Dairy Products
It seems counterintuitive, but cow’s milk can be among the leading causes of back acne. Whey and casein, the proteins in milk, stimulate growth and hormones in calves and humans. When the body digests these proteins, they release an insulin-like substance known as IGF-1, a hormone identified to cause pimple breakouts.
Recent studies showed a link between acne in teenagers and milk consumption. The data states that those who consume milk and ice cream are four times more susceptible to pimple breakouts. Although doctors aren’t convinced that there’s a strong correlation between milk consumption and acne breakouts, they believe that fat content in milk can increase the possibility and severity of pimples. They also believe that androgens present in milk can induce the body to form dihydrotestosterone, which causes an overactive sebaceous gland. This in turn, causes an oilier skin that is more prone to pore blockage and zits.
