Yes, many people. I notice little difference but as there are so many ways it affects the factors that lead to acne, I limit it. Especially un fermented dairy. You should in particular avoid the pasteurized unfermented dairy from grain fed cows. In other words, the typical milk in the typical American supermarket. Cow is more problematic than from goat and other animals. Fermented is better than un fermented. Pastured is better than grain fed. Etc.
Hello. I had 18 cystic acne breakouts on my chin and cheeks when I had decided to FINALLYcut out dairy like my derm had advised. He said about 65% of his patients get positive feedback, but its not a cure all answer. About 2-3 weekspriorto cutting dairy, I had started Differin and noticed an improvement. But my monthly visit from Aunt Flocaused this cystic uproar I was experiencing at the time.
So whenI cut out dairy, I remained abstinent for 4 days and got SO EXCITED to see the swelling and inflammation disappear with the majority of spots gone, and only 3 still raised but no where near how they were in the beginning with dairy. I had no more white heads either!
SO-I started craving milk and did research on lactose free milk since 2/3 of my kids drink that anyways,and I think it tastes great. I read that the hormones they give cows to make them grow big, strong, and produce more milk is still present in lactose free milk, and that it would make no difference. I sometimes drank soy milk as a kid bc of my parents always having it on hand for my baby brother and figured Id try that. Well I found out that soy isnt that good either. I cant remember why though, sorry. But in that same article, it said that goats and sheep are still often given those hormones as well, not the same exact kind, but hormones to say the least. The hormones that cause these animals to grow big and strong, also cause inflammation in our bodies and acne is essentially inflammation. So is joint pain, headaches, etc.
That very sameday, I went out and purchased a milk alternative that I believed would help: ALMOND MILK. I bought two original (not unsweetened, yuck!)cartons, and two vanilla. The milk was so good that I was chugging it, eating it with cereal, and other sweets that I usually consume around that time of the month, so nothing new except the almond milk. Well, 2-3 days after starting on the almond milk, I noticed I was getting more cystic breakouts along with some smaller whiteheads on my cheeks, forehead (where Im usually clear) and upper lip! I was devastated and thought to myself, how could this be?! Well after a few minutes of researching on google, I found that almonds contain high amounts of estrogen and if you already have hormonal acne, this can make it worse! My world was crashing down. How could this be?! Agh the article didnt warn me about that stuff! Plus, I still had a carton and a half in my fridge that I couldnt waste.I had to limit my intake and push through to get rid of the rest, and then I could make another switch.
After that, I went and bought coconut, cashew, rice, and oat milk. All of them being good, but the rice being my favorite. I am starting to clear back up, as in no cystic acne at this point, but it has taken me almost 3 weeks since the almond flare up. I amno where near where I was before Aunt Flobrought me those 18 cystic nightmares. But I do look much better with no cystic acne. I have figured now that the rice milk should be eliminated since there is some anecdotal evidence claiming low gycemic diets help reduce acne, and rice is a very high glycemic food. And Im assuming that is why my skin isnt completely clear since I had a bunch of big whiteheads up towards the top of my face where I rarely ever get acne, even with my period.
So Ill go to just coconut and cashew milkas soon as I ridmyself ofthe remainderof this yummy rice milk,and pray that these spots will go away. At least the acne that Im getting with the rice milk is only whiteheads varying from medium to large, but not cystic acne. And I am confident that when I settle on coconut and/or cashew milk, along with my regular regimen,that my skin will be acne free!
It was really hard for me to cut out milk, but in my case this experiment has been so worth it. Im going to incorporate a low(er) glycemic diet into my routine a month after making the final milk switch just to see if it has any further positive effects on my skin. Also, if my skin isnt completely clear (1 or 2 breaks outs are okay around that time of the month),thenIll feel forced to eliminate gluten out of my diet like my derm also mentioned. But he said to cut out only one thingat a time so I can learn what my skins triggers are.
Sorry to write a novel, I just really hope I can help someone with this information. I had to learn the hard way, and Im still learning!
Im sending lots oflove, warm wishes, and clear skin vibes your guys way!
-Shia Santana
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There is a direct link between dairy and acne. Research has shown this: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6115795/
I cut out dairy in November 2019 and it has helped so much with calming down my acne. Sugar is also a big part of causing it so I've tried to eat less of that too. I'm slowly starting to eliminate wheat from my diet too and I'll see how that goes. Cutting out dairy seems to have different effects on everyone.
Dropping dairy from my diet as well as significantly lowering my sugar and carb intake has made such a dramatic difference in my acne. It's why I advocate for natural and holistic solutions to fighting acne. Eating foods high in antioxidants also really helps when it comes to calming down my skin
