{"id":1700255,"date":"2026-01-04T15:25:31","date_gmt":"2026-01-04T12:25:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1700255"},"modified":"2026-01-04T15:25:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T12:25:31","slug":"i-cut-out-dairy-and-cleared-my-painful-cystic-breakouts-heres-why-it-worked","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1700255","title":{"rendered":"I Cut Out Dairy and Cleared My Painful Cystic Breakouts\u2014Here&#8217;s Why It Worked"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><main id=\"main_1-0\" class=\"comp main layout-body--continuous-scroll mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\"><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--three-column sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">I Cut Out Dairy and Cleared My Painful Cystic Breakouts\u2014Here&#8217;s Why It Worked<\/h1>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Amanda Montell has worked as a beauty editor in Los Angeles for over three years covering hair, skin, and more. She previously served as the features editor for Byrdie and currently writes for Time Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and more.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Amanda Montell<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"byrdie writer amanda montell headshot\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__633__amanda-montell-633-1491106637-main_image-52dc030d36a04dc1982fe0ebac4f973c-2.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__633__amanda-montell-633-1491106637-main_image-52dc030d36a04dc1982fe0ebac4f973c-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__633__amanda-montell-633-1491106637-main_image-52dc030d36a04dc1982fe0ebac4f973c-2.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"byrdie writer amanda montell headshot\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__633__amanda-montell-633-1491106637-main_image-52dc030d36a04dc1982fe0ebac4f973c-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nAmanda Montell\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--facebook\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--x\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nAmanda Montell has worked as a beauty editor in Los Angeles for over three years covering hair, skin, and more. She previously served as the features editor for Byrdie and currently writes for Time Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and more.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on January 04, 2026 10:25AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--beauty_wellness_reviewer\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Brooke Alpert, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. is a nationally recognized nutrition expert and best-selling author.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Brooke Alpert, MS, RD, CDN<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Brooke Alpert\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/brooke_alpert-screen-60428944ff944838b1d2cce515894d59-1.webp\" title=\"brooke_alpert-screen-60428944ff944838b1d2cce515894d59-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/brooke_alpert-screen-60428944ff944838b1d2cce515894d59-1.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Brooke Alpert\" title=\"brooke_alpert-screen-60428944ff944838b1d2cce515894d59-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><br \/>\nBrooke Alpert, MS, RD, CDN\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nBrooke Alpert, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. is a nationally recognized nutrition expert and best-selling author.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nAbout Byrdie&#8217;s Beauty &amp; Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-postscript\">Registered Dietitian <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--fact_checker\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Michelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women's lifestyle news.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Michelle Regalado<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Michelle Regalado\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226-4.webp\" title=\"regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226-4.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Michelle Regalado\" title=\"regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><br \/>\nMichelle Regalado\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--x\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nMichelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women&#8217;s lifestyle news.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE&#8217;S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-left-rail\">\n<div id=\"beauty-sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-sticky-toc mntl-block js-sticky-container sticky-toc__wrapper\">\n<div id=\"sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp sticky-toc mntl-universal-sticky-toc mntl-sticky-toc mntl-block sticky-toc-widget\" data-desktop-bp=\"70em\">\n<div id=\"toc-wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp toc-wrapper mntl-toc mntl-block\" data-chop-mobile=\"false\" data-offset=\"60\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__inner_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__inner mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading mntl-block js-toc-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle__btn_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle__btn mntl-text-block js-mntl-toc-toggle text-label-300\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" data-collapsed-text=\"View All\" data-expanded-text=\"View Less\">View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__mobile-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__mobile-toggle mntl-block js-sticky-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-toc__list_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list mntl-toc__list-heading expert-content text-utility-300\">\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">How Dairy Affects Skin<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">My Skin on Dairy<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Treatments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">The Final Takeaway<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dairy-1-e3775cf948f944829d1fc16addc016a3.webp\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" alt=\"A hand with red nails holding a glass of milk\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"dairy-1-e3775cf948f944829d1fc16addc016a3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dairy-1-e3775cf948f944829d1fc16addc016a3.webp\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A hand with red nails holding a glass of milk\" title=\"dairy-1-e3775cf948f944829d1fc16addc016a3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Death to Stock<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Dairy products can trigger breakouts due to hormones, potentially increasing sebum production and inflammation.<\/li>\n<li>Reducing or eliminating dairy from your diet for a few weeks may significantly improve acne-prone skin.<\/li>\n<li>Using non-comedogenic makeup and staying hydrated are essential steps to prevent or reduce cystic acne.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Have you ever heard of the term &#8220;dairy face?&#8221; While cheeses, cappuccinos, and other delectable, lactose-infused concoctions can indeed cause breakouts, I decided <em>well, screw it<\/em>. On a trip to Italy, I sampled scrumptious delicacies without a care. And though my skin did break out, I was able to clear it up in two weeks. <strong>Below, read my firsthand account of treating cystic acne from dairy. Plus, get advice from top skincare experts\u2014 dermatologists, Rachel Nazarian, MD, Loretta Ciraldo, MD, and celebrity esthetician, Ren\u00e9e Rouleau, to be exact<\/strong>\u2014<strong>about having your glow and eating dairy, too.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City. She is also a faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center&#8217;s Department of Dermatology.<\/li>\n<li>Loretta\u00a0Ciraldo,\u00a0MD, FAAD, is a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience and the founder of\u00a0Dr. Loretta skincare.<\/li>\n<li>Ren\u00e9e Rouleau is a sought-after skincare expert, esthetician, and founder of the eponymous brand. She offers skincare treatments in Dallas, Austin, New York, and Los Angeles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How Dairy Affects Skin <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Skin health experts agree that what you eat shows up on your face, and in the case of dairy, it&#8217;s rarely good. Dairy is mucous-forming and difficult to digest (thus, why so many people are lactose intolerant). Sometimes, a side effect of that blow to the digestive system can arrive in the form of cystic acne or hard, painful bumps under the skin.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;The hypothesis is that<strong> since the majority of milk in the U.S. comes from pregnant cows (and some cows are given growth hormones), the hormone levels in milk may play a role in excess sebum production, which promotes acne,&#8221; explains Rouleau.