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Dairy products have long held a bad reputation as a leading cause of acne, but a study may have narrowed in on exactly what the breakout culprit is: skim milk. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, there’s a correlation between regularly drinking skim milk and experiencing acne.
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What’s even more interesting is that researchers didn’t find a strong connection between whole milk and acne, just skim and low-fat varieties. Though it seems a little confusing, this may be due to the higher levels of estrogen present in skim milk. Michael Greger, M.D. and New York Times bestselling author, shared with NutritionFacts.org that researchers found 15 steroid sex-hormones in commercial milk with the highest levels found in skim milk, compared to that of 2% and whole fat milk.
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If you’re someone who enjoys a late-night bowl of cereal before bed, or adds skim milk to your sleepytime tea, it may be time to rethink your options for the sake of your skin. It's important to avoid all foods containing low-fat and skim milk, including yogurt, cheese, and ice cream before you lay down to count sheep.
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And really, in 2019 with so many dairy-free milk alternatives on the market, it’s never been easier to find a new favorite go-to milk. Whether it’s almond, coconut, hemp, cashew, or oat, there’s an option to suit every taste palette and budget. Your skin (and daily lattes!) will thank you for making the switch.
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Of course, it’s important to remember cutting skim-milk and associated foods alone won’t solve acne woes, but it’s a great place to start. By maintaining a balanced diet, drinking lots of water, and incorporating acne-fighting skin care products into your daily routine, you’ll be well on your way to a crystal clear complexion.
Keep scrolling to shop some of our editors' favorite acne-clearing products:
Allies of Skin Promise Keeper Blemish Sleeping Facial ($120)
Verso Acne Deep Cleanse ($40)
MARIO BADESCU Drying Lotion ($17)
FIRST AID BEAUTY Skin Rescue Acne Clearing Pads with White Clay ($30)
DR. JART+ Focuspot™ Blemish Micro Tip Patch ($18)
