Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne, and it is characterized by tender, swollen pus-filled pimples. Some foods, including good sources of calcium, may make cystic acne worse, as diet can be a trigger for breakouts for some people with this skin condition, according to Mark Stengler, a naturopathic doctor and co-author of “Prescription for Drug Alternatives.” However, more research is needed. Consult a dermatologist if you have cystic acne.
Cystic Acne and Inflammation
Inflammation plays a role in all forms of acne, and visible signs of it include redness and swelling. In cystic acne, inflammation penetrates deeply into your skin, causing unsightly cysts or nodules on your skin. A diet that increases insulin — such as a diet rich in refined carbohydrates and dairy foods, which are some of the best sources of calcium — boosts inflammation in the body. This may make the skin condition worse for some people with cystic acne, but not all. Only you will be able to determine if it’s a factor for you by eliminating some calcium-rich foods from your diet.
Poor Dietary Sources of Calcium for Cystic Acne
Good sources of calcium, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, may also aggravate acne due to their sugar content and hormones that they contain. The sugar increases insulin and therefore inflammation, and the hormones in dairy foods can disrupt hormonal activity in your body, further aggravating acne. If you prefer whole-fat dairy foods, you’re also more likely to gain weight. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, some women with acne who also have excess pounds have high levels of insulin. However, when their insulin levels are lowered, their acne usually improves.
Beneficial Dietary Sources of Calcium for Cystic Acne
If you decide to eliminate dairy foods from your diet to treat acne, you don’t have to miss out on calcium. In fact, some calcium options are low in sugar and do not boost inflammation and also contain skin-healing nutrients, such as omega-3 essential fatty acids, that may be beneficial for acne, according to the anti-inflammatory diet recommended by dermatologist Nicholas Perricone, author of "The Acne Prescription." They include dark green, leafy vegetables such as spinach; just 1 cup of this vegetable contains 30 mg of calcium, according to the USDA National Nutrient Database. Or one can of salmon with bone — which is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats — contains 919 mg of calcium. Consider increasing some of these foods in your diet if you eliminate dairy foods.
Considerations
Because more research is needed on the benefits of cutting back on dairy foods for acne, discuss your nutritional options with your dermatologist. You also shouldn’t alter your diet without consulting your doctor to clear up acne blemishes if you are on a medically supervised diet.
References
- “Prescription for Drug Alternatives”; Robin Young Balch, N.D., et al.; 2008
- “The Acne Prescription”; Nicholas Perricone, M.D.; 2003
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Spinach, Raw
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Fish, Salmon, Chum, Drained Solids With Bone
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