<\/strong> The idea is that when the hormones in milk react with your own body&#8217;s cocktail of testosterone and hormones, your sebum production skyrockets. &#8220;The process, along with increasing inflammation, worsens or flares acne pimples,&#8221; adds Dr. Nazarian. So if you&#8217;re already breaking out (say, due to stress or travel or your period), dairy could make it worse.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> However, not all lactose-riddled goods are created equal, especially when it comes to your skin. &#8220;Not everyone breaks out more from dairy, and it seems that the type of dairy you consume is a factor in dairy-induced acne,&#8221; notes Dr. Ciraldo. &#8220;In one published meta-analysis\u00a0of 14 peer-reviewed studies\u00a0of dairy and acne, the conclusion was that for people who are sensitive to dairy, it is specifically milk that causes the acne and that yogurt and cheeses are not triggers for acne.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"How To Get Rid of a Dairy-Induced Breakout custom illustration\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce.webp\" title=\"breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce.webp\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"How To Get Rid of a Dairy-Induced Breakout custom illustration\" title=\"breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Michela Buttignol\/BYRDIE<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> My Skin on Dairy <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> My dairy-induced breakouts, which cropped up in the final days of my cheese-soaked trip, could be found along my chin and jawline. Dr. Nazarian says that the lower face and outer areas of the face are anecdotally where dairy breakouts most often occur, though there is technically no empirical support for this. Either way, that&#8217;s definitely where mine decided to show up.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Luckily, I had a pretty good idea of why these big, sore pimples were happening, so I didn&#8217;t flip out. I just surrendered to the notion that they were the sacrifice I made for a lot of delicious pizza and calmly decided to do everything I could to treat them. And two weeks later, they were almost completely gone. Here&#8217;s what I did to go from broken-out to clear-skinned after a major dairy bender.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" alt=\"Close-up of person with cystic acne from dairy on their chin and jawline\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Close-up of person with cystic acne from dairy on their chin and jawline\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Amanda Montell<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Get Rid of Cystic Acne From Dairy <\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Try a Cyst Treatment <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> For deep hormonal breakouts, I pretty much want to marry Rouleau&#8217;s cult favorite Anti Bump Solution, formerly known as the Anti Cyst Treatment. By her instruction, I applied this purifying treatment at the first sight of a cyst. She says the product can &#8220;dramatically flatten the visible appearance of the bump by about 50 percent more quickly than when using nothing at all.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Try a Spot Treatment <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Don&#8217;t have this exact treatment handy? No worries: Dr. Nazarian says treating your breakout with a topical anti-inflammatory or over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-based product will help. Try Neutrogena&#8217;s On-the-Spot Acne Treatment or Murad&#8217;s Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Scale Back on Dairy <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> This one might sound obvious, but no matter how many topical products you pile on your blemishes, the most effective cure comes from the inside out (at least it did for me). &#8220;Try cutting out your dairy completely for two weeks and see if that improves the condition,&#8221; Rouleau suggests, adding that in her 30 years as an esthetician, she has &#8220;cured&#8221; dozens of her clients&#8217; cystic acne simply by recommending that they go dairy-free (or at least scale back).\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;In my forty years of dermatology practice, I have found with increasing frequency that acne patients who start a vegan diet often have clearer skin,&#8221; Dr. Ciraldo remarks.\u00a0&#8220;Since this is an overall healthy nutritional adjustment I do recommend this if you have found that your acne isn&#8217;t clearing with conventional treatments, especially if you are a milk drinker.\u00a0I often simply suggest switching to non-dairy milk substitutes for three months. Take good selfies before and after to follow any progress with this adjustment.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Drink Up <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Hydration is key, too. Sounds counterintuitive, but all that air travel I was doing on my return from Italy to the United States seriously parched my skin\u2014and dehydration, according to Dr. Nazarian, can make the skin look even more inflamed and cause cysts to appear redder. &#8220;Stay hydrated, drinking lots of water and fluids. Recommended six to eight glasses a day,&#8221; she says. You might also try swapping out your exfoliating toner for a hydrating one, like Etude House&#8217;s SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Use Non-Comedogenic Makeup <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> I don&#8217;t make a habit of not washing my face at night, but sometimes when I&#8217;m traveling, I get lax about it. This does not bode well for existing breakouts. When dealing with problem skin, Dr. Nazarian suggests avoiding any occlusive topical products, such as heavy makeup, powders, or lotions, no matter how tempting it might be to paint over those zits. &#8220;Use oil-free, non-comedogenic products,&#8221; she says. Vichy makes an amazing foundation for blemish-prone, sensitive skin.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Consider a Cortisone Shot <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If the breakout feels so out of your control that you just don&#8217;t know where to go, hitting up your dermatologist or esthetician can&#8217;t be a mistake.I promptly paid a visit to Ren\u00e9e Rouleau for a round of lancing and extractions to &#8220;reset&#8221; my skin. But getting a cortisone shot at the derm&#8217;s office may also work in a pinch.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;re experiencing a breakout, you should first determine its cause to figure out the right treatment method. If you are lactose-intolerant or have sensitive skin, you may be prone to dairy breakouts. A number of products are available to get rid of cystic acne from dairy but by adjusting your diet and avoiding certain triggers like comedogenic ingredients, you can even help to prevent these types of breakouts in the first place. In case you&#8217;re facing a serious breakout and want to get rid of it ASAP, ask your dermatologist about getting a cortisone shot or get their recommendation for the best treatment plan for you.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block u-article-styles\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"citation-sources__text_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources__text mntl-text-block\">Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Bartley J, McGlashan SR. Does milk increase mucus production?\u00a0<em>Med Hypotheses<\/em>. 2010;74(4):732-734. doi:10.1016\/j.mehy.2009.10.044<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Skin Concerns<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Acne<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div id=\"recirc_1-0\" class=\"comp recirc mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<h2 id=\"recirc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp recirc__heading mntl-text-block\">Related Stories<\/h2>\n<ul id=\"card-list-1_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list-1 card-list mntl-block l-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"card-list__item_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Woman applying skincare product to her face with eyes closed focusing on her cheeks and chin\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hormonal-acne-2-d90fce4981c448a79b864d1cf22c0bf8-5.webp\" title=\"hormonal-acne-2-d90fce4981c448a79b864d1cf22c0bf8-5\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/hormonal-acne-2-d90fce4981c448a79b864d1cf22c0bf8-5.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Woman applying skincare product to her face with eyes closed focusing on her cheeks and chin\" title=\"hormonal-acne-2-d90fce4981c448a79b864d1cf22c0bf8-5\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">These Are the Hormonal Acne Treatments Dermatologists Swear By<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_2-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media 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title=\"byr-best-cleansing-oils-tout-recirc-1553ace61ca0482ca594cc57158de7c8-8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-cleansing-oils-tout-recirc-1553ace61ca0482ca594cc57158de7c8-8.