With so many milk alternatives available, have you ever wondered why almond milk is so popular?
Whether you're vegan, have a lactose intolerance, have a dairy allergy, or just don't like the taste of cow's milk, almonds are an excellent alternative. Anyone looking for dairy-free milk has surely already asked themselves - "is almond milk good for me?"
It's filled with healthy nutrients and enriched with vitamins, minerals, and protein. It's also low in calories, doesn't raise blood sugar, and is dairy-free… should we go on?
You've tried endless skin care products to try and help your acne. (If you haven't tried Misumi's amazing Complete Clear 3-Step System yet, give it a go!)
But if you're looking for other ways to help your acne and you're wondering whether almond milk is good for acne-prone skin, read on.
What is Almond Milk?
The name itself sums it up - it's milk made from almonds. There are two ways to get almond milk. One way is to blend soaked, skinless almonds with water and then use a nut bag to strain the solids from the mixture. Another way is to add water to almond butter.
You'll end up with a nice, nutty flavor and creamy texture comparable to regular milk. Apart from the flavor, almond milk has a really similar consistency and nutritional profile compared to dairy milk. That's because almond milk is designed to resemble milk. Even though cow's milk has more protein, it's still too little to make much difference to your diet. What makes almond milk healthier is the fortifying of vitamin D, which cow's milk doesn't have.
If you want the healthiest option, choose almond milk that doesn't contain added sugar. Most brands are enriched with vitamins, minerals, or protein, which can be very beneficial to you, especially if you are cutting out dairy.
Almond Milk vs. Cow’s Milk
We've already touched on this subject, but let's clarify things.
We know that research on the advantages of almond milk for acne is thin, but nonetheless, there's plenty of evidence about the negative effects of cow's milk or other dairy consumption on your skin.
This is because of milk production. Cows produce milk while and after they are pregnant to feed their calves. This is why most dairy products are filled with hormones that negatively affect your skin. If you suffer from inflammatory or hormonal acne, we'd suggest staying away from this one - it can make acne breakouts worse.
In this context, your skin might benefit by switching to a plant-based alternative. Other examples of plant-based milk include:
- Coconut milk
- Soy milk
- Oat milk
- Cashew milk
- Rice milk
- Macadamia milk
Another difference between the two products is the fat content. Although skim cow's milk contains no fat, whole milk includes animal fats. This is bad news for your heart and skin's health since animal fats are mostly saturated fats.
It's worth noting that almond milk contains less protein, and some experts warn that nutrients from plant-based sources are more difficult for the body to absorb, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies if you have a poor diet.
Almond Milk for Acne
There's a lot of research on the benefits of raw almonds, while little on almond milk. Still, here are a couple of ways almond milk can help your skin.
This plant-based alternative contains a number of skin-nourishing compounds that can potentially improve your complexion.
For example, the Vitamin E and other antioxidants present in these nuts can eliminate harmful free radicals from your body. As a result, your breakouts might become less frequent, and your skin could remain younger-looking for a longer period. Several studies have linked low levels of Vitamin E to severe acne breakouts.
Additionally, the flavonoids catechin, kaempferol, and epicatechin found in raw almonds help prevent skin cells from oxidizing and dying.
Almonds are also rich in healthy monosaturated fats, which are important in ensuring healthy skin. The Omega-6 Fatty Acids are the building blocks of cell membranes. Consuming food rich in fatty acids helps prevent skin dryness and keeps the skin healthy and hydrated.
Almond Milk Benefits for the Skin
- Almond milk contains zinc. Those who absorb zinc may keep their skin clear and free of blemishes.
- It's rich in Vitamin E, which protects the skin from sun damage and other external conditions.
- The essential fatty acids in almond milk aid in controlling how much oil your sebaceous glands produce. Producing less oil means cleaner pores and fewer hormonal or inflammatory acne breakouts.
Additional Benefits
- Weight control - The low amount of calories in this unsweetened almond milk is a great way to keep your weight in control. You can drink a lot of it without having to worry about weight gain.
- Blood sugar - Unsweetened almond milk doesn't raise blood sugar, which makes it suitable for diabetics.
- Reduce the risk of heart disease - Several studies have linked regular consumption of nuts and a lower risk of heart disease. It's believed this is because they are high in vitamin E and contain healthy fat.
- Strengthen bones - Almond milk enriched with calcium contains up to 40-50% of the daily recommended intake. Getting enough calcium reduces the risk of osteoporosis - a condition linked to weak bones and fractures.
