dairy consumption could lead to reduced calcium and vitamin D intake. For teenagers, this poses a risk of deficiency during the critical period of teenage bone growth.

If you're considering reducing dairy and you're worried about calcium and vitamin D levels, there are numerous fortified dairy alternatives available. You can also talk to your healthcare provider for guidance on minimising dairy while ensuring adequate nutrient intake.

The importance of a balanced diet

While dairy may contribute to acne, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet. A well-rounded diet includes a variety of food groups. Fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, and lean proteins are vital for overall health.

Incorporating these foods can help mitigate the potential negative effects of dairy. Additionally, staying hydrated is crucial for skin health. Drinking enough water can help maintain skin elasticity and overall appearance.

Research quality and bias

Most studies in this area are observational, which is less reliable than randomised controlled trials. While the meta-analysis offers strong statistical evidence, potential limitations in these studies can include a reliance on self-reported dietary data and a lack of standardised acne assessment.

Conclusion

The relationship between dairy consumption and acne severity is complex. While these studies suggest there is a consistent link, more research is also needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. If you suspect dairy may be affecting your skin, consider monitoring your intake and consulting a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Sources

• Adebamowo, C. A., Spiegelman, D., Berkey, C. S., Danby, F. W., Rockett, H. R., Colditz, G. A., & Willett, W. C. (2006). Milk consumption and acne in adolescent girls. Dermatology Online Journal, 12(4), https://escholarship.org/uc/item/77b9s0z8

• Juhl, C.R. et al. (2018). Dairy intake and acne vulgaris: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 78,529 children, adolescents, and young adults. Nutrients, 10(8), 1049. MDPI

• Penso, L. et al. (2020). Association between adult acne and dietary behaviors: Findings from the NutriNet-Santé prospective cohort study. JAMA Dermatology, 156(8), 854–862. JAMA Network

• Pakkam, M., & AlEdani, E. M. (2025). The effect of dairy products on acne vulgaris. In E. M. AlEdani & H. I. Maibach (Eds.), Nutrition and acne vulgaris (pp. 31–37). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-83677-0_2