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Person holding a cleansing oil bottle and applying it to their face\" title=\"byr-best-cleansing-oils-tout-recirc-1553ace61ca0482ca594cc57158de7c8-8\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 8 Best Cleansing Oils for Soft, Truly Clean Skin, According to Testers<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_7-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Two individuals applying facial moisturizer to their cheeks\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byrdie-moisturizers-tout-baa58b5d3e3848c3a99350a16b6c0242-11.webp\" title=\"byrdie-moisturizers-tout-baa58b5d3e3848c3a99350a16b6c0242-11\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byrdie-moisturizers-tout-baa58b5d3e3848c3a99350a16b6c0242-11.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Two individuals applying facial moisturizer to their cheeks\" title=\"byrdie-moisturizers-tout-baa58b5d3e3848c3a99350a16b6c0242-11\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 13 Best Noncomedogenic Moisturizers for Clear, Healthy Skin<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_8-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person's face after applying Tula Skincare Beauty Sleep Overnight Repair Treatment and a person applying the Derma-E Ultra Hydrating Advanced Repair Night Cream to their cheek\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/the-best-night-creams-tout-2-recirc-d412a8c0a1e948a2bb42503e06a14c09-12.webp\" title=\"the-best-night-creams-tout-2-recirc-d412a8c0a1e948a2bb42503e06a14c09-12\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/the-best-night-creams-tout-2-recirc-d412a8c0a1e948a2bb42503e06a14c09-12.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A person's face after applying Tula Skincare Beauty Sleep Overnight Repair Treatment and a person applying the Derma-E Ultra Hydrating Advanced Repair Night Cream to their cheek\" title=\"the-best-night-creams-tout-2-recirc-d412a8c0a1e948a2bb42503e06a14c09-12\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">12 Best Night Creams to Wake Up With Glowing Skin, According to Testers and Derms<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul id=\"card-list-2_1-0\" class=\"comp card-list-2 card-list mntl-block l-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"card-list__item_9-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Closeup of a smiling person with a skincare product applied to their face\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/zinc-1-b72a419bb6134ffeabf5f7169d315fd7-15.webp\" title=\"zinc-1-b72a419bb6134ffeabf5f7169d315fd7-15\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/zinc-1-b72a419bb6134ffeabf5f7169d315fd7-15.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Closeup of a smiling person with a skincare product applied to their face\" title=\"zinc-1-b72a419bb6134ffeabf5f7169d315fd7-15\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Zinc Is the Underrated Fix for Acne and Skin Inflammation <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_10-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Pore Minimizers Featuring bareMinerals Prime Time and Kate Sommerville Exfolikate On Tester Faces\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-pore-minimizers-tout-recirc-8ef0f5ea2c6d43bca1b2fa71fc4bdcd2-6.webp\" title=\"byr-pore-minimizers-tout-recirc-8ef0f5ea2c6d43bca1b2fa71fc4bdcd2-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-pore-minimizers-tout-recirc-8ef0f5ea2c6d43bca1b2fa71fc4bdcd2-6.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Pore Minimizers Featuring bareMinerals Prime Time and Kate Sommerville Exfolikate On Tester Faces\" title=\"byr-pore-minimizers-tout-recirc-8ef0f5ea2c6d43bca1b2fa71fc4bdcd2-6\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 9 Best Pore Minimizers for Smoother-Looking Skin, According to Testers<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_11-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Closeup of a person wearing a pink hat and gloves lips slightly parted\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lip-filler-2-fb931c40481145bba9f091d70f222789-6.webp\" title=\"lip-filler-2-fb931c40481145bba9f091d70f222789-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/lip-filler-2-fb931c40481145bba9f091d70f222789-6.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Closeup of a person wearing a pink hat and gloves lips slightly parted\" title=\"lip-filler-2-fb931c40481145bba9f091d70f222789-6\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Lip Filler Aftercare: The 15 Tips That Actually Make a Difference<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_12-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person applying a skincare product and showcasing the result\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-moisturizers-for-rosacea-tout-recirc-74ce224fad10427bb10f699280a99f88-7.webp\" title=\"byr-best-moisturizers-for-rosacea-tout-recirc-74ce224fad10427bb10f699280a99f88-7\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-moisturizers-for-rosacea-tout-recirc-74ce224fad10427bb10f699280a99f88-7.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A person applying a skincare product and showcasing the result\" title=\"byr-best-moisturizers-for-rosacea-tout-recirc-74ce224fad10427bb10f699280a99f88-7\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 13 Best Rosacea-Friendly Moisturizers for Calm, Comfortable Skin, Per Testers<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_13-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Two people trying drugstore moisturizers on their face\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/best-drugstore-moisturizers-byrdie-recirc-2b21131d3481439f952cd315154b8bd3-7.webp\" title=\"best-drugstore-moisturizers-byrdie-recirc-2b21131d3481439f952cd315154b8bd3-7\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/best-drugstore-moisturizers-byrdie-recirc-2b21131d3481439f952cd315154b8bd3-7.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Two people trying drugstore moisturizers on their face\" title=\"best-drugstore-moisturizers-byrdie-recirc-2b21131d3481439f952cd315154b8bd3-7\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 9 Best Drugstore Moisturizers for Glowing, Hydrated Skin, Tested by Byrdie<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_14-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Person holding a jar of retinol cream closeup view\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-wrinkle-creams-tout-recirc-9c5ada54f44d4d2f951bea4a69de1285-6.webp\" title=\"byr-best-wrinkle-creams-tout-recirc-9c5ada54f44d4d2f951bea4a69de1285-6\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/byr-best-wrinkle-creams-tout-recirc-9c5ada54f44d4d2f951bea4a69de1285-6.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Person holding a jar of retinol cream closeup view\" title=\"byr-best-wrinkle-creams-tout-recirc-9c5ada54f44d4d2f951bea4a69de1285-6\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 13 Best Wrinkle Creams We\u2019ve Tested That <em>Actually<\/em> Help Smooth Lines<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_15-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"A person with a contemplative expression resting their arm on a surface\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/acne-2-7a0b62959efc44ff91f1e8de664a7813-16.webp\" title=\"acne-2-7a0b62959efc44ff91f1e8de664a7813-16\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/acne-2-7a0b62959efc44ff91f1e8de664a7813-16.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"A person with a contemplative expression resting their arm on a surface\" title=\"acne-2-7a0b62959efc44ff91f1e8de664a7813-16\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">Read This If You&#8217;re Considering Spironolactone For Acne<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"card-list__item_16-0\" class=\"comp card-list__item mntl-block \">\n<div class=\"loc card__top\">\n<div class=\"card__media mntl-image card__media universal-image__container\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" alt=\"Three body exfoliation tools shown closeup including a dry brush and hand tool in use on a persons shoulder\" class=\"lazyload card__img universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/the-best-body-exfoliating-tools-tout-recirc-1902638035b1429db2dbc51620e5273c-8.webp\" title=\"the-best-body-exfoliating-tools-tout-recirc-1902638035b1429db2dbc51620e5273c-8\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/the-best-body-exfoliating-tools-tout-recirc-1902638035b1429db2dbc51620e5273c-8.webp\" width=\"300\" height=\"240\" class=\"img--noscript card__img universal-image__image\" alt=\"Three body exfoliation tools shown closeup including a dry brush and hand tool in use on a persons shoulder\" title=\"the-best-body-exfoliating-tools-tout-recirc-1902638035b1429db2dbc51620e5273c-8\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"card__content \"><span class=\"card__title\"><span class=\"card__title-text \">The 15 Best Exfoliating Tools for Unbelievably Silky Skin<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/main><\/p>\n<article id=\"beauty-article--sc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-article--sc beauty-article mntl-article mntl-article--three-column sc-ad-container\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"loc article-header\">\n<div id=\"article-header_1-0\" class=\"comp article-header mntl-block article-top\">\n<h1 id=\"article-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp article-heading mntl-text-block\">I Cut Out Dairy and Cleared My Painful Cystic Breakouts\u2014Here&#8217;s Why It Worked<\/h1>\n<div id=\"article-meta_1-0\" class=\"comp article-meta mntl-article-meta mntl-block\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"bylines_1-0\" class=\"comp bylines beauty-bylines mntl-bylines\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date\"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">By<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Amanda Montell has worked as a beauty editor in Los Angeles for over three years covering hair, skin, and more. She previously served as the features editor for Byrdie and currently writes for Time Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and more.