Whey or Vegan Protein And Breakouts – What You Need To Know

Understanding the connection between whey or vegan protein and breakout is essential for anyone who wants to introduce such supplements into their diets . In this blog we will discuss everything you should know about protein and breakout.

Is Whey Protein Cause Sebum Production?

Whey protein is known for its muscle-building benefits, is derived from cows milk that have a major impact on your hormones level which is not good for acne prone skin.

A key factor is insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which can be promoted by high sugar diets and artificial sweeteners commonly found in many protein powders.

• Increased intake of beverages and protein shake can increase the sebum production or cause inflammation.
• Artificial sweeteners can damage your gut health and result in worsening your acne.
• Genetic factors can also be the cause of acne for some people if they eat certain foods like Whey protein.
• Oily skin, humid environments, hormonal disruptions, poor sleep and obesity are all associated with an increased risk of acne.

High protein diet and acne-prone skin

• High-protein diets are mostly consumed by bodybuilders and athletes who rely on fast-digesting protein sources to fuel their workouts and recovery.
•  As protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, certain protein supplements, especially whey protein, may trigger acne as they raise the insulin level and boost sebum production in skin.
• However, it’s not necessary that every individual who consumes whey proteins can get acne, sometimes they get acne due to their hormonal changes , genetics and certain medications.
• If you feel that whey protein contributes to your acne, you need to eliminate whey protein for some period of time and observe if it makes a difference in your skin. It’s important to add hormone-free and organic proteins to your diet.

Aldi protein finds

• Milk based protein like Aldi, is a common reason why people start getting acne when they try to clean up their diet. 
• Personally, I tend to get more whiteheads when I eat a lot of dairy. I have also seen many fitness influencers deal with similar issues—getting inflamed pimples or bumps on their face.
• Eating more protein doesn’t cause acne. In fact, protein is great for keeping your blood sugar steady. The main issue is when most of your protein comes from dairy instead of a healthy mix of animal and plant sources

Understanding Plant-Based Protein Powders and Their Possible Side Effect

Not all the protein powder causes hormonal imbalance . Here I will suggest which protein powder you should or  which is not good for your health.

Pea protein powder

 Best option for those who want a vegan diet. The only problem is that it tastes awful .Beyond its flavor profile, pea protein stands out for its health benefits. Unlike some dairy or whey proteins that may cause acne outbreaks in sensitive individuals, pea protein is gentle on the skin, allowing you to gain  the benefits of muscle recovery without the unwanted side effects.

Moreover, it’s naturally low in fiber, making it easy to digest and suitable for those who might experience gastrointestinal discomfort from other protein sources. By adding pea protein into your diet, you can enjoy a nutritious boost while keeping your skin clear and your digestion smooth.

Hemp Protein Powder

Omega fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), amino acids and fibers are the major components of hemp protein powder. These ingredients serve as a wonder plant based alternative to animal-based protein sources playing a vital role in skin health. 

Omega-3 and omega-6 have anti-inflammatory properties that aid inflammatory conditions caused by acne. The linoleic acid present in hemp protein is a vital ingredient for treating acne-prone skin. It inhibits sebum production ultimately reducing acne. 

I personally use hemp protein in smoothies, baking goods or sprinkle the powder over salads. Hemp oils are also available in markets which really nourish the skin. 

Soy protein Powder

Soy protein has really gained a key role in the lives of fitness enthusiasts and vegetarians for being a huge source of protein in the plant world. It contains  a compound which is similar to estrogens called isoflavones. 

Although it benefits heart health and reduces menopausal symptoms, studies reveal that they can cause hormonal imbalance leading to worsen acne. If you have acne or any hormonal issues, I would recommend you to reduce its use in your diet and go for alternatives that might not affect your hormonal conditions.

Vitamin B 12 and protein intake

A lot of protein powders have vitamin  B12 in it and it works well for most people. Perhaps it has had a negative effect on me . I noticed my skin breaking out more than usual. After a visit to my dermatologist, I learned that high levels of B12 can trigger acne for some people.

It’s disappointing because I wanted to find a healthy, vegan option, but now I have to look for alternatives without added B12. If you are prone to acne, definitely be aware of this ingredient before going for it!

Choosing the Right Vegan Protein Powder

After reviewing different option, i have found that the best protein powder based on following criteria: 

• Hemp protein, brown rice protein, pea protein or a blend 
• Does not contain soy or whey protein
• Does not include added vitamin B12
• Doesn’t include biotin (another acne causing supplement)
• Doesn’t contain sweeteners, due to their negative effect on the gut.

Also Read: Retinoids in Skin-Care Routine: How to Use for Teen Acne?

Conclusion

Protein powder can be a great option for your diet . It’s important to choose the right one according to your skin type or overall health. Going for plant-based proteins like hemp, pea, or brown rice can help you avoid the hormonal imbalance that comes with dairy-based proteins like whey.

Be careful of added ingredients such as B12, biotin, and sweeteners, which can negatively affect your skin.Most important is to pay attention to your body’s response to different protein sources which will help you achieve the balance between muscle recovery and clear skin.