The 'this drink' you drank to lose weight was actually the culprit behind your acne?

Many people drink protein shakes as a meal replacement during dieting. However, some people say that drinking only protein shakes causes acne. In fact, online communities have posts such as "I was trying to lose weight by drinking protein shakes, but I ended up with a lot of acne," "Does anyone get acne from drinking protein shakes?" and "Please recommend a protein shake that doesn't cause acne." What is the relationship between protein shakes and the skin?

Actually, whey protein, the main ingredient in protein shakes, can cause acne. Professor Park Gui-young from the Department of Dermatology at Chung-Ang University Hospital said, "Whey protein contains six growth factors that may be related to acne," and "Whey protein can increase blood IGF-1 levels." The IGF-1 component promotes sebum secretion and stimulates estrogen production, acting as a mechanism that can induce or worsen acne. In particular, whey protein is extracted from milk, and dairy products can be one of the causes of acne. Professor Park stated, "There are no specific studies to date on the relationship between protein shakes and acne, folliculitis, or skin troubles, but there are many literatures on the potential acne-inducing effects of milk and its components," and "one of these is whey protein." Additionally, some people may have allergic reactions to whey protein, which can manifest in various symptoms, including skin problems.

People with particularly sensitive skin or existing acne should be especially cautious. Professor Park Gui-young said, "People with sensitive skin may react sensitively to the ingredients contained in protein shakes, and those who already have acne are also at higher risk of worsening their acne due to whey protein intake." The same applies to people who are generally allergic to dairy products. Professor Park emphasized, "Whey protein is derived from dairy products, so people with dairy allergies should avoid consumption."

Therefore, if acne occurs after consuming a protein shake, it is advisable to stop intake. Professor Park Gui-young also said, "If acne or other skin troubles occur, it is better to discontinue whey protein intake." She further mentioned, "Replacing whey protein with a plant-based protein shake made from plant proteins is also an option." Since plant-based proteins are not dairy products, they are less irritating to the skin than whey protein.

Meanwhile, the ways to consume protein shakes without side effects are as follows: ▲Products without additives ▲Appropriate intake ▲Choosing plant-based proteins ▲A balanced diet. Professor Park Gui-young said, "Select protein shakes without sugars or artificial additives, and maintain an appropriate amount to avoid excessive intake," and added, "If you are concerned about skin troubles, it is better to replace them with plant-based protein shakes." Additionally, since there is still insufficient information about the long-term effects of protein supplements, it is better to meet your nutritional needs through a balanced diet rather than relying solely on protein shakes.