Black milk tea, also known as pearl milk tea or bubble tea, is a popular Taiwanese drink that has become increasingly popular around the world. It is made with black tea, milk, and tapioca pearls, and is often flavored with sugar or syrup.
While black milk tea is a delicious and refreshing drink, it is important to be aware that it can also cause acne. This is because black milk tea contains two ingredients that are known to contribute to acne: milk and sugar.
Milk and Acne
Milk contains hormones and estrogen, which can stimulate the production of sebum, an oily substance that is produced by the skin’s sebaceous glands. Too much sebum can lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
In addition, milk can also increase the levels of insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in the blood. IGF-1 is a hormone that can stimulate the growth of skin cells, including the cells that line the pores. When the pores become too large, they are more likely to become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells, leading to acne breakouts.
Sugar and Acne
Sugar has a high glycemic index, which means that it causes blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. When blood sugar levels rise, the body produces insulin to help bring them back down. However, too much insulin can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum, which can lead to acne breakouts.
In addition, sugar can also cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation can damage the skin and make it more prone to acne breakouts.
How to Prevent Acne from Black Milk Tea
If you are concerned about the potential for acne breakouts from black milk tea, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:
Limit your intake of black milk tea. It is best to avoid drinking black milk tea on a daily basis. If you do choose to drink black milk tea, try to limit yourself to one or two cups per week.
Choose lower-sugar options. When ordering black milk tea, ask for less sugar or syrup. You can also try making your own black milk tea at home using unsweetened tea and low-fat milk.
Use a gentle cleanser. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove any sebum or dead skin cells that may have accumulated on your skin.
Avoid harsh cosmetics. Avoid using harsh cosmetics that can irritate your skin. Look for cosmetics that are non-comedogenic, meaning that they will not clog your pores.
If you have severe acne, it is important to see a doctor for treatment. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as antibiotics or retinoids to help clear up your acne and prevent future breakouts.
Additional Information
In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things you can do to help prevent acne:
Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Eat a healthy diet. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of saturated and unhealthy fats.
Manage stress. Stress can trigger acne breakouts, so it is important to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
Black milk tea is a delicious drink, but it is important to be aware of the potential for acne breakouts if you have acne-prone skin. By following the tips above, you can help to prevent acne and maintain healthy skin.
If you have any concerns about acne, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can help you develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your acne and achieve clear, healthy skin.