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Amanda Montell<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"byrdie writer amanda montell headshot\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__633__amanda-montell-633-1491106637-main_image-52dc030d36a04dc1982fe0ebac4f973c-2.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__633__amanda-montell-633-1491106637-main_image-52dc030d36a04dc1982fe0ebac4f973c-2\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__633__amanda-montell-633-1491106637-main_image-52dc030d36a04dc1982fe0ebac4f973c-2.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"byrdie writer amanda montell headshot\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__users__633__amanda-montell-633-1491106637-main_image-52dc030d36a04dc1982fe0ebac4f973c-2\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \">\nAmanda Montell\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--instagram\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--facebook\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--x\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nAmanda Montell has worked as a beauty editor in Los Angeles for over three years covering hair, skin, and more. She previously served as the features editor for Byrdie and currently writes for Time Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and more.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nByrdie&#8217;s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-date\">Published on January 04, 2026 10:25AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--beauty_wellness_reviewer\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Brooke Alpert, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. is a nationally recognized nutrition expert and best-selling author.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Brooke Alpert, MS, RD, CDN<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Brooke Alpert\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/brooke_alpert-screen-60428944ff944838b1d2cce515894d59-1.webp\" title=\"brooke_alpert-screen-60428944ff944838b1d2cce515894d59-1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/brooke_alpert-screen-60428944ff944838b1d2cce515894d59-1.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Brooke Alpert\" title=\"brooke_alpert-screen-60428944ff944838b1d2cce515894d59-1\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Reviewed by<\/span><br \/>\nBrooke Alpert, MS, RD, CDN\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nBrooke Alpert, M.S., R.D., C.D.N. is a nationally recognized nutrition expert and best-selling author.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nAbout Byrdie&#8217;s Beauty &amp; Wellness Board\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-attribution__item-postscript\">Registered Dietitian <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__group_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--fact_checker\">\n<div id=\"mntl-bylines__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><\/p>\n<div data-tooltip=\"Michelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women's lifestyle news.\" data-inline-tooltip=\"true\"> Michelle Regalado<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group\">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__top \">\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" alt=\"Michelle Regalado\" class=\"lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226-4.webp\" title=\"regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226-4\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226-4.webp\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Michelle Regalado\" title=\"regalado_headshot-549f57cef4b54ea193d6181c1e97d226-4\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__name_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item \"><span class=\"mntl-attribution__item-descriptor\">Fact checked by<\/span><br \/>\nMichelle Regalado\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-author-tooltip__social-nav beauty-social-nav mntl-social-nav social-nav--tooltip\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ul class=\"social-nav__list\">\n<li class=\"social-nav__item social-nav__item--x\"><\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bio\">\nMichelle Regalado is a seasoned editor, fact-checker, and content strategist with expertise in women&#8217;s lifestyle news.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mntl-author-tooltip__bottom\">\nLEARN ABOUT BYRDIE&#8217;S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-left-rail\">\n<div id=\"beauty-sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-sticky-toc mntl-block js-sticky-container sticky-toc__wrapper\">\n<div id=\"sticky-toc_1-0\" class=\"comp sticky-toc mntl-universal-sticky-toc mntl-sticky-toc mntl-block sticky-toc-widget\" data-desktop-bp=\"70em\">\n<div id=\"toc-wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp toc-wrapper mntl-toc mntl-block\" data-chop-mobile=\"false\" data-offset=\"60\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__inner_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__inner mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading mntl-block js-toc-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc-toggle__btn_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc-toggle__btn mntl-text-block js-mntl-toc-toggle text-label-300\" data-click-tracked=\"true\" data-collapsed-text=\"View All\" data-expanded-text=\"View Less\">View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__mobile-toggle_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__mobile-toggle mntl-block js-sticky-toggle\"><span id=\"mntl-toc__heading-text_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__heading-text mntl-text-block\">In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-toc__list_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list mntl-toc__list-heading expert-content text-utility-300\">\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">How Dairy Affects Skin<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">My Skin on Dairy<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Treatments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-toc__list-item_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-toc__list-item-heading_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-toc__list-item-heading mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">The Final Takeaway<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dairy-1-e3775cf948f944829d1fc16addc016a3.webp\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" alt=\"A hand with red nails holding a glass of milk\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"dairy-1-e3775cf948f944829d1fc16addc016a3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dairy-1-e3775cf948f944829d1fc16addc016a3.webp\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A hand with red nails holding a glass of milk\" title=\"dairy-1-e3775cf948f944829d1fc16addc016a3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Death to Stock<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Dairy products can trigger breakouts due to hormones, potentially increasing sebum production and inflammation.<\/li>\n<li>Reducing or eliminating dairy from your diet for a few weeks may significantly improve acne-prone skin.<\/li>\n<li>Using non-comedogenic makeup and staying hydrated are essential steps to prevent or reduce cystic acne.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Have you ever heard of the term &#8220;dairy face?