Protein Powders for Acne-Prone Skin

Components of many protein powders that can potentially worsen acne:

Dairy (whey and casein proteins)
Includes whole milk, low-fat milk, skim milk
Skim milk is especially associated with acne because it has the highest percentage of whey and casein proteins. Another hypothesis is that the bioavailability of comedogenic triggers in milk are increased in the processing of skim milk.
contains leucine, which stimulates the production of IGF-1
IGF-1 activates mTOR and FOXP1 pathways. IGF-1 also stimulates and increases bioavailability of androgens
Vitamin B12 – vitamin B12 supplementation in P. acnes cultures promoted the production of porphyrins, which have been shown to possibly induce inflammation in acne.
High glycemic index – induces hyperinsulinemia and increased IGF-1
There is some suggestion that soy can decrease production of estrogen and increase production of androgens that contribute to acne. However, this is not well-studied.

Alternative protein powders for patients with acne:

Dairy-free, plant-based, low-carb options:
Look for brown rice, soy, pumpkin seed, pea protein, hemp protein, egg white powder

Orgain Organic Plant-Based Powder

Pea protein, chia seed, rice protein

No sugar or artificial sweeteners

Soy, gluten, & dairy free

$19.99 - $26.99

Optimum nutrition Gold-standard plant-based protein

Blend of sacha inchi, pea, and brown rice protein

No artificial sweeteners. Gluten free.

$29.75 - $37.99

Vega One Plant-based All in One Shake

Pea protein. Low carbohydrate content.

Soy, gluten, & dairy free.

$27.45 - $59.99

Naked Pea Protein Powder

Yellow pea protein

No sugar or artificial sweeteners

Soy, gluten, & dairy free

$54.99 - $59.99

SB Organics Vegan Protein Powder

Pea protein, fax seed, quinoa, pumpkin seed protein

Soy and gluten free

$24.99 - $32.01

References:

Dréno, B., Bettoli, V., Araviiskaia, E., Sanchez Viera, M. and Bouloc, A. (2018), The influence of exposome on acne. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol, 32: 812-819. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.14820
D. Kang, B. Shi, M. C. Erfe, N. Craft, H. Li, Vitamin B12 modulates the transcriptome of the skin microbiota in acne pathogenesis. Sci. Transl. Med. 7, 293ra103 (2015).
https://www.menshealth.com/health/a19546380/protein-shakes-and-acne/
Burris J, Rietkerk W, Woolf K. Acne: The Role of Medical Nutrition Therapy. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2013;113(3):416-430. doi:10.1016/j.jand.2012.11.016
Kucharska A, Szmurło A, Sińska B. Significance of diet in treated and untreated acne vulgaris. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2016;33(2):81-86. doi:10.5114/ada.2016.59146
Can the right diet get rid of acne? American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet. Accessed June 13, 2021.