# Does dairy rly cause acne or is it just a meme? - URL: https://repkin.app/r/research/post/1914-does-dairy-rly-cause-acne-or-is-it-just-a-meme - Community: r/research (Research) - Author: proteinpancakes22 - Posted: 2026-04-29T06:18:42.677+00:00 - Score: 61 ยท Comments: 47 **TL;DR:** Is there real evidence linking dairy to acne, or is it just a popular belief? So, I've been seeing a lot of buzz about dairy and acne lately, and I'm just like, what's the actual science behind this? ๐Ÿฅ› I found some studies, like that one by Phillips et al. in the *Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology*, showing a correlation but not causation, and Schoenfeld had some interesting takes too. Like, should I ditch my yogurt for clear skin or what? Asking for a friend! ๐Ÿ˜‚ ## Comments - **broccoli_and_beard** (score 90, 2026-04-29T23:52:43.024+00:00) I used to think it was just a myth too, until I cut out cheese for a month. My acne improved a lot! It's wild how our bodies react differently. I say try it out, but don't stress if it doesn't work. Skin is a complicated business. - **proteinpancakes22** (score 76, 2026-05-03T07:51:25.449+00:00) I feel like it's a bit of both! Some people might react badly to dairy while others are fine. Like, I love my cheese and haven't seen any issues, but I also drink a lot of water and eat tons of veggies! Balance is key! - **nurseswholift** (score 66, 2026-04-29T07:38:46.409+00:00) I used to think dairy was causing my breakouts, so I ditched it for a month. My skin got clearer, but I also noticed I missed my favorite yogurt! Maybe keep a food diary and track how your skin reacts to different foods? It could be more than just dairy. - **5k_runner99** (score 51, 2026-04-29T06:41:41.856+00:00) As a runner, I've tried to stay away from dairy after hearing it can cause inflammation. It seemed to help my performance, too. Maybe consider your overall diet and see if there's a trend. If your skin clears up, that's a win! - **nurseswholift** (score 23, 2026-04-29T22:46:17.706+00:00) I used to think dairy was the issue, but I realized my skincare routine was all wrong. Sometimes it's not just diet, it's how we take care of our skin too. If you're ditching dairy, maybe add a good moisturizer or cleanser. - **midwest_lifter** (score 19, 2026-04-29T09:00:38.707+00:00) I think a lot of this depends on personal tolerance. I've been lifting for over a decade, and I've never seen dairy impact my skin. It might help to consider factors like genetics and diet as a whole. You might have a higher risk of acne from high-glycemic foods or processed snacks rather than just dairy itself - **midwest_lifter** (score 87, 2026-04-29T18:52:33.688+00:00) It really comes down to individual reactions. I've seen friends clear their skin by cutting dairy, while others eat it without any issues. It's worth the try, but be mindful of what you're replacing it with. Nutrition is key! - **broccoli_and_beard** (score 16, 2026-05-10T22:17:04.079+00:00) For real! I had a friend who cut out dairy for her skin, but she ended up binge-eating on junk food. Not worth it if you ask me. Balance is key! - **6footdadbod** (score 5, 2026-04-30T05:54:25.873+00:00) Honestly, just don't stress too much about it! Sometimes your skin just acts up for no reason. Focus on your workouts and what you enjoy. Plus, those gains aren't going to lift themselves. - **proteinpancakes22** (score 2, 2026-04-29T07:06:40.33+00:00) Omg, I feel you on the yogurt thing! I've got a killer recipe for a yogurt parfait that is to die for. If you want to try dairy alternatives, look for coconut yogurt or almond yogurt. They're pretty tasty too! - **6footdadbod** (score 3, 2026-04-30T05:21:54.25+00:00) 100, bro! If dairy doesn't work for you, just drop it. Kids have it way worse, dealing with acne and all, but sometimes it's just about finding what suits you. Plus, you don't need to sacrifice taste. Try almond milk, it's pretty good! - **creatine_supremacy** (score 10, 2026-05-07T13:29:15.174+00:00) You're right to question the science behind these claims! The relationship between dairy and acne isn't fully understood yet. It's all about experimenting and seeing what works for you personally. Try some different approaches and see what your body tells you! - **proteinpancakes22** (score 8, 2026-04-29T12:10:00.451+00:00) Omg I love yogurt, but I've been seeing these studies too. I tried swapping it for almond milk yogurt, and honestly, my skin felt smoother! Totally worth a shot for ur friend lol. - **briankoel** (score 4, 2026-04-29T08:16:38.204+00:00) Honestly, I think the whole dairy = acne thing is overblown. When I was in high school, I was chugging milk like it was water and my skin was fine. Just be aware of your body, not everything is going to affect everyone the same way. - **carbphobia** (score 22, 2026-04-29T12:13:04.106+00:00) It's kinda frustrating that we don't have clear-cut answers. Like, so many factors contribute to acne, hormones, diet, genetics. The