Approximately 45 million people in the United States have acne, the University of Maryland Medical Center reports. Many acne sufferers feel mental stress about their acne and can suffer from scarring. Nutrition can contribute to and reduce symptoms of acne in certain people. Protein powder is one food that may have an effect on acne development.
Background
According to a review paper published in the January 2010 issue of "Medicine Today," the connection between diet and acne is supported by several research studies. However, the idea that a single food -- such as chocolate or greasy food -- cause acne is unfounded. Like all chronic diseases, acne is caused by a combination of several genetic and lifestyle factors, including diet. Nutrition can increase acne by activating the production of sweat from sweat glands and the overproduction of new skin cells, which can clog pores.
Protein
Protein powder is a source of dietary protein. Common forms of protein powder include whey protein, casein, hemp and soy. A research study published in the August 2007 issue of the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" found that switching from a low-protein, fast-digesting carbohydrate-rich diet to a protein-rich diet with slow-digesting carbs significantly improved acne symptoms in a group of acne sufferers over the course of 12 weeks.
Whey
Whey protein is a popular form of protein powder. A study published in the June 2005 edition of the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" notes that whey protein powder stimulates the release of insulin from your pancreas. High levels of insulin promotes the production of new skin cells -- which can clog pores -- the "Medicine Today" reports. The authors of the "Medicine Today" paper advise that people with acne should avoid dairy products, including whey protein.
Considerations
Like all dietary supplements, check with your doctor before consuming protein powder. While protein and dairy products have been shown to influence acne, no research study has looked at the effect of protein powder on acne. Other strategies to reduce your acne include avoiding the use of oil-containing cosmetics, washing your face regularly and applying benzoyl peroxide-containing lotion to affected areas.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Acne
- "Medicine Today"; Acne and Diet – There is a Link; Neil Mann; January 2010
- "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology"; The Effect of a High-protein, Low Glycemic-load Diet Versus a Conventional, High Glycemic-load Diet on Biochemical Parameters Associated with Acne Vulgaris: A Randomized, Investigator-masked, Controlled Trial; S. Mann et al.; October 2007
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