Yes, diet can contribute to whiteheads — closed comedones that form when oil and dead skin close off a pore — and other breakouts, as Cleveland Clinic explains in its overview of whiteheads. High-glycemic eating and higher milk intake show the most consistent links to more breakouts.
Food is not the only driver, and effects vary from person to person. Small trials suggest lower-glycemic eating can reduce lesion counts for some young people with acne. Dairy shows a narrower signal, mainly for milk rather than yogurt or cheese.
Medical information disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a physician or other qualified health professional about symptoms, medications, tests, or treatment decisions.
Table of Contents
- How does food clog pores?
- What has research found on sugar and acne?
- Does dairy cause whiteheads?
- What should you try first?
How does food clog pores?
High-glycemic foods such as white bread, potatoes, sugary drinks and refined snacks spike blood sugar. Dermatology Advisor explains in its diet and acne fact sheet that the spike raises insulin and IGF-1. That shift raises sebum production, skin-cell growth and inflammation that clog pores.
That process affects whiteheads because a closed, clogged follicle is where a whitehead starts. A single sweet drink does not guarantee a bump days later. Frequent high-glycemic meals create more chances for clogging.
What has research found on sugar and acne?
Smith and colleagues tested a low-glycemic-load diet for 12 weeks in 43 males ages 15 to 25 with acne. The diet group dropped about 22 lesions, compared with about 14 fewer in controls, as the JAAD International review summarizes in its full review text.
A 2022 systematic review in JAAD International looked at 34 studies. University of Miami Health System reports it linked higher glycemic index, higher glycemic load and more milk intake to acne formation and severity.
Does dairy cause whiteheads?
A 2018 meta-analysis of 14 studies in ages 7 to 30 found about 25 to 32 percent higher acne odds with dairy and milk, strongest for skim milk. The signal was most consistent for skim and low-fat milk and higher intake, according to a general-practice review of the Nutrients meta-analysis.
Evidence does not show the same link for yogurt and cheese. Premier Health, citing the American Academy of Dermatology, notes chocolate, greasy fries and candy have not been shown to cause pimples. That is why a blanket dairy ban is unsupported.
What should you try first?
If breakouts cluster after sugary weeks, test one change at a time for several weeks. Keep cleanser, moisturizer and treatment steady so food is the only shift. Evidence is still mixed and largely observational.
American Academy of Dermatology guidelines cite three small low-glycemic trials showing benefit but one larger trial showing none. They make no specific diet recommendation for acne, as Medscape describes in its report on the 2025 EADV debate. If whiteheads persist, spread widely or scar, seek in-person care rather than stricter dieting.
- Swap white bread, sugary drinks and refined snacks for less refined options more often.
- If you drink much milk, especially skim, try a lower amount for a few weeks and watch whiteheads.
- Keep yogurt or cheese unless you have a separate reason to change them.