Is Dairy Really Bad For Your Skin?

Dairy products are recommended because of their richness in proteins, fats, vitamins, phosphorus and calcium, however, numerous scientific studies and clinical experiences point to dairy products and cow’s milk as one of the factors involved in many diseases and current health disorders. This is due to the presence of bioavailable hormones of milk, as well as its proteins that are very allergenic.

Acne: Acne is a disease that affects the pilo-sebaceous follicles (“pores”) in which there is an alteration of its functioning. Acne is a very frequent process and, along with the possibility of causing discomfort, originates an obvious repercussion to the physical image and personal self-esteem. Acne is usually seen in adolescents and young individuals, although it can also occur in newborns and adults. Acne lesions are usually located mostly on the face and can extend to the neck, chest and back.

Some causes that facilitate the appearance of acne lesions are hormonal factors, the use of unsuitable cosmetic products, the application of cortisone creams and certain medications.

The opinion of the experts has varied throughout history. At the end of the 19th century, acne was already related to diet. Sugar, fat and chocolate were the main culprits, that belief was abandoned in the 60s, but a few years ago was resumed its study, this time dermatologists and nutritionists worked together to find an adequate nutritherapy for the treatment of acne.

According to several studies, it was concluded that the consumption of foods with high glycemic index and frequent consumption of dairy products are two of the main factors in the relationship between diet and acne.

Animal milk contains hormones (androgens and estrogens), some of which are produced in the lactating bovine mammary gland and are direct suppressors of the sebaceous gland function. The combination of these hormones with high levels of insulin (caused by foods of high glycemic index) mediated by insulin-like growth factor IGF-I in milk and the hormones of the person who consumes the milk produces a cocktail of adverse biological effects for the skin.

Alopecia Aerata: It is an autoimmune disorder that is characterized by hair loss, occurs in both men and women and can appear at any age. There are many factors that can cause alopecia. Some investigations relate alopecia with food intolerance, including dairy products, although it is rare. Alopecia is also one of the many non-intestinal symptoms associated with celiac disease, which may suggest that some people with lactose intolerance and alopecia may at the same time have celiac disease as an underlying cause.

Atopic Dermatitis: It appears on the skin due to a reaction similar to an allergy, causing swelling and continuous redness. It is well known that atopic dermatitis is related to food hypersensitivity.

In infants and young children, it is usually due to allergies, or intolerance to eggs, cow’s milk, soy or gluten. In adults it can also be caused by the consumption of any food with potential allergen.

Eczema: It is a term that groups several medical conditions related to irritation or inflammation of the skin. Food does not cause eczema, but can be an activator of the problem. The foods that most commonly cause delayed and immediate reactions are cow’s milk, egg, wheat and peanut.

Rosacea: It is a chronic disease that affects the skin of the face, often characterized by outbreaks and remissions. Rosacea usually starts after age 30 and starts as a reddening of the cheeks, nose, chin or forehead that may appear or disappear. There are many foods that can negatively influence this disease, among which are dairy products.

When we drink dairy cow milk or eat dairy products we get a dose of those hormones, which are given to them to produce more milk. Dairy consumption has been linked to a cascade of skin problems in both men and women.