Almond milk is a plant-based beverage that is the first choice for people who avoid dairy milk. It is healthy and nutrient-rich, best for those who can’t digest cow’s milk. This milk is creamy and rich in nutrients like vitamin E.
However, there is a debate: does almond milk cause acne? Our food affects our skin directly. So, is it true that taking almond milk can cause breakouts? The answer is that almond milk contains natural oils and nutrients that may cause clogged pores and acne. But it doesn’t directly cause acne.
Meanwhile, the response varies from person to person. Some people can take almond milk without issues, and it helps them achieve healthier skin. However, some can get acne, especially people with acne-prone skin. Yet, it is still a great option to add to your diet compared to regular milk.
Causes of Acne and How Your Diet Influences Skin Conditions
Acne is when your hair follicles get clogged with oil, forming pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. People of all ages can face acne; however, it’s most common in teenagers due to hormonal changes at that age. Here are the three leading causes of acne:
Hormones: Hormones play the most crucial role in your skin condition. Your body produces more androgen during puberty, pregnancy, or the menstrual cycle. As a result, it produces excessive oil, leading to clogged pores that become acne.
Genetics: Genetics also plays a crucial role in the formation of acne. If your parents have acne or skin problems, you may face the same problem.
Diet: Diet is directly relevant to skin health. Research reveals that what we eat significantly affects our skin health.
How Does Diet Influence Skin Conditions?
In recent years, researchers have been very interested in the connection between diet and the skin. Now, everyone is concerned about their skin health, so they always keep their skin in check and eat a conscious diet.
Taking food high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can boost your insulin level, producing excessive oil. Dairy products are also considered to cause acne in some individuals. It might be due to hormones present in the dairy milk.
Conversely, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help clear your skin. These diets will help you to reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin.
What is Almond Milk?
Almond milk is a plant-based beverage that is a go-to option for people who want to avoid dairy milk. You can prepare it by soaking the almonds overnight and blending them with the water. It is the best alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan. It will be a creamy, versatile liquid for cereals, coffee, and baking.
It’s tasteful and rich in essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E. It is also low in calories, making it an excellent option for overweight people. What makes it stand out is that it is cholesterol—and lactose-free.
So, if you are avoiding dairy products, it’s the perfect option. You can prepare it easily at home by blending 1 cup of soaked almonds with 5 cups of water. You can also add flavors to it based on your choice. However, it is also available on the market.
Nutritional Profile of Almond Milk
Here is the nutritional chart of unsweetened almond milk.
| Nutrient | Amount per 1 Cup (240 ml) |
| Water | 96.5 g |
| Energy | 15 kcal |
| Protein | 0.4 g |
| Total Fat | 0.96 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.31 g |
| Calcium | 184 mg |
| Potassium | 67 mg |
| Vitamin E | 6.33 mg |
| Vitamin D | 1 µg |
| Sodium | 72 mg |
Does Almond Milk Cause Acne?
People who use almond milk in their diet often ask, “Does almond milk cause acne?” Let me clarify this confusion. Just like an Adderall role in acne, no research has shown that almond milk is directly associated with it. However, it might contain ingredients that can cause breakouts in a few individuals.
The case is not the same for all almond milk users. Yet, some people claim that using almond milk regularly has caused breakouts. Almonds are rich in omega-6 fatty acids that can cause acne. So, that might be the reason for acne in a few cases.
It is also rich in estrogen, which can lead to hormonal changes that are directly linked to acne. Let’s examine how its ingredients can affect acne.
1. High Estrogen in Almond Milk
There’s a claim that almond milk is high in phytoestrogens that mimic estrogen. The amount of phytoestrogen in almonds is not very high compared to other seeds.
However, people still think it can cause hormonal changes in the body. There’s no evidence yet that it will lead to hormonal imbalance and acne. However, people sensitive to hormonal changes could get hormone-related skin issues like acne.
2. High Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Our body needs omega-6 fatty acids to stay healthy. However, we need to keep the balance. When the ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 imbalances, it leads to inflammation, which is one cause of acne.
So, people think that taking almond milk will increase the amount of omega-6 in our body, which will cause inflammation. However, only a small omega-6 is found in almond milk. It is not enough to trigger the acne on your skin.
Meanwhile, other vegetable oils contain omega-6, which can cause imbalances between omega-6 and omega-3 in our bodies. So, there is a significantly low chance that omega-6 in almond milk will cause acne.
3. High Added-Sugars in Almond Milk
Many commercial almond milk brands add sugars to enhance flavor. When you consume high sugar, your insulin level increases. This leads to high oil production and clogged pores, which trigger acne. Unsweetened almond milk is an excellent option to minimize the risk.
You should balance your added sugar intake daily. Research suggests that 25 grams of added sugar for women and 36 grams for men is enough. So, you can opt for unsweetened almond milk to maximize benefits and minimize risk.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Almond Milk for Skin
Advantages: Although almond milk has a few disadvantages, it also helps you maintain your skin health in many ways. The most significant advantage of almond milk is that it is high in vitamin E and acts as an antioxidant that protects your skin from free radicals and UV rays. It is also considered better than cow milk, which can trigger acne. Almond milk is also hydrating, and it can help you maintain your skin’s natural moisture.
