Puberty is a time when the body undergoes significant hormonal changes. The increase in androgen hormones stimulates sebaceous glands to become more active, producing excess oil and often leading to acne. When seeking to control acne, many parents wonder if drinking fresh milk can trigger or worsen breakouts.

Fresh milk can be a risk factor for more severe acne in some individuals. This is because fresh milk contains certain hormones that can stimulate sebaceous glands, potentially leading to clogged pores.

However, parents should not completely remove fresh milk from a child's diet. Puberty is a period of significant growth in height and physical development for children, during which milk provides essential calcium and key nutrients. Abruptly stopping milk without suitable substitutes can lead to nutritional deficiencies, directly impacting a child's development.

Milk is rich in nutrients, beneficial for children's health. Photo: Bao Bao

To manage acne while ensuring adequate nutrition, parents can reduce a child's daily fresh milk consumption to about 200 ml. Observe the skin's reaction to this change.

Parents may also consider unsweetened yogurt (about 100 g) or plant-based milk as alternatives. This combination helps limit the risk of sebaceous gland irritation, still meets essential calcium needs, and provides probiotics to support the digestive system.

Children should eat a diverse range of foods, including: shrimp, small fish (eaten with bones), tofu, crab, eggs, and dark green vegetables. To avoid worsening acne, limit refined sugars, greasy fried foods, and carbonated drinks.

In addition to diet, teenagers should maintain daily skin hygiene, avoid staying up late, manage stress, and refrain from picking pimples. If inflammatory acne persists or becomes severe, parents should take their child to dermatology and nutrition specialists for comprehensive care.

Dr. Nguyen Anh Duy Tung, a Master of Science

Department of Nutrition - Dietetics

Tam Anh General Clinic TP HCM