Does Milk Cause Acne?

Acne is influenced by many factors, including skin type, genetics, hormones, hygiene and lifestyle, and research suggests dairy is an unlikely cause.

Dairy also offers many benefits—it’s a source of protein, calcium, and essential vitamins that support strong bones, muscle health, and overall wellness. Therefore, unnecessary exclusion can affect the quality of our diets. 

Dairy & Acne

Myths about acne are common, which is why we wanted to help debunk the myth that milk and acne are related.

While some observational studies may have presented a link between dairy and increased risk of acne; these studies need to be evaluated through clinical trials to determine cause and effect. And, the fact is, the body of research to date does not show cause and effect that diet or any particular food causes acne.

In fact, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is insufficient evidence to recommend a low-dairy diet for acne treatment. Instead, they recommend focusing on habits like hygiene, skin care and targeted treatment. Dairy foods, like low-fat and fat-free milk, cheese and yogurt, are an important part of a healthy eating plan, providing a unique package of 13 essential nutrients that support overall health, including skin health. Unnecessarily removing dairy foods, or any food group for that matter, from your eating plan can have a negative impact on nutrient consumption.

So rather than focusing on removing specific foods to promote healthy skin, concentrate on a healthy balanced eating plan that contains all food groups, including dairy foods. If you are concerned about acne, please consult a dermatologist for appropriate treatment.

Key Takeaways About Dairy and Acne

While some studies suggest milk may be linked to acne in certain individuals, expert consensus suggests dairy as a whole food group does not cause acne for most people. Acne is influenced by multiple factors including hormones, hygiene, genetics, lifestyle, and skincare habits, so dairy alone is rarely the culprit.