Disadvantages: Almond milk also has a few disadvantages. It might have added sugars that can cause inflammation and aggravate or worsen acne. It is also very low in protein, so you can add protein powder to the milk to maintain the protein level.
Which Other Milk Doesn’t Cause Acne?
Many people avoid dairy milk due to digestive problems, skin problems, and many other problems. As we have discussed, almond milk is not directly relevant to acne. There are also a few different options that you can choose for your dairy-free diet.
Macadamia Milk
Macadamia milk is creamy, low in carbs, and high in healthy fats. It also doesn’t contain hormones or lactose, which can trigger acne. Its nuts contain oleic acid, which is excellent for softening your skin, and you will never feel your skin dehydrated.
It also contains a high amount of vitamin E, which is beneficial for your skin and binds water. Macadamia nuts also contain a balanced amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which help to keep your skin soothing and calm.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is another acne-friendly plant-based milk. It is packed with lauric acid, known for its antimicrobial properties. It will help you to combat acne-causing bacteria. It’s also very high in vitamins C and E, which have antioxidant properties.
Coconut milk is also hydrating and nourishing. So, if you have dry skin, it’s your go-to option. However, it’s best to opt for unsweetened coconut milk to avoid the potential risks caused by added sugars.
Oat Milk
Oat milk has gained popularity in recent years due to its benefits for the skin. It’s rich in beta-glucan, a compound that helps to soothe and moisturize the skin.
It is also very low in allergens and free from dairy, so it’s less likely to cause acne. Its anti-inflammatory properties can be beneficial for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Conclusion
Almond oil is an excellent alternative to dairy milk. It is also rich in essential nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy. However, a new debate has arisen about whether almond milk causes acne.
Research shows no proof that almond milk will cause acne on your face. However, there can be a few ingredients that might trigger acne in a few individuals. However, you can reduce the risk by eating unsweetened almond milk.
It will also help you get a healthier skin complexion, as it’s rich in nutrients, hydration, and antioxidants. So, it’s an excellent alternative for vegans and those concerned about their weight, as it contains a deficient number of calories.
Have you tried almond milk?
Almond milk is becoming more popular, especially among diet-conscious people, as it is shallow in calories. Have you ever tried it? If yes, do you experience acne on your face? Or have you noticed any other changes in your skin or body health? Share your story in the comments or contact us here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do almonds cause pimples?
There is no evidence that it causes pimples. However, high levels of estrogen and omega-6 fatty acids can trigger acne in a few individuals. Sweetened almond milk, with its added sugars, can also lead to inflammation and acne.
Can almond milk clear your skin?
Yes, almond milk can help improve your overall skin health. It is rich in vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties. It protects skin from damage and supports a healthy complexion.
Which milk is worse for acne?
Dairy milk, particularly skim milk, is often considered worse for acne. It can increase insulin levels and contains hormones that may trigger or worsen acne.
Is soy milk or almond milk better for acne?
Almond milk is generally considered better than soy milk. Both are dairy-free milk, but soy milk contains phytoestrogens that can potentially disrupt hormone balance. So, it may cause acne in a few individuals. On the other hand, almond milk is low in hormones and rich in skin-friendly nutrients. However, the results might also depend on an individual’s skin type.
Is almond drink good for acne?
Yes, almond drinks are good for acne. They are dairy-free and less likely to cause acne than cow milk. Their high vitamin E content helps protect and nourish the skin, resulting in healthier skin.
What are the side effects of almond milk?
Almond milk can have few side effects, especially for nut allergies. It can cause allergic reactions like itching, swelling, or gas in those people. If you take sweetened milk, added sugars can also lead to weight gain and digestive issues.
What foods trigger acne?
Foods that can trigger acne include:
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and other dairy items may increase hormone levels that contribute to acne.
- High-glycemic foods: Sugary snacks, white bread, and other refined carbohydrates can boost insulin levels, increasing oil production.
- Processed and fast foods: Foods like chips, burgers, and fried items often contain unhealthy fats and additives that may lead to acne.
- Chocolate: Some studies suggest that chocolate, particularly varieties high in sugar, can worsen acne in some people.
Which milk doesn’t cause acne?
Almond, coconut, oat, and macadamia milk are good for avoiding acne and getting healthy skin, compared to cow’s milk, which is most likely to trigger acne.
Does coconut milk cause acne?
No, coconut milk doesn’t cause acne. It is rich in lauric acid, which combats acne-causing bacteria. It also contains vitamins C and E that help you get acne-free, clear skin.
Does oat milk cause acne?
No, oat milk is perfect for your skin. It contains beta-glucan, which keeps your skin moisturized and hydrated. It is also free from hormones, so there are few chances it will contribute to acne.
Does almond milk cause acne on your skin overnight?
No, almond milk is safe to drink for your skin. You can take it regularly, as it is packed with nutrients that will leave you clearer and smoother skin. Try to use unsweetened almond milk to minimize the risk of acne.