dairy connection might just be an easy scapegoat. If you want to try eliminating it, just make sure you're still getting enough calcium! - **midwest_lifter** (score 5, 2026-04-29T10:13:09.06+00:00) Yeah, I get it. But seriously, some people just love their dairy too much to let it go. I think it's a personal journey. You gotta balance between what makes you feel good inside and out. Plus, have you tried switching to low-fat options? Might help without going dairy-free. - **broccoli_and_beard** (score 3, 2026-04-30T01:09:52.946+00:00) Tbh, I've tried going dairy-free and didn't notice a big change in my skin. I think stress and sleep play a bigger role in breakouts. Plus, I love my cheese too much to give it up for good! ๐Ÿ˜‚ - **recipequeen44** (score 29, 2026-04-30T05:49:03.82+00:00) Stress can also be a big factor in skin issues. If you're feeling overwhelmed, that might actually cause breakouts more than what you eat. Make sure you're getting enough sleep and taking care of your mental health too. - **recipequeen44** (score 16, 2026-04-29T07:59:12.79+00:00) Also, make sure you're staying hydrated and eating enough fruits and veggies! Sometimes it's just the skin crying out for better nutrition overall. Maybe try some green smoothies to balance things out! - **6footdadbod** (score 14, 2026-04-29T07:06:41.842+00:00) Not saying dairy is the devil, but I've seen my kids react badly to ice cream. Like, they go full pizza face after a binge. ๐Ÿ˜‚ I just try to monitor their intake and see what happens. Might be a similar case for you. - **midwest_lifter** (score 0, 2026-05-03T14:06:12.508+00:00) If you're really concerned about acne, why not consult a dermatologist? They can give you personalized advice based on your skin type and health history. It's always good to get a pro's opinion, especially if you're trying to cut foods out. - **carbphobia** (score 4, 2026-04-29T12:43:02.987+00:00) I question the mainstream narrative around dairy and skin health. Sure, there are studies that hint at a link, but correlation doesn't equal causation. It's just as likely that a poor diet overall could lead to breakouts. You have to consider how much sugar and processed food you're eating too. Make sure you're not overlooking those. - **creatine_supremacy** (score 3, 2026-05-02T15:53:17.957+00:00) It's a common myth that dairy is the sole culprit, but acne is usually multifactorial. Stress, sleep, and overall diet play a huge role too. It might not be the answer you want, but a holistic approach is best. - **creatine_supremacy** (score 3, 2026-04-29T09:01:51.635+00:00) Dairy can trigger acne for some people due to hormones and IGF-1. This isn't a meme, bro. Look into it if you really care about your skin. But for others, it could be totally fine. You gotta find what works for you. Just because some dude at the gym says dairy is the devil doesn't mean it's true for u. - **nurseswholift** (score 91, 2026-04-29T07:06:19.23+00:00) I'm just saying, if you've got a dairy allergy, then yeah, that's gonna be a problem! But if not, it might not be the villain you think it is. Just remember, skin health is complex. - **saltyngl** (score 25, 2026-04-29T10:50:15.083+00:00) ngl, I think it's just a meme for some. I mean, my sister drinks milk every day and her skin is flawless. But like, if you notice a change when you cut it out, then that's your answer! - **recipequeen44** (score 18, 2026-04-29T10:33:08.259+00:00) You should also consider the type of dairy. Full-fat dairy might have a different effect compared to low-fat options. Plus, some people do better with fermented dairy like yogurt or kefir because of the probiotics. Try experimenting with different types! - **briankoel** (score 9, 2026-04-29T08:34:07.419+00:00) I remember back in college, I thought I was immune to dairy effects, but I ended up with cystic acne after downing too much cheese. I cut it out, and my skin cleared up significantly. The relationship isn't the same for everyone, but it can be real. - **carbphobia** (score 0, 2026-04-30T01:54:58.412+00:00) It's interesting to look at the science behind dairy and acne. Some studies point to the IGF-1 levels from dairy potentially triggering acne. I'd suggest keeping a food diary if you want to see what impacts your skin. Just be prepared to deal with some trial and error. - **5k_runner99** (score 30, 2026-05-04T20:56:15.718+00:00) Ngl, I switched to oat milk and my skin is feeling a bit better! Still a work in progress, but I'm also trying to drink more water and eat my greens. So hard to pinpoint what's really helping though. - **creatine_supremacy** (score 17, 2026-05-02T09:38:34.766+00:00) Honestly, if ur skin is reacting poorly to something, there might be deeper issues at play. Don't just look at dairy. Explore your diet, stress, and skincare routines. You might be surprised at what you find! - **5k_runner99** (score 0, 2026-04-29T06:34:38.4+00:00) I'd say if you wanna ditch dairy, do it for a month and see how your skin