Pizza Doesn't Cause Acne, Does It?
Dairy consumption has been positively linked to acne for many
teenagers and adults. There have been numerous studies proving
this association, including a portion of the landmark Nurses
Health Study involving 47,355 women in 1998. Unfortunately, the
reasons behind this milk-acne connection are much less concrete.
Regardless, the facts are that thousands of people have given up
dairy foods only to have their acne magically disappear. The
results these people have seen speak for themselves and they
need no particular explanation. For those of you who are still
hesitant on the trial and error method, here are a few different
theories behind their success:
Milk Allergies - Like eczema, acne is an inflammatory skin
condition, and can be a byproduct of food allergies. In fact, it
is believed that food allergies, particularly dairy and gluten,
are the top aggravator of acne. Since acne does take time to
come and go, and many food allergy reactions are delayed, about
two weeks off of a suspect food is typically required to begin
noticing results.
Hormones - Of course, the teenager with raging hormones and
raging zits, it is an all to common site. Hormones are a
well-accepted reason for acne within the dermatologic community.
It has been estimated that 75% to 90% of milk and milk products
on our shelves comes from pregnant cows due to the milking
process. This milk contains progesterone and other hormones that
are known precursors to DHT, the primary acne-producing hormone
in humans. These hormones are carried primarily in the
butterfat, and are known to make frequent appearances in milk,
cheese, and butter. You mean pizza may be back on the acne list?
Dermatologists are split on this issue, but past research shows
a strong likelihood.
Nutrients - Back in the 1960's, Dr. Jerome K. Fisher conducted
a clinical study on the cause and effect relationship of milk
and acne for a presentation to the American Dermatological
Association. His research looked at over 1000 teenage acne
patients over a 10-year period. He quickly noted that the
severity of their acne and whether it worsened was directly
correlated to their milk consumption. Along with the hormones in
milk, Dr. Fisher hypothesized that milk sugar (lactose) and
butterfat could be acne triggers. It has also been found that
milk can contain excessive quantities of iodine (may vary by
herd), a well-known pore irritator and aggravator of acne.
Most dermatologists recognize the crucial role that diet plays
in skin conditions, and many site milk products as the top food
culprit of acne. Dairy elimination may not be the solution for
everyone, but something so simple to get rid of acne is
definitely worth a shot!