Milk Hormones & Acne

Acne is a skin condition that causes oil and bacteria to build up in your pores and leads to breakouts. A number of factors can contribute to acne, including how you care for your skin, but there has been a link established between consuming milk and experiencing acne. One proposed reason is that milk contains hormones that can contribute to oil production.

Research Study

A study published in the May 2008 "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" and conducted by researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health Department of Nutrition studied the effects of milk consumption on acne in teenage boys. The researchers studied 4,273 boys who reported their food intakes over a period of two years and noted their acne patterns. The researchers found that boys with the highest incidence of acne consumed more than two servings of skim milk per day. Researchers suggested a statistical positive association between those who drank skim milk and acne. Skim milk often has whey added to it to create a creamier texture. However, this whey is reactive with hormones in skim milk and in the body when skim milk is consumed. Note, however, that researchers identified a link between milk and acne -- not the same as a cause-and-effect relationship between acne and hormones.

Hormones and Acne

Male hormones known as androgens -- a common one is testosterone -- are considered a contributing factor in causing acne. These hormones are why teenagers most commonly experience acne as during their teenage years, hormone production increases and the hormone levels can become imbalanced. The increase in hormone production can stimulate excess oil production, which can clog pores and contribute to acne.

Hormones and Milk

The dairy industry typically uses cows that have just given birth to obtain milk sold in grocery stores. This is because these cows produce the highest milk yields. However, contained within the milk are hormones intended to help their calves grow. An example of a hormone found in milk is dihydrotestosterone, which is a form of testosterone. Another hormone found in cow's milk is IGF-1, a growth factor hormone of which teenagers have the highest levels. Both organic and nonorganic milk products have these and other hormones in them because cows are often still pregnant when giving milk.

Considerations

While a link has been established between milk and acne, there are a number of acne causes beyond milk. Genetics are a chief contributing factor, and the stress of your daily life also can worsen acne symptoms. This means you do not need to avoid milk products entirely; just carefully choose the ones you do consume. For example, cheeses made from whole milk can contain hormones, milk and salts, which can be detrimental to your health and skin. Consume milk sources in moderation instead and choose low-fat, low-sugar sources whenever possible.