- Low in Phosphorus - People with chronic kidney disease often avoid dairy milk because of its high concentrations of phosphorus. One cup of regular milk has approximately 233 mg of phosphorus, while the same amount of almond milk has only 20 mg of phosphorus.
- Muscle strength and healing - Almond milk is rich in B vitamins such as iron and riboflavin. They are both important for muscle growth and healing.
Can Almond Milk Be Bad for Acne?
After everything we've said, you can reason that almond milk is one of the best milk alternatives and probably safe for your skin. But let's just make a few things clear regarding those rumors that almond milk causes acne. Can that be true?
Well, yes and no.
The milk itself is healthy and nutritious and keeps overall skin health in good condition. But, yes, there are some rules you need to make sure you're following.
First, nut allergies. Some people are allergic to nuts, and drinking almond milk can trigger an allergic reaction. If you've ever experienced any adverse consequences after eating almonds, please avoid almond milk. Plenty of other plant-based milk sources might be a better fit for you.
Second, be careful which brand you buy. Some milk products are filled with refined sugar and other chemicals that might cause more damage to your skin. Search for the unsweetened option.
Finally, how can you be one hundred percent sure there will be no side effects from consuming almond milk? Well, make your own! It's a really simple and fast procedure and we can tell you how to do it.
Homemade Almond Milk
No, don't worry - you won't need to get up early in the morning to milk the almonds. Actually, all it takes is to go to your closest supermarket and buy them. When you come back home, leave them in a bowl of water to soak for a couple of hours or, even better, - overnight.
This will soften the almonds' skin, making it easier afterward to peel it off. Next, put the skinless almonds in a blender, add water and mix until smooth. Finally, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag to filter out the solids from the liquid. And, voila - you just made your own healthy and nutritious almond milk. Enjoy!
Skin Remedies with Almond Milk
Almond Milk + Honey
This is the perfect blend for keeping your skin moisturized and hydrated. The antimicrobial properties of the honey will protect your skin against new breakouts. You will need 2 tbsp of almond milk (best if homemade) and 1 tbsp of raw honey.
Add the ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir until they blend together. Take a cotton ball, dip it in the liquid, and apply it evenly on your face. Do this before bed, and let it act overnight. Wash off in the morning.
Almond Milk + Papaya
Take 2 tbsp of homemade almond milk, and mix it with one slice of mashed papaya. Blend it together until you get a smooth paste. Apply evenly on your face, and wait for 10-15 minutes to dry off. Wash off with cold water.
This is great for oily skin. It will help you get rid of pimples and replace the oiliness with a glow. The papaya helps brighten the skin and fixes an uneven tone.
Almond Milk + Oats
This recipe is an ideal combo for dry skin. Blend together two tbsp of almond milk with one tbsp of oats until you get a thick, smooth paste. Take a cotton ball and apply a thin layer to your face. Wait to dry off, and then rinse off with cold water. You can use this mask two to three times a week. This paste will remove dead cells and moisturize your skin.
Final Verdict
There is no scientific evidence that food alone can cause or prevent acne. However, your genetics, lifestyle, skincare habits, and the food you eat, combined together are working toward the development of new pimples. And although factors like genetics are not in your control, making small changes to your lifestyle habits and the food you consume can make a big difference.
Shifting from regular cow milk to a non-dairy alternative, like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, or oat milk, can be a good place to start. Luckily, there are many milk alternatives to pick from. Choose a brand without added sugar, enriched with vitamin D and calcium. Or, better yet, buy some almonds and make your own almond milk.
Almond Milk - FAQ
Does almond milk give you clear skin?
Since almond milk is so rich in healthy fats, skin-clearing nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins, it can soothe and heal skin problems such as dryness, inflammation, dullness, and hyperpigmentation. and help you achieve clear skin. It also has anti-aging properties which will help improve skin health.
Which milk is good for acne?
It's no secret that drinking cow's milk has been linked to clogged pores, making acne worse. However, the good news is there are many dairy-free milk substitutes out there you can enjoy just as much, such as coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk, rice milk, hemp milk, and more. You don't have to put dairy milk in your coffee.
Typically, if you have acne-prone skin, try almond, cashew, hazelnut, or any other nut-based milk.
Does almond milk cause acne?
Almond milk contains vitamin E and lots of antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and keep your skin looking healthy and glowing.
Can I drink almond milk every day?
It's totally safe to drink almond milk every single day. In fact, swapping your normal milk for almond milk will give you a range of health benefits.
Almond milk is rich in healthy, high-quality saturated fats and won't aggravate acne-prone skin or trigger acne break outs like normal milk might.
References
Effect of milk and dairy products consumption on acne
Dairy Intake and Acne Vulgaris