&#8221; While cheeses, cappuccinos, and other delectable, lactose-infused concoctions can indeed cause breakouts, I decided <em>well, screw it<\/em>. On a trip to Italy, I sampled scrumptious delicacies without a care. And though my skin did break out, I was able to clear it up in two weeks. <strong>Below, read my firsthand account of treating cystic acne from dairy. Plus, get advice from top skincare experts\u2014 dermatologists, Rachel Nazarian, MD, Loretta Ciraldo, MD, and celebrity esthetician, Ren\u00e9e Rouleau, to be exact<\/strong>\u2014<strong>about having your glow and eating dairy, too.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City. She is also a faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center&#8217;s Department of Dermatology.<\/li>\n<li>Loretta\u00a0Ciraldo,\u00a0MD, FAAD, is a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience and the founder of\u00a0Dr. Loretta skincare.<\/li>\n<li>Ren\u00e9e Rouleau is a sought-after skincare expert, esthetician, and founder of the eponymous brand. She offers skincare treatments in Dallas, Austin, New York, and Los Angeles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How Dairy Affects Skin <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Skin health experts agree that what you eat shows up on your face, and in the case of dairy, it&#8217;s rarely good. Dairy is mucous-forming and difficult to digest (thus, why so many people are lactose intolerant). Sometimes, a side effect of that blow to the digestive system can arrive in the form of cystic acne or hard, painful bumps under the skin.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;The hypothesis is that<strong> since the majority of milk in the U.S. comes from pregnant cows (and some cows are given growth hormones), the hormone levels in milk may play a role in excess sebum production, which promotes acne,&#8221; explains Rouleau.<\/strong> The idea is that when the hormones in milk react with your own body&#8217;s cocktail of testosterone and hormones, your sebum production skyrockets. &#8220;The process, along with increasing inflammation, worsens or flares acne pimples,&#8221; adds Dr. Nazarian. So if you&#8217;re already breaking out (say, due to stress or travel or your period), dairy could make it worse.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> However, not all lactose-riddled goods are created equal, especially when it comes to your skin. &#8220;Not everyone breaks out more from dairy, and it seems that the type of dairy you consume is a factor in dairy-induced acne,&#8221; notes Dr. Ciraldo. &#8220;In one published meta-analysis\u00a0of 14 peer-reviewed studies\u00a0of dairy and acne, the conclusion was that for people who are sensitive to dairy, it is specifically milk that causes the acne and that yogurt and cheeses are not triggers for acne.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"How To Get Rid of a Dairy-Induced Breakout custom illustration\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce.webp\" title=\"breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce.webp\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"How To Get Rid of a Dairy-Induced Breakout custom illustration\" title=\"breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Michela Buttignol\/BYRDIE<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> My Skin on Dairy <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> My dairy-induced breakouts, which cropped up in the final days of my cheese-soaked trip, could be found along my chin and jawline. Dr. Nazarian says that the lower face and outer areas of the face are anecdotally where dairy breakouts most often occur, though there is technically no empirical support for this. Either way, that&#8217;s definitely where mine decided to show up.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Luckily, I had a pretty good idea of why these big, sore pimples were happening, so I didn&#8217;t flip out. I just surrendered to the notion that they were the sacrifice I made for a lot of delicious pizza and calmly decided to do everything I could to treat them. And two weeks later, they were almost completely gone. Here&#8217;s what I did to go from broken-out to clear-skinned after a major dairy bender.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" alt=\"Close-up of person with cystic acne from dairy on their chin and jawline\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Close-up of person with cystic acne from dairy on their chin and jawline\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Amanda Montell<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Get Rid of Cystic Acne From Dairy <\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Try a Cyst Treatment <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> For deep hormonal breakouts, I pretty much want to marry Rouleau&#8217;s cult favorite Anti Bump Solution, formerly known as the Anti Cyst Treatment. By her instruction, I applied this purifying treatment at the first sight of a cyst. She says the product can &#8220;dramatically flatten the visible appearance of the bump by about 50 percent more quickly than when using nothing at all.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Try a Spot Treatment <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Don&#8217;t have this exact treatment handy? No worries: Dr. Nazarian says treating your breakout with a topical anti-inflammatory or over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-based product will help. Try Neutrogena&#8217;s On-the-Spot Acne Treatment or Murad&#8217;s Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Scale Back on Dairy <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> This one might sound obvious, but no matter how many topical products you pile on your blemishes, the most effective cure comes from the inside out (at least it did for me). &#8220;Try cutting out your dairy completely for two weeks and see if that improves the condition,&#8221; Rouleau suggests, adding that in her 30 years as an esthetician, she has &#8220;cured&#8221; dozens of her clients&#8217; cystic acne simply by recommending that they go dairy-free (or at least scale back).\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;In my forty years of dermatology practice, I have found with increasing frequency that acne patients who start a vegan diet often have clearer skin,&#8221; Dr. Ciraldo remarks.\u00a0&#8220;Since this is an overall healthy nutritional adjustment I do recommend this if you have found that your acne isn&#8217;t clearing with conventional treatments, especially if you are a milk drinker.\u00a0I often simply suggest switching to non-dairy milk substitutes for three months. Take good selfies before and after to follow any progress with this adjustment.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Drink Up <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Hydration is key, too. Sounds counterintuitive, but all that air travel I was doing on my return from Italy to the United States seriously parched my skin\u2014and dehydration, according to Dr. Nazarian, can make the skin look even more inflamed and cause cysts to appear redder. &#8220;Stay hydrated, drinking lots of water and fluids. Recommended six to eight glasses a day,&#8221; she says. You might also try swapping out your exfoliating toner for a hydrating one, like Etude House&#8217;s SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Use Non-Comedogenic Makeup <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> I don&#8217;t make a habit of not washing my face at night, but sometimes when I&#8217;m traveling, I get lax about it. This does not bode well for existing breakouts. When dealing with problem skin, Dr. Nazarian suggests avoiding any occlusive topical products, such as heavy makeup, powders, or lotions, no matter how tempting it might be to paint over those zits. &#8220;Use oil-free, non-comedogenic products,&#8221; she says. Vichy makes an amazing foundation for blemish-prone, sensitive skin.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Consider a Cortisone Shot <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If the breakout feels so out of your control that you just don&#8217;t know where to go, hitting up your dermatologist or esthetician can&#8217;t be a mistake.I promptly paid a visit to Ren\u00e9e Rouleau for a round of lancing and extractions to &#8220;reset&#8221; my skin. But getting a cortisone shot at the derm&#8217;s office may also work in a pinch.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;re experiencing a breakout, you should first determine its cause to figure out the right treatment method. If you are lactose-intolerant or have sensitive skin, you may be prone to dairy breakouts. A number of products are available to get rid of cystic acne from dairy but by adjusting your diet and avoiding certain triggers like comedogenic ingredients, you can even help to prevent these types of breakouts in the first place. In case you&#8217;re facing a serious breakout and want to get rid of it ASAP, ask your dermatologist about getting a cortisone shot or get their recommendation for the best treatment plan for you.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block u-article-styles\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"citation-sources__text_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources__text mntl-text-block\">Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Bartley J, McGlashan SR. Does milk increase mucus production?