Choosing to remove dairy from your diet might seem only necessary if you have an allergy or intolerance to it, but there are many other reasons to consider this lifestyle change. Not only can dairy cause bloating and other digestive issues, but it might also be making your skin worse.
Here are some ways that following a dairy-free diet can help your skin.
Dairy Can Make Skin Conditions Worse
Despite its widespread consumption, scientific and anecdotal evidence suggests that dairy products in the diet can have adverse effects on skin health and can exacerbate certain conditions. Understanding the ways dairy relates to the complexion and using or avoiding it accordingly can be a powerful tool for achieving healthy skin.
Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that affects almost 10% of the entire population! (Source) That makes it the eighth most prevalent disease worldwide.
One study found a positive association between breakouts and milk consumption in teenagers. (Source) Another meta-analysis of research done on the link between milk consumption and acne found a positive relationship between dairy, total milk, whole milk, low-fat and skim milk consumption and acne occurrence. (Source)
While the exact way dairy contributes to acne isn’t clear, there are a few educated guesses among the scientific community. For one, dairy is a highly inflammatory food and can particularly irritate skin that is already prone to breakouts—an already inflammatory condition. When the body stays in a constant state of inflammation, its’ ability to naturally heal itself is compromised. Also, dairy is known to raise insulin levels, which may worsen acne. (Source)
Another theory is that since dairy comes from pregnant cows and naturally contains a host of hormones, it can cause hormone imbalance in humans, leading to oily skin and breakouts. (Source)
Eczema
A1 casein, a protein found in cow’s milk, can be a trigger for eczema.
“The most common food allergies in patients with atopic dermatitis are milk, egg, and peanuts.” (Source)
Switching to goat and sheep’s milk products which do not contain A1 casein may be a good alternative for those with eczema who do not want to cut out dairy completely.
Aging
Consumption of pasteurized dairy has been linked to premature aging of the skin due to the oxidization of proteins that occurs during the process. Digestive enzymes found in dairy are also destroyed during the pasteurization process which decreases the body’s ability to absorb all of the nutrients properly. This can lead to digestive trouble and can contribute to skin breakdown. Switching to raw, unpasteurized dairy products can lessen digestive problems for those with lactose sensitivity and allows for greater absorption of the vitamins and minerals found in milk.
Dairy-Free and Other Options
From lattes and ice cream to pizza and cheeseburgers, dairy is pervasive in the standard Western diet, considered both a staple and a necessary comfort food ingredient. In the United States, the Federal nutrition policy developed by the USDA and the Department for Health and Human Services recommends Americans consume two to three servings of dairy daily as part of a healthy, well-balanced diet.
However, exposure of mass agricultural practices suggest that not all dairy products are created equally, and the quality of dairy products may differ drastically based on the presence of growth hormones and antibiotics administered to the livestock. These hormones and antibiotics then travel through the food chain causing adverse health effects for dairy consumers.
Not only that, but milk processed to remove bacteria also has all natural enzymes, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals removed.
This brings up an option other than the common milk alternatives like almond, cashew or coconut milk—raw milk. Raw milk has not been pasteurized or homogenized, so it includes all the original nutrients. Some health experts suggest that it is even beneficial for atopic skin conditions, since studies have also shown it is beneficial in reducing asthma. (Source, Source)
Yet another less inflammatory option is goat milk, which research has suggested is less allergenic than cow’s milk. (Source) This is because it lacks the highly inflammatory A1 protein that is found in cow’s milk. (Source)
What About Topically?
Despite the adverse effects of many dairy products when consumed internally, some types of dairy, particularly yogurt, can be an invaluable addition to skincare when applied externally. This can partially be attributed to the living cultures found in yogurt and raw milk which act as pre- and probiotics, balancing the levels of bacteria found on the skin.
Anti-Aging
When applied topically, antioxidants found in yogurt fight free-radicals which lead to premature aging and wrinkles. Dairy also contains lactic acid which acts as a gentle exfoliator while tightening pores to give the skin a more firm appearance.
Brighten and Correct Blemishes
The lactic acid found in dairy also works to lighten discolorations and even skin tone. (Source) A yogurt or raw milk face mask provides moisture to the skin, leaving it soft and supple rather than red and irritated as often occurs after harsher blemish-correcting treatments.
Decrease Acne
Because of its ability to balance levels of good and bad bacteria on the facial biome, a yogurt or raw milk face mask can help to clear skin by killing acne-causing bacteria. Although dairy is considered an inflammatory food, yogurt or raw milk applied topically acts as an anti-inflammatory treatment, decreasing facial redness and minimizes the appearance of breakouts.
The best way to reap the benefits of dairy is to apply a layer of plain or Greek yogurt to the face and leave on for about 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water. Yogurt and raw milk sourced from organic, grass-fed dairies should be used to avoid contact with growth hormones, antibiotics, and other unwanted contaminants. While yogurt can be used alone, other ingredients can be added to boost results. Mix yogurt with a teaspoon of raw honey for extra moisture or the juice from half a lemon for added brightening power.
Essential oils such as lavender can be added to increase the calming effect on sensitive or inflamed skin. For best results, and to avoid irritating the skin, use a yogurt face mask before applying makeup, or after washing your face before bed, once or twice a week.
Have you tried yogurt or raw milk to calm skin conditions? I would love to hear about your results in the comments.