Can dairy cause acne?

Author: Everett Altenwerth DDS  |  Last update: Friday, December 12, 2025

The answer is: not exactly. “Dairy, or any food for that matter, does not cause acne per se,” said Shanna Miranti, MPAS, PA-C, a certified physician assistant at Riverchase Dermatology. “However, if you're already prone to acne, certain dairy products could make it worse.”

Does cutting out dairy help acne?

“According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), no specific dietary changes are recommended at this time in the treatment of acne,” says Garshick. “That said, some people anecdotally notice an improvement in breakouts when cutting out dairy.

How do I know if dairy is causing my acne?

How To Know If Dairy Is Causing Your Acne? To find out if dairy is affecting your skin's health, try eliminating all foods in your diet containing dairy for a month. Watching how your skin reacts to this diet change will give you a good indication of your skin's reaction to dairy.

What foods should be avoided for acne?

Why am I getting acne when I'm eating healthy?

If you do decide to make a positive change to your food and skincare routine, you should expect a degree of 'purging' during which your skin may breakout initially. This is a normal reaction and means the body is responding to change.

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What to drink to clear acne?

Beyond green and spearmint, herbal teas such as chamomile and rooibos provide hydration with additional anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, gently preparing the ground for a clearer complexion.

What vitamin deficiency causes acne?

A 2016 study found that people with acne have lower levels of vitamin D than those without the skin condition. This deficiency may be a factor in the development of acne. According to a study from 2014, Vitamin D also blocks P. acnes from affecting skin cells.

Which type of milk won't cause acne?

Coconut Milk is a great option for those who suffer from acne. It is anti-inflammatory, contains healthy fats, is gut friendly and has magnesium and potassium. Almond Milk, if unsweetened, is also a good alternative because it contains antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory and made up of healthy fats.

How long after quitting dairy do you see results?

Just one week without dairy consumption can make you feel less bloated and your skin look clearer if dairy had been affecting skin conditions. Depending on your level of sensitivity to it, you might also start to feel a bit more alert, since dairy is known to make some people feel sluggish.

Does caffeine cause acne?

Caffeine and Alcohol: Consuming coffee increase the cortisol levels in our system. Cortisol is our stress hormone. Consumption of caffeine can cause high levels of cortisol which causes acne. The rise in these levels can cause an overproduction of sebum which also causes acne.

How long after giving up dairy will my skin clear?

It will take about two to three weeks to see a change in your skin if you decide to remove dairy from your diet. There are many vegan substitutes on the market that you can enjoy instead if you want to try cutting dairy.

Does drinking water help with acne?

Increased water intake often leads to improved skin clarity and reduced acne severity. Many people report fewer breakouts and a more even skin tone after consistently increasing their water consumption. Hydrated skin may appear plumper and healthier, making existing acne less noticeable.

What is a clean diet for acne?

Findings from small studies suggest that following a low-glycemic diet may reduce the amount of acne you have. Low-glycemic foods include most fresh vegetables, some fresh fruits, beans, and steel-cut oats. Here's what researchers have found may happen when people with acne switch to a low-glycemic diet.

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Does ice help acne?

Ice doesn't necessarily help clear up acne or pimples — particularly if you're suffering from cystic and nodular acne — but it can help inflammation. This works because acne is an inflammatory condition meaning that it causes flare-ups that contribute to swelling and redness.

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What is a good breakfast for acne?

Start your day with high fibre breakfast cereals such as porridge, natural muesli or wheat biscuits. Swap white bread for whole grain or rye varieties. Choose pasta and basmati rice instead of other varieties of white rice. Add legumes, tofu, lentils or chickpeas to stews and salads.

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