\u00a0<em>Med Hypotheses<\/em>. 2010;74(4):732-734. doi:10.1016\/j.mehy.2009.10.044<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc article-post-content\">\n<div id=\"beauty-breadcrumbs--chips_1-0\" class=\"comp beauty-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-universal-breadcrumbs--chips mntl-block\">\n<div id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__read-more mntl-text-block text-title-100\">Read more:<\/div>\n<ul id=\"mntl-universal-breadcrumbs_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block text-label-300 breadcrumbs\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Skin<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Skin Concerns<\/span><\/li>\n<li id=\"mntl-breadcrumbs__item_3-0\" class=\"comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block\"><span class=\"link__wrapper\">Acne<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"loc article-content\">\n<div id=\"article__broad-video-jw_1-0\" class=\"comp article__broad-video-jw mntl-jwplayer-broad mntl-block is-hidden\" data-pixel-depth=\"100\">\n<div id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title mntl-block\"><button id=\"mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-jwplayer-broad__title-icon--close mntl-block text-label-100\" data-click-tracked=\"false\"><span id=\"mntl-text-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-text-block\">Close<\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-block article__body right-rail\">\n<figure id=\"mntl-universal-primary-image_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-universal-primary-image primary-image\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<div class=\"primary-image__media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dairy-1-e3775cf948f944829d1fc16addc016a3.webp\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" alt=\"A hand with red nails holding a glass of milk\" class=\" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" title=\"dairy-1-e3775cf948f944829d1fc16addc016a3\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/dairy-1-e3775cf948f944829d1fc16addc016a3.webp\" width=\"1280\" height=\"960\" class=\"loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry\" alt=\"A hand with red nails holding a glass of milk\" title=\"dairy-1-e3775cf948f944829d1fc16addc016a3\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"primary-image__figcap_1-0\" class=\"comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\"><\/p>\n<p>Death to Stock<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Dairy products can trigger breakouts due to hormones, potentially increasing sebum production and inflammation.<\/li>\n<li>Reducing or eliminating dairy from your diet for a few weeks may significantly improve acne-prone skin.<\/li>\n<li>Using non-comedogenic makeup and staying hydrated are essential steps to prevent or reduce cystic acne.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Have you ever heard of the term &#8220;dairy face?&#8221; While cheeses, cappuccinos, and other delectable, lactose-infused concoctions can indeed cause breakouts, I decided <em>well, screw it<\/em>. On a trip to Italy, I sampled scrumptious delicacies without a care. And though my skin did break out, I was able to clear it up in two weeks. <strong>Below, read my firsthand account of treating cystic acne from dairy. Plus, get advice from top skincare experts\u2014 dermatologists, Rachel Nazarian, MD, Loretta Ciraldo, MD, and celebrity esthetician, Ren\u00e9e Rouleau, to be exact<\/strong>\u2014<strong>about having your glow and eating dairy, too.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City. She is also a faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center&#8217;s Department of Dermatology.<\/li>\n<li>Loretta\u00a0Ciraldo,\u00a0MD, FAAD, is a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience and the founder of\u00a0Dr. Loretta skincare.<\/li>\n<li>Ren\u00e9e Rouleau is a sought-after skincare expert, esthetician, and founder of the eponymous brand. She offers skincare treatments in Dallas, Austin, New York, and Los Angeles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How Dairy Affects Skin <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Skin health experts agree that what you eat shows up on your face, and in the case of dairy, it&#8217;s rarely good. Dairy is mucous-forming and difficult to digest (thus, why so many people are lactose intolerant). Sometimes, a side effect of that blow to the digestive system can arrive in the form of cystic acne or hard, painful bumps under the skin.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;The hypothesis is that<strong> since the majority of milk in the U.S. comes from pregnant cows (and some cows are given growth hormones), the hormone levels in milk may play a role in excess sebum production, which promotes acne,&#8221; explains Rouleau.<\/strong> The idea is that when the hormones in milk react with your own body&#8217;s cocktail of testosterone and hormones, your sebum production skyrockets. &#8220;The process, along with increasing inflammation, worsens or flares acne pimples,&#8221; adds Dr. Nazarian. So if you&#8217;re already breaking out (say, due to stress or travel or your period), dairy could make it worse.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> However, not all lactose-riddled goods are created equal, especially when it comes to your skin. &#8220;Not everyone breaks out more from dairy, and it seems that the type of dairy you consume is a factor in dairy-induced acne,&#8221; notes Dr. Ciraldo. &#8220;In one published meta-analysis\u00a0of 14 peer-reviewed studies\u00a0of dairy and acne, the conclusion was that for people who are sensitive to dairy, it is specifically milk that causes the acne and that yogurt and cheeses are not triggers for acne.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"How To Get Rid of a Dairy-Induced Breakout custom illustration\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce.webp\" title=\"breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce.webp\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"How To Get Rid of a Dairy-Induced Breakout custom illustration\" title=\"breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Michela Buttignol\/BYRDIE<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> My Skin on Dairy <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> My dairy-induced breakouts, which cropped up in the final days of my cheese-soaked trip, could be found along my chin and jawline. Dr. Nazarian says that the lower face and outer areas of the face are anecdotally where dairy breakouts most often occur, though there is technically no empirical support for this. Either way, that&#8217;s definitely where mine decided to show up.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Luckily, I had a pretty good idea of why these big, sore pimples were happening, so I didn&#8217;t flip out. I just surrendered to the notion that they were the sacrifice I made for a lot of delicious pizza and calmly decided to do everything I could to treat them. And two weeks later, they were almost completely gone. Here&#8217;s what I did to go from broken-out to clear-skinned after a major dairy bender.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" alt=\"Close-up of person with cystic acne from dairy on their chin and jawline\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Close-up of person with cystic acne from dairy on their chin and jawline\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Amanda Montell<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Get Rid of Cystic Acne From Dairy <\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Try a Cyst Treatment <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> For deep hormonal breakouts, I pretty much want to marry Rouleau&#8217;s cult favorite Anti Bump Solution, formerly known as the Anti Cyst Treatment. By her instruction, I applied this purifying treatment at the first sight of a cyst. She says the product can &#8220;dramatically flatten the visible appearance of the bump by about 50 percent more quickly than when using nothing at all.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Try a Spot Treatment <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Don&#8217;t have this exact treatment handy? No worries: Dr. Nazarian says treating your breakout with a topical anti-inflammatory or over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-based product will help. Try Neutrogena&#8217;s On-the-Spot Acne Treatment or Murad&#8217;s Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Scale Back on Dairy <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> This one might sound obvious, but no matter how many topical products you pile on your blemishes, the most effective cure comes from the inside out (at least it did for me). &#8220;Try cutting out your dairy completely for two weeks and see if that improves the condition,&#8221; Rouleau suggests, adding that in her 30 years as an esthetician, she has &#8220;cured&#8221; dozens of her clients&#8217; cystic acne simply by recommending that they go dairy-free (or at least scale back).