Excess protein intake does not directly cause acne, but it may contribute to the development of acne through its effect on hormone levels and inflammation.
So let’s look deeper
Excess protein intake does not directly cause acne, but it may contribute to the development of acne through its effect on hormone levels and inflammation. As explained by Dr. Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, “Protein powders are made from cow’s milk, which naturally contains androgenic hormones. These hormones can signal the skin’s oil glands and lead to acne development.”
In addition, excessive protein intake can also increase insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in the body, which is a hormone that has been linked to the development of acne. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that a high protein diet increased IGF-1 levels in participants, which in turn led to more acne breakouts.
However, it is important to note that not all high protein diets are the same. The source of protein and the overall balance of macronutrients in the diet can play a role in the development of acne. Foods that are high in protein but also high in saturated fats and sugars, such as processed meats and dairy products, may be more likely to contribute to acne development.
On the other hand, protein sources that are low in saturated fats and sugars, such as lean proteins like chicken, fish, and plant-based protein sources like tofu and lentils, may not have the same effect on acne development.
Overall, while excess protein intake may contribute to the development of acne, it is important to focus on a well-balanced diet with a variety of whole foods. As stated by the American Academy of Dermatology, “Eating a healthy diet is important for overall health and may help prevent certain skin conditions like acne.”
| Food Item | Protein Content (g) |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | 31g |
| Salmon | 25g |
| Greek Yogurt | 23g |
| Lentils | 18g |
| Tofu | 16g |
| Almonds | 6g |
| Quinoa | 8g |
| Broccoli | 3g |
As stated by Hippocrates, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” Incorporating a balanced and varied diet can not only support overall health, but may also have a positive impact on maintaining clear skin.
Watch related video
The video explores the potential link between protein shakes and acne and presents the findings of a study conducted on five gym-goers. While excessive whey protein consumption can increase sebum production and cause acne breakouts, the study found that drinking three protein shakes a day for 30 days resulted in only a few extra spots and not extensive acne breakouts. Thus, protein shakes may cause occasional pimples but not serious acne breakouts.
Other viewpoints exist
The amino acids in whey protein can also stimulate the body to produce higher levels of insulin and IGF-1, which has been linked to the development of acne (39, 40). Several older case studies have reported a link between whey protein consumption and acne in male athletes (41, 42, 43).
Another theory is that the intake of whey or protein supplements spike your insulin by up to 3 times, producing excess oil (sebum) and rapidly multiplying the generation of new skin cells. This wreaks inflammatory havoc on your skin because your pores get clogged more often and you begin to experience swelling, redness and painful acne.
What’s more, the milk proteins can mess with your ability to process blood sugar efficiently. This can cause inflammation in your body—particularly in your skin, says dermatologist Whitney Bowe, M.D., author of The Beauty of Dirty Skin. This triggers an increase in sebum, the oil produced in your sebaceous glands, leading to acne.
"Well, whey protein increases the production of a hormone called insulin-like growth factor 1, or IGF-1. Insulin increases the production of sebum, which is associated with the development of acne. It can also trigger the production of androgens, or hormones that work by overstimulating oil glands, which in turn cause acne" she explains.
A common ingredient in protein powder, protein bars, and protein shakes, whey protein is a milk byproduct that can trigger inflammation flare-ups. Like dermatologist Dr. Fisher puts it, “Milk hormones increase the sebum production of the follicles, and whey protein increases insulin levels in the skin, which also increases sebum production.
More interesting questions on the topic
People also ask, Can more protein cause pimples? But whey protein has a dirty little secret: It could cause or worsen acne. Whey is one of the two main proteins found in milk (the other one is called casein). Too much whey can increase your level of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a hormone that boosts testosterone, causing breakouts.
Simply so, Can too much protein cause skin issues? The IgE-mediated reactions occur within minutes to an hour of food protein ingestion, and symptoms range from skin rashes, urticaria, angioedema, wheezing, to anaphylaxis, whereas non-IgE mediated reactions may occur in hours to days.
Furthermore, How do you get rid of protein acne?
As an answer to this: How To Prevent Acne Breakouts Caused By Whey Protein
- Avoid wearing tight clothing during any form of exercise.
- Shower immediately post-workout.
- Reduce the intake of whey protein.
- Use a medicated acne treatment (like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid) to reduce inflammation.
Consequently, Is high-protein good for acne?
Try cutting out dairy and whey protein
Another review of 9 studies in 71,819 people showed that people who drank milk were 16% more likely to have acne than those who did not ( 17 ). Similarly, research indicates that consuming whey protein — a milk-derived protein — may be associated with acne.
Can certain foods cause acne?
The response is: Studies have shown a definite link between the consumption of certain foods and acne. Foods with a high glycemic index cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels which both contribute to acne formation.
Subsequently, Can a poor diet cause acne?
The reply will be: While acne may not necessarily be caused by a bad diet, a bad diet can definitely cause acne. Confused? You could have experienced hormonal acne during puberty, menses (for women) or menopause where hormonal fluctuations are most intense. Even when you’re on a good diet, you can’t escape an acne flare during those periods.
Can probiotics prevent or treat acne? Yes. While there remains some debate about just how helpful probiotics are in the fight against acne, they definitely do help to some degree. For instance, one study has concluded that supplementing antibiotic acne treatment with the probiotics treated acne better than using antibiotics alone.
Can too much biotin cause acne?
The answer is: Taking too much biotin can cause side effects like acne and rashes. Acne isn’t the only skin related side effect of too much biotin. Painful skin rashes can also occur if the immune system detects biotin as something foreign. Rashes can include inflamed blood vessels in severe cases and can be a result of allergic reactions to the supplement.
Similarly, Can certain foods cause acne? Studies have shown a definite link between the consumption of certain foods and acne. Foods with a high glycemic index cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels which both contribute to acne formation.
In this manner, Can a poor diet cause acne? As a response to this: While acne may not necessarily be caused by a bad diet, a bad diet can definitely cause acne. Confused? You could have experienced hormonal acne during puberty, menses (for women) or menopause where hormonal fluctuations are most intense. Even when you’re on a good diet, you can’t escape an acne flare during those periods.
One may also ask, Can probiotics prevent or treat acne?
Response will be: Yes. While there remains some debate about just how helpful probiotics are in the fight against acne, they definitely do help to some degree. For instance, one study has concluded that supplementing antibiotic acne treatment with the probiotics treated acne better than using antibiotics alone.
Just so, Can too much biotin cause acne?
Response to this: Taking too much biotin can cause side effects like acne and rashes. Acne isn’t the only skin related side effect of too much biotin. Painful skin rashes can also occur if the immune system detects biotin as something foreign. Rashes can include inflamed blood vessels in severe cases and can be a result of allergic reactions to the supplement.