Lattes, Greek Yogurt, and Oreos, Oh My!: Exploring the Role of Dairy and Sugar in Acne Flares

Dr. Sonal Choudhary, a Dermatopathologist and Dermatologist, and Director of the Integrative Dermatology and Skincare Clinic at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and Noel Prevost, MPAS, PA-C, a Dermatology Physician Assistant at UPMC Falk Dermatology-Oakland, discuss how dairy and sugar can contribute to acne flares.

Key Takeaways:

Skim milk and Greek yogurt may contain high levels of insulin-like growth factor, which can stimulate oil production

Sugars can also aggravate acneAcne may improve even without systemic or topical therapy when patients cut out or limit dairy products in their diet

People with polycystic ovary syndrome may be more sensitive to dairy and sugar – possibly due to high levels of insulin-like growth factor.

Taking a dietary history may help identify factors that are contributing to acne flares