\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;In my forty years of dermatology practice, I have found with increasing frequency that acne patients who start a vegan diet often have clearer skin,&#8221; Dr. Ciraldo remarks.\u00a0&#8220;Since this is an overall healthy nutritional adjustment I do recommend this if you have found that your acne isn&#8217;t clearing with conventional treatments, especially if you are a milk drinker.\u00a0I often simply suggest switching to non-dairy milk substitutes for three months. Take good selfies before and after to follow any progress with this adjustment.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Drink Up <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Hydration is key, too. Sounds counterintuitive, but all that air travel I was doing on my return from Italy to the United States seriously parched my skin\u2014and dehydration, according to Dr. Nazarian, can make the skin look even more inflamed and cause cysts to appear redder. &#8220;Stay hydrated, drinking lots of water and fluids. Recommended six to eight glasses a day,&#8221; she says. You might also try swapping out your exfoliating toner for a hydrating one, like Etude House&#8217;s SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Use Non-Comedogenic Makeup <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> I don&#8217;t make a habit of not washing my face at night, but sometimes when I&#8217;m traveling, I get lax about it. This does not bode well for existing breakouts. When dealing with problem skin, Dr. Nazarian suggests avoiding any occlusive topical products, such as heavy makeup, powders, or lotions, no matter how tempting it might be to paint over those zits. &#8220;Use oil-free, non-comedogenic products,&#8221; she says. Vichy makes an amazing foundation for blemish-prone, sensitive skin.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Consider a Cortisone Shot <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If the breakout feels so out of your control that you just don&#8217;t know where to go, hitting up your dermatologist or esthetician can&#8217;t be a mistake.I promptly paid a visit to Ren\u00e9e Rouleau for a round of lancing and extractions to &#8220;reset&#8221; my skin. But getting a cortisone shot at the derm&#8217;s office may also work in a pinch.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;re experiencing a breakout, you should first determine its cause to figure out the right treatment method. If you are lactose-intolerant or have sensitive skin, you may be prone to dairy breakouts. A number of products are available to get rid of cystic acne from dairy but by adjusting your diet and avoiding certain triggers like comedogenic ingredients, you can even help to prevent these types of breakouts in the first place. In case you&#8217;re facing a serious breakout and want to get rid of it ASAP, ask your dermatologist about getting a cortisone shot or get their recommendation for the best treatment plan for you.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources mntl-article-sources mntl-expandable-block u-article-styles\" data-scroll-offset=\"70\">\n<div class=\"loc toggle-content\">\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__wrapper_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__wrapper mntl-block\" data-click-tracked=\"true\"><span id=\"mntl-article-sources__heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__heading mntl-text-block\">Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"loc expandable-content\">\n<div id=\"citation-sources__text_1-0\" class=\"comp citation-sources__text mntl-text-block\">Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-article-sources__citation-sources_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-article-sources__citation-sources mntl-citation-sources mntl-sources\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<ol class=\"mntl-sources__content\">\n<li class=\"mntl-sources__source\" id=\"citation-1\">\n<p>Bartley J, McGlashan SR. Does milk increase mucus production?\u00a0<em>Med Hypotheses<\/em>. 2010;74(4):732-734. doi:10.1016\/j.mehy.2009.10.044<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-page_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block\" data-sc-sticky-offset=\"125\" data-sc-ad-label-height=\"16\" data-sc-ad-track-spacing=\"100\" data-sc-min-track-height=\"250\" data-sc-max-track-height=\"600\" data-sc-breakpoint=\"50em\" data-sc-load-immediate=\"5\" data-sc-content-positions=\"[1, 1250, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1]\" data-bind-scroll-on-start=\"true\">\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--finalverdict beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-finalverdict\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Key Takeaways<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Dairy products can trigger breakouts due to hormones, potentially increasing sebum production and inflammation.<\/li>\n<li>Reducing or eliminating dairy from your diet for a few weeks may significantly improve acne-prone skin.<\/li>\n<li>Using non-comedogenic makeup and staying hydrated are essential steps to prevent or reduce cystic acne.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Have you ever heard of the term &#8220;dairy face?&#8221; While cheeses, cappuccinos, and other delectable, lactose-infused concoctions can indeed cause breakouts, I decided <em>well, screw it<\/em>. On a trip to Italy, I sampled scrumptious delicacies without a care. And though my skin did break out, I was able to clear it up in two weeks. <strong>Below, read my firsthand account of treating cystic acne from dairy. Plus, get advice from top skincare experts\u2014 dermatologists, Rachel Nazarian, MD, Loretta Ciraldo, MD, and celebrity esthetician, Ren\u00e9e Rouleau, to be exact<\/strong>\u2014<strong>about having your glow and eating dairy, too.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-callout--meetourexpert beauty-sc-block-callout mntl-sc-block-callout mntl-block theme-meetourexpert\" data-tracking-id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout\" data-tracking-container=\"true\">\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-heading_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-heading mntl-text-block\">Meet the Experts<\/p>\n<div id=\"mntl-sc-block-callout-body_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block-callout-body mntl-text-block\">\n<ul>\n<li>Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City. She is also a faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center&#8217;s Department of Dermatology.<\/li>\n<li>Loretta\u00a0Ciraldo,\u00a0MD, FAAD, is a Miami-based board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience and the founder of\u00a0Dr. Loretta skincare.<\/li>\n<li>Ren\u00e9e Rouleau is a sought-after skincare expert, esthetician, and founder of the eponymous brand. She offers skincare treatments in Dallas, Austin, New York, and Los Angeles.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_5-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How Dairy Affects Skin <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Skin health experts agree that what you eat shows up on your face, and in the case of dairy, it&#8217;s rarely good. Dairy is mucous-forming and difficult to digest (thus, why so many people are lactose intolerant). Sometimes, a side effect of that blow to the digestive system can arrive in the form of cystic acne or hard, painful bumps under the skin.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_8-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;The hypothesis is that<strong> since the majority of milk in the U.S. comes from pregnant cows (and some cows are given growth hormones), the hormone levels in milk may play a role in excess sebum production, which promotes acne,&#8221; explains Rouleau.<\/strong> The idea is that when the hormones in milk react with your own body&#8217;s cocktail of testosterone and hormones, your sebum production skyrockets. &#8220;The process, along with increasing inflammation, worsens or flares acne pimples,&#8221; adds Dr. Nazarian. So if you&#8217;re already breaking out (say, due to stress or travel or your period), dairy could make it worse.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_10-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> However, not all lactose-riddled goods are created equal, especially when it comes to your skin. &#8220;Not everyone breaks out more from dairy, and it seems that the type of dairy you consume is a factor in dairy-induced acne,&#8221; notes Dr. Ciraldo. &#8220;In one published meta-analysis\u00a0of 14 peer-reviewed studies\u00a0of dairy and acne, the conclusion was that for people who are sensitive to dairy, it is specifically milk that causes the acne and that yogurt and cheeses are not triggers for acne.