I have acne and eczema – should I still eat dairy?

There isn’t much research linking milk and dairy to acne or eczema – in fact, the nutrients in dairy can actually help you achieve great skin.  

Acne 

Acne is a condition which usually presents during puberty. Some adults can get acne too. It can be caused by changes in hormones which cause the overproduction of oily secretions by glands in our skin. The reasons behind why someone is experiencing acne can be complicated. Things like genetics, skin type and hormones play a part. 

So, a simple explanation of acne being 'caused by' any single food is unlikely. There's no sufficient evidence to recommend limiting dairy foods for the management of acne. 

In fact, milk is a source of several nutrients that have well-known roles in normal skin health, such as riboflavin and iodine. Cutting out dairy foods like milk, cheese and yoghurt means you may miss out on important essential nutrients, and health benefits too. 

If you're experiencing acne, it’s best to speak to a GP or dermatologist before making any changes, including removing dairy foods. 

Eczema 

Got itchy, red skin that just won't quit? You might be dealing with eczema, a chronic skin condition that's all about inflammation, itching, and redness. But don't worry, you're not alone - over a million Aussies are in the same boat.¹

Eczema's a joint effort between your genes and the environment, who team up to create this skin situation.² Unfortunately, there's no known cure, but people who live with eczema can manage the symptoms by avoiding common triggers and following a personalised skincare plan developed in tandem with their GP or dermatologist. 

Everyone's eczema story is unique, but there are a few common culprits. These may include low humidity (i.e. during winter), irritants in your surroundings and stress.²

Some people say certain foods can kick-start their eczema, but science isn't totally sure about the food connection.³ In fact, the research shows dietary restrictions don't seem to help with eczema and can lead to nutritional deficiencies and in children, can affect their growth.⁴

If you're affected by this condition, it's important to work closely with a dermatologist or healthcare provider to develop a personalised treatment plan and to identify and manage triggers in order to effectively manage eczema symptoms and improve your quality of life. 

If you suspect certain foods are the culprits, don't guess your way through it. Your GP or dermatologist can help you uncover the truth. If you do have a confirmed food trigger, it's important to speak to a dietitian who can cook up a personalised menu that won't leave you hungry for essential nutrients. 

Third party references are provided below. 

References 

1.  Thompson, D. (2018). Retrieved from https://allergyfacts.org.au/allergy-anaphylaxis/eczema-atopic-dermatitis/management
2. National Eczema Association. (2022). Retrieved from https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/causes-and-triggers-of-eczema/
3. Eczema Association Australasia. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.eczema.org.au/understanding-eczema/
4. Diotallevi, F., Campanati, A., Martina, E., Radi, G., Paolinelli, M., Marani, A., … Offidani, A. (2022). The role of nutrition in immune-mediated, inflammatory skin disease: A narrative review. Nutrients, 14(3), 591. doi:10.3390/nu14030591