- Limited evidence exists linking dairy, including feta cheese, directly to acne, though hormones in milk from treated animals could influence breakouts
- Lactose intolerance and the high lactose content in feta may exacerbate acne in sensitive individuals
- Whey and casein, proteins found in milk, can trigger inflammatory responses and acne in some people
- The type of milk (sheep, goat, or cow) used to make feta could affect its impact on skin health; switching types may help
- Overall, the relationship between feta cheese consumption and acne varies among individuals, and avoiding feta might not be necessary for everyone
Can Feta Cheese Lead to Acne?
So, if you are partial to a nice piece of feta cheese, you may be somewhat concerned by the idea that it causes acne.
In reality, it is not feta cheese alone that could be contributing to your breakouts but dairy products in general.
This, of course, includes all cheese, ice cream, butter, and yogurt.
At the heart of all these products is milk, and that could be the cause of the problem.
One of the concerns is that the animal producing the milk may have been fed hormones.
There is some suggestion that these chemicals could pass into your bloodstream.
And as some types of acne are hormone related, the milk, and hence, the feta cheese made from it, could contribute to your spots.
Unfortunately, there appears to be very little scientific evidence to back up this theory.
One condition that is very real is lactose intolerance.
Lactose is a sugar, and it occurs naturally in milk.
Surprisingly, as much as 65% of the population is lactose intolerant.
Feta is known as a fresh cheese and therefore contains more lactose than aged cheeses such as cheddar.
Ricotta, cream cheese, and Brie also fall into the soft cheese category.
So, if you have a sensitivity or full-blown allergy to lactose, then these types of cheese could exacerbate your acne problem.
What Ingredients in Feta Cheese Cause Acne?
Having established that milk may be the problem when it comes to acne, what other ingredients in feta cheese could be responsible?
The next factor to look at is whey, which is a protein that occurs naturally in milk.
It is possible to be allergic to whey, causing an inflammatory response.
It’s the same with casein, which is also found in milk, and your immune system can be sensitive to its presence.
Either of these proteins can cause acne, not just on the face but also on your chest or back.
Realistically, there is only a small percentage of whey in full-fat milk, so it is unlikely to cause any long-term problems.
However, you can purchase whey protein powder, which is widely used in weight training circles and can cause what is known as bodybuilding acne!
As regards casein, it differs depending on which animal the milk is from.
Therefore, if you think that feta cheese is causing acne and is made from sheep’s milk, try finding a variety made from goat’s milk instead to hopefully see an improvement in your skin condition.
Does Dairy Cause Acne?
My Final Thoughts
If you find that feta cheese gives you acne, it could be due to the milk content.
The milk may be sourced from animals that have been fed hormones.
Lactose intolerance can also contribute to acne.
Feta has a higher level of lactose than most aged cheese.
Milk also contains two proteins, whey and casein, that may not be tolerated by your immune system.
They can cause an inflammatory reaction, such as acne.
Let’s hope you find a reason for your acne, as it would be a shame to give up on delicious feta cheese!
And if you follow a gluten-free diet, you may be wondering if celiacs can safely eat feta.
How do you perceive the balance between dietary choices and skincare health?
Let us know in the comments below!