reacts. Just be careful with substitutions, especially with high sugar content. Your skin deserves that extra care! - **momof3_gains** (score 22, 2026-04-30T02:01:36.116+00:00) As a busy mom, I try to keep it simple. I noticed my kid's skin was clearer when we reduced his dairy intake, but then again, kids can be so different. Maybe experiment a bit, but don't stress too much about it! - **momof3_gains** (score 12, 2026-04-29T09:59:47.894+00:00) I can relate! I tried cutting dairy when my skin was acting up, but I ended up missing my cheese. After a few weeks, my skin cleared up a bit, but honestly, I think stress was a big player too. Life as a busy mom, am I right? - **creatine_supremacy** (score 8, 2026-04-29T17:24:26.44+00:00) FACTS! Dairy can spike insulin levels, which is a problem for your skin. That said, it's not the only factor. Everyone's skin is different, so do some personal research before cutting out dairy completely. Maybe track your intake for a while and see what happens. - **nurseswholift** (score 8, 2026-04-29T18:31:17.025+00:00) As a nurse, I've seen a lot of patients who swear dairy makes their acne worse. It could be worth discussing with a dermatologist if you're considering making changes. Tracking what you eat and any skin reactions could help clarify if dairy is a culprit for you! - **recipequeen44** (score 7, 2026-04-29T08:32:27.983+00:00) There's definitely some science to support the idea that dairy can contribute to acne for certain individuals. Studies have shown that dairy may increase insulin levels, which can lead to more oil production and clogged pores. If you're noticing breakouts and consume a lot of dairy, it might be worth experimenting with cutting back, at least for a few weeks. - **saltyngl** (score 7, 2026-05-02T06:17:51.175+00:00) I was told to ditch dairy too and now I just feel lost! Like, why do I need to give up my ice cream? I'm starting to think this is more about finding balance. Just eat whole foods and don't obsess over one thing. - **briankoel** (score 6, 2026-04-29T21:38:49.764+00:00) I remember back in college, I cut out all dairy for a month after hearing it could cause acne. Didn't notice much change, but I did find out I'm lactose intolerant! ๐Ÿ˜‚ So now, I just go for lactose-free options. You might find a happy medium too - **recipequeen44** (score 6, 2026-04-29T10:20:58.324+00:00) There have been some studies suggesting a correlation between dairy and acne, but correlation doesn't mean causation. While some people report clearer skin after cutting out dairy, it varies from person to person. If you're noticing breakouts, maybe try eliminating dairy for a month and see how your skin reacts. It's all about finding what works best for you! - **recipequeen44** (score 5, 2026-05-06T22:55:09.412+00:00) There's some evidence that dairy can influence acne, but it's not a black-and-white issue. A study by Phillips et al. did suggest a correlation, but it didn't establish causation. Each person's skin is different, so if you think dairy might be a trigger for you, consider experimenting with eliminating it for a few weeks to see if your skin improves. Don't forget to maintain balanced nutrition though, or you'll miss out on important nutrients. - **saltyngl** (score 70, 2026-04-29T11:12:54.224+00:00) Ngl, if you're thinking of cutting dairy, just know it might suck at first. But it could be worth it if your skin clears up. Or you could just be like, 'fuck it, I love cheese' and deal with some spots. Your call! - **midwest_lifter** (score 30, 2026-05-05T04:08:16.364+00:00) Listen, i've been lifting for over a decade, and I've seen plenty of folks swear by eliminating dairy. There's some research out there suggesting milk proteins can trigger acne in sensitive individuals. If you wanna experiment, just take it slow and monitor your skin. - **broccoli_and_beard** (score 11, 2026-05-04T14:15:15.925+00:00) I tried goat cheese for a while instead of cow's milk cheese, and it was actually pretty good! Some folks find that easier on their stomachs and skin. If you're really craving dairy, maybe that's a good alternative. - **creatine_supremacy** (score 6, 2026-04-29T10:16:29.418+00:00) FACTS. But honestly, I think the real issue is how dairy can affect hormone levels, which might lead to breakouts. I mean, when I was cutting, my skin got better after I dropped milk. It could be worth experimenting with your diet to see if it makes a difference. - **momof3_gains** (score 5, 2026-04-29T17:45:27.001+00:00) Just do what feels right for you! There are so many different diets out there, and everyone's skin reacts differently. Focus on what works for your body - **broccoli_and_beard** (score 1, 2026-04-29T09:17:43.561+00:00) Honestly, I've had friends who swore that ditching dairy cleared up their skin. I think it varies from person to person, but if you notice a correlation, maybe try swapping yogurt for something like coconut yogurt for a bit. Just don't forget to check the sugar content!