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_12-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-high-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" alt=\"How To Get Rid of a Dairy-Induced Breakout custom illustration\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_1-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce.webp\" title=\"breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce.webp\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1500\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"How To Get Rid of a Dairy-Induced Breakout custom illustration\" title=\"breaking-out-dairy_final_redo3-30762a541fe04f5da67692ceda81f2ce\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Michela Buttignol\/BYRDIE<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> My Skin on Dairy <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_14-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> My dairy-induced breakouts, which cropped up in the final days of my cheese-soaked trip, could be found along my chin and jawline. Dr. Nazarian says that the lower face and outer areas of the face are anecdotally where dairy breakouts most often occur, though there is technically no empirical support for this. Either way, that&#8217;s definitely where mine decided to show up.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_16-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Luckily, I had a pretty good idea of why these big, sore pimples were happening, so I didn&#8217;t flip out. I just surrendered to the notion that they were the sacrifice I made for a lot of delicious pizza and calmly decided to do everything I could to treat them. And two weeks later, they were almost completely gone. Here&#8217;s what I did to go from broken-out to clear-skinned after a major dairy bender.\n<\/p>\n<figure id=\"mntl-sc-block_18-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-image mntl-sc-block-image figure-portrait figure-low-res\">\n<div class=\"figure-media\">\n<div class=\"img-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" alt=\"Close-up of person with cystic acne from dairy on their chin and jawline\" class=\"lazyload mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" id=\"mntl-sc-block-image_2-0\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91.webp\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91.webp\" width=\"700\" height=\"796\" class=\"img--noscript mntl-image mntl-image universal-image__image\" alt=\"Close-up of person with cystic acne from dairy on their chin and jawline\" title=\"cdn-cliqueinc-com__cache__posts__250125__breaking-out-dairy-250125-1519245818852-main-700x0c-1e1dd20f66f54a50be6fb74831ba3c91\"><\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption id=\"mntl-figure-caption_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-figure-caption text-utility-100 figure-article-caption\"><span class=\"figure-article-caption-owner\">Amanda Montell<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> How to Get Rid of Cystic Acne From Dairy <\/span><\/h2>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_20-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Try a Cyst Treatment <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> For deep hormonal breakouts, I pretty much want to marry Rouleau&#8217;s cult favorite Anti Bump Solution, formerly known as the Anti Cyst Treatment. By her instruction, I applied this purifying treatment at the first sight of a cyst. She says the product can &#8220;dramatically flatten the visible appearance of the bump by about 50 percent more quickly than when using nothing at all.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_23-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Try a Spot Treatment <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_24-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Don&#8217;t have this exact treatment handy? No worries: Dr. Nazarian says treating your breakout with a topical anti-inflammatory or over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid-based product will help. Try Neutrogena&#8217;s On-the-Spot Acne Treatment or Murad&#8217;s Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Scale Back on Dairy <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_27-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> This one might sound obvious, but no matter how many topical products you pile on your blemishes, the most effective cure comes from the inside out (at least it did for me). &#8220;Try cutting out your dairy completely for two weeks and see if that improves the condition,&#8221; Rouleau suggests, adding that in her 30 years as an esthetician, she has &#8220;cured&#8221; dozens of her clients&#8217; cystic acne simply by recommending that they go dairy-free (or at least scale back).\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_29-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> &#8220;In my forty years of dermatology practice, I have found with increasing frequency that acne patients who start a vegan diet often have clearer skin,&#8221; Dr. Ciraldo remarks.\u00a0&#8220;Since this is an overall healthy nutritional adjustment I do recommend this if you have found that your acne isn&#8217;t clearing with conventional treatments, especially if you are a milk drinker.\u00a0I often simply suggest switching to non-dairy milk substitutes for three months. Take good selfies before and after to follow any progress with this adjustment.&#8221;\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_31-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Drink Up <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_32-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> Hydration is key, too. Sounds counterintuitive, but all that air travel I was doing on my return from Italy to the United States seriously parched my skin\u2014and dehydration, according to Dr. Nazarian, can make the skin look even more inflamed and cause cysts to appear redder. &#8220;Stay hydrated, drinking lots of water and fluids. Recommended six to eight glasses a day,&#8221; she says. You might also try swapping out your exfoliating toner for a hydrating one, like Etude House&#8217;s SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_34-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Use Non-Comedogenic Makeup <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> I don&#8217;t make a habit of not washing my face at night, but sometimes when I&#8217;m traveling, I get lax about it. This does not bode well for existing breakouts. When dealing with problem skin, Dr. Nazarian suggests avoiding any occlusive topical products, such as heavy makeup, powders, or lotions, no matter how tempting it might be to paint over those zits. &#8220;Use oil-free, non-comedogenic products,&#8221; she says. Vichy makes an amazing foundation for blemish-prone, sensitive skin.\n<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"mntl-sc-block_37-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-subheading mntl-sc-block-subheading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-subheading__text\"> Consider a Cortisone Shot <\/span><\/h3>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If the breakout feels so out of your control that you just don&#8217;t know where to go, hitting up your dermatologist or esthetician can&#8217;t be a mistake.I promptly paid a visit to Ren\u00e9e Rouleau for a round of lancing and extractions to &#8220;reset&#8221; my skin. But getting a cortisone shot at the derm&#8217;s office may also work in a pinch.\n<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading\"><span class=\"mntl-sc-block-heading__text text-title-300\"> The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_41-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block beauty-sc-block-html mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you&#8217;re experiencing a breakout, you should first determine its cause to figure out the right treatment method. If you are lactose-intolerant or have sensitive skin, you may be prone to dairy breakouts. A number of products are available to get rid of cystic acne from dairy but by adjusting your diet and avoiding certain triggers like comedogenic ingredients, you can even help to prevent these types of breakouts in the first place. In case you&#8217;re facing a serious breakout and want to get rid of it ASAP, ask your dermatologist about getting a cortisone shot or get their recommendation for the best treatment plan for you.\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-cystic-acne-dairy-11878798<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>I Cut Out Dairy and Cleared My Painful Cystic Breakouts\u2014Here&#8217;s Why It Worked By Amanda Montell Amanda Montell Amanda Montell has worked as a beauty editor in Los Angeles for over three years covering hair, skin, and more. She previously served as the features editor for Byrdie and currently writes for Time Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1700256,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83,226],"class_list":["post-1700255","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1700255","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1700255"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1700255\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1700256"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1700255"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1700255"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1700255"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}