Anyone else here get acne from dairy? What dairy is safe to eat?

For those who notice acne after eating dairy, it seems like not all dairy causes it. I’d really love to keep butter in my meals! Plus, most of the studies seem focused on milk. What kind of dairy works for you without causing breakouts?

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For me, butter and hard cheeses are usually fine. Strangely, I stopped getting acne from dairy completely when I got pregnant. Not sure why!

That’s really great to hear! Gives me some hope.

I break out with most cow milk products, but butter seems to be okay. I’ve switched to goat and sheep cheeses since they don’t bother my skin or digestion.

I can have dairy, but only if I space it out. Figuring out your own limits with dairy is key, but I wouldn’t have it every day.

Cheese and cream sauces don’t bother me much, but milk and ice cream always mess up my skin.

Butter is about 82% fat with just a tiny amount of milk solids, so that’s why most people can handle it, even with lactose or protein intolerance. I learned this while studying pastry. Aging cheese helps too, because lactose breaks down. I went off all dairy for a few months and now I can handle small amounts, even ice cream occasionally. You just have to be careful with how much.

Thanks so much, this really helps! I love learning the science behind it too.

It’s all about how well your body can digest dairy. I stick to goat and sheep cheese, and I feel okay. Try eliminating dairy for a while, and slowly add in cheese or yogurt to see how your body reacts. Whole milk products are better because they have more nutrients. You could also look into fermented foods like kimchi or kombucha to help your gut, which might help you handle dairy better. I noticed the biggest issue for me is sugar, especially in ice cream. Sugar combined with dairy gives me acne. Now I can have a bit of cheese or yogurt without any problems, but ice cream? Still a big no-go, even the vegan stuff!

This makes a lot of sense! And I love pecorino, so I’ll be so happy if I can add that back!

I eat loads of butter—probably too much—but I can’t resist. The pimples are worth it to me!

Butter and cheese seem fine for me, but milk and whey protein give me breakouts, even in small amounts.

Whey protein causes major breakouts for me, but I’m fine with butter, cheese, and unsweetened yogurt. Even an occasional protein shake isn’t too bad.

Has anyone here tried ghee? Curious if it causes breakouts for people like regular butter.

Cream sauces and cheese don’t cause issues, but milk and ice cream still give me acne every single time.

Oddly enough, some ice creams like Blue Bell don’t upset my stomach, but others do. It’s hit or miss.

Sheep’s milk and yogurt seem to be the best options for me. No acne from those at all.

Whey protein and milk are the worst for me. Processed cheeses like Velveeta are okay though, and I don’t get breakouts from non-cow cheeses like goat or sheep’s milk cheese.