Are you engaged in exercise – going to the gym, eating clean and healthy and still develop severe acne and breakouts? Acne is a common skin problem that causes pimples, especially on the face, back, shoulders and chest. Although it is a common condition in teenagers, acne can affect people of all ages.

There are many factors that contribute to the development of acne – including genetics, stress, and fluctuating hormone levels. However, certain dietary triggers like whey protein shakes may also be responsible.

What is Whey Protein?

According to experts, whey protein is one of two types of proteins in dairy milk – the other being casein. It is the liquid that is left after milk is curdled and filtered as the whey is separated from the curds when making cheese, and then it goes through several processing steps to form what we know as whey protein. It is easily available in the markets as a supplement that contains beneficial nutrients and amino acids.

Whey protein powders are highly popular among athletes and bodybuilders because they are quickly digested, making them a more efficient source of quick fuel for exercise.

Why does whey protein cause acne and breakouts?

Despite being extremely beneficial for building muscle, whey can increase your chances of breakouts. Experts say that even though this supplement is safe for most people, if consumed in moderation, high doses of whey protein – more than 30 grams per day, can cause acne and pimples.

This is due to the supplement containing dairy products, which increases a hormone involved in the development of acne known as Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1). In addition, whey protein contains many proteins such as albumin, globulin, and immunoglobulin, but one of these proteins is the amino acid leucine, which provokes acne or eczema in some people even in low doses.

However, experts say this does not mean that everyone who uses whey protein will get breakouts, as it depends on each person and their hormonal levels and who is more prone to breakouts. So, if you notice a tendency for more acne while consuming whey protein, the best way to get rid of it is to stop eating or drinking it.

Best alternative to whey protein to prevent acne

There are some non-dairy alternatives to whey protein that you can take regularly without any side effects. Some of these include:

egg white protein

It is one of the most nutritious foods that you can consume to increase your protein intake without any serious problems. Egg whites are rich in leucine – a branched-chain amino acid that plays an important role in muscle building.

Pea Protein

For those who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, try consuming pea protein – as a snack or as a light-flavored beverage. Pea protein doesn’t taste like peas and it’s made from yellow peas, not green, so its color is lighter than you might think.

brown rice protein

Brown rice has been one of the strongest plant-based proteins that is neutral in taste, allergy-free, and often available in sprouted form.

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