Can eating dairy really worsen your skin? Is dairy bad for your skin? Here’s the scoop on what you need to know about how this food affects your skin and complexion.
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In this post, I will discuss is dairy bad for skin.
A lot of people are concerned that their skin may be in danger if they take dairy into their diet, but the answer is complex. Dairy can be helpful or harmful depending on your personal diet and skin type.
Dairy is packed with fat and nutrients, so it’s not surprising that many people believe that there are health benefits to drinking milk and eating cheese, yogurt and other dairy products. But while some people can tolerate dairy in their diets well enough, others often develop sensitivities due to lactose intolerance or other food allergies.
Exposure to mass agricultural production also comes with problems, since many dairy cows are given hormones to increase milk production. This practice creates an increased risk of cancer and reproductive problems as well as health problems for customers that have food allergies or sensitivities to the dairy products they buy.
Consuming Dairy Can Exacerbate Certain Skin Conditions
Some research suggests that dairy may cause inflammation and aggravate conditions like acne, psoriasis or rosacea. The proteins in milk are digested in the body and turn into fats, which can result in clogged pores. Dairy is often high in sugar, which can increase skin cell production, but can also make your skin appear red and inflamed as it processes sugar.
Acne
Since acne is an inflammatory skin condition, consuming dairy products can destabilize your skin and make your breakouts worse. Studies have also shown that dairy consumption may cause increased levels of insulin in the body, which can affect hormone levels and contribute to acne breakouts. The saturated fats in dairy are considered by many to be a major culprit in the development of acne.
Eczema
Eating dairy can worsen eczema symptoms in people who have eczema. Casein, a protein in cow’s milk, can trigger allergic reactions that can lead to inflammation and flare-ups in people with eczema. If you don’t want to give up milk entirely, you may be able to tolerate goat’s milk or sheep’s milk.
Aging
Dairy products can also speed up the aging process of your skin. Saturated fats and trans-fats, which are found in dairy products, can cause a breakdown of cells that leads to saggy and wrinkled skin. Vitamin K2 is also found in dairy products, and it’s important for healthy skin elasticity. But you won’t get enough of this vitamin through dairy aloneโyou need to combine a healthy diet with adequate levels of vitamin K2 to maintain youthful skin. Switching to a non dairy food product, such as a vegan cheese can be a good bet.
Using Dairy Topically Can Benefit Complexion
If you think dairy is bad for your skin, you may want to think again. While it is true that dairy can cause inflammation and irritation in susceptible individuals, there are a number of ways that you can use this wonderful product to your advantage! Some types of dairy, particularly yogurt used topically, can have benefits for your skin.
Anti-Aging
The active cultures in yogurt, particularly probiotic and acidophilus cultures, can help your skin stay healthier for longer! The bacteria in yogurt is capable of fighting off free radicals, which cause damage to your DNA. Free radicals are a major contributor to aging skin, so eating a lot of yogurt may slow down the aging process of your skin.
One way to use yogurt is to mix it with flour and water to make a thick paste that you can apply to your skin. In addition to its anti-aging benefits, yogurt can be used to help your skin heal faster.
Shani Darden Skin Care Lactic Acid AHA Exfoliating Serum
Brighten and Correct Blemishes
The lactic acid in yogurt is an exfoliant that helps remove dead skin and even out your complexion. If you’re looking to achieve a brighter complexion, yogurt might be the secret ingredient that you’ve been looking for!
Apply a thin layer of plain yogurt to your face, and let it sit until it dries. The lactic acid in the yogurt will gently exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, leaving your face feeling fresh and smooth.
Decrease Acne
Many dairy products contain the good bacteria that can help you deal with the acne-causing B. Pylori bacteria. Yogurt is a good source of lactobacilli and milk contains lactoferrin, which are both excellent ways to decrease outbreaks. Bacteria feeds on oil and fatty substances, so using milk to remove these substances can help your skin stay clean and clear. Using milk as a cleanser is an affordable way to treat your acne without relying on harsh chemicals and expensive commercial products!
KORRES Greek Yoghurt Probiotic Superdose Face Mask
Applying dairy externally can be a great way to combat dryness and provide moisturizing benefits for your skin. The fat in dairy can encourage the growth of healthy skin cells and make your skin look fresh and smooth. Be sure to choose a high quality, raw food source of yogurt that is antibiotic-free and hormone-free. It’s also important to avoid makeup products that contain dairy as they can clog pores if applied too often.
Essential oils can be used as scent boosters and moisturizing agents in your yogurt masks, but you should be careful to avoid essential oils that have a strong smell. For example, Clary Sage essential oil has a sweet smell that can be too strong for some people. Lavender essential oil also has quite an intense smell so it may be better to use it sparingly or in a small room. Essential oils like these that are strong in smell can actually change the pH balance of your yogurt and leave it smelling too sweet.
You can make your own yogurt at home for a fraction of the price you would pay at the store; it only takes two ingredients! Mix together one full cup of plain, organic yogurt with four tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. This is healthy for you and much cheaper than store-bought yogurts. You can also use low fat, regular or Greek yogurt as well.
You can use yogurt as a mask rather than as a regular treat by mixing it with oils, honey or nut butters. This can help you get the moisturizing benefits of yogurt without the unwanted taste or texture! Adding your own personal ingredient to homemade yogurt is an easy way to make it more appealing and customize your own homemade mask!
Avoid Dairy if You Have Very Sensitive Skin
If dairy consumption causes inflammation and irritation in your skin, you might have very sensitive skin. Using dairy products on your skin can cause much more damage than is necessary, so view this as a sign that you should avoid the dairy to treat your acne. By making a few changes to your diet, you can still enjoy some of the benefits of eating dairy without exposing yourself to all its risks.
Conclusion
While dairy products can provide many benefits, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re eating the right kinds of dairy to ensure you’re getting the healthiest version possible. Dairy can be a powerful good food that comes with its fair share of risks, but with proper research and knowledge, you can make sure your body gets the benefits and you get clear skin.
What is your opinion on the subject? Is dairy bad for your skin? Do you have any stories or experiences regarding this topic? Please leave your comments below.
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