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Acne, dairy, and skin health: This rare gene was cursing me with acne

Written by Joe Cohen, BS | Last updated:

I tried changing my diet, I tried washing my face more, I tried the really expensive creams… but nothing was working to solve my acne.

The most frustrating part is I never had acne before – even as a teenager. But at 24, it became a real problem and led me to become extremely self-conscious.

I was also the healthiest I had ever been in my life. I had stopped smoking weed, was eating right for my body and just got back into a consistent routine at the gym.

That’s why I knew there had to be a deeper issue. So I turned to SelfDecode.

While scrolling through my recommendations, I had a eureka moment.

Acne and dairy

Of course… Since getting into a consistent routine at the gym, I had started drinking protein smoothies with Greek Yogurt on a daily basis. I was consuming substantially more dairy than before without realizing the consequences.

For most people, this small change in diet wouldn’t mean much. But I have a rare TGFB2 variant which makes this a surefire way to damn yourself with acne.

This variant reduces TGF-beta, a protein that protects the skin. Dairy further reduces this protein, which is why people with my gene variant are especially susceptible to acne when we consume it.

I also knew that dairy is linked to hormone imbalance, which is also a likely cause of acne. This prompted me to take an even further look into my lab results.

I discovered in SelfDecode Labs that my testosterone levels were high and my estrogen levels were low. After clicking on my marker, I saw that these high levels are also associated with acne and SelfDecode recommended I supplement with spearmint to balance them.

I stopped eating as much dairy and started supplementing spearmint. In just two weeks, my acne was completely clear.

Here’s a before and after picture to show what a difference it can make when you address the root cause of your issues:

Before and after acne

But dairy isn’t causing your acne

It’s highly unlikely that your acne stems from dairy – unless you’re part of the small minority who shares my genetic variant.

There are over 31,555 genetic variants linked to acne. That’s why it’s important to pinpoint the exact genetic variants at the root of your skin problems with the Acne DNA Report.

And if acne isn’t causing your skin problems…

NEW: Get all three skin DNA reports with your SelfDecode subscription: Acne, Eczema and Psoriasis.

Whatever is causing your skin frustrations… SelfDecode has the tools to help you address the root of your issue.

P.S. If skin health isn’t an issue for you, we have 22+ other reports (anxiety, mood, blood pressure, fatigue, and many more)…

PLUS we release a new DNA report every week. You can NOW get them all with any SelfDecode subscription.

About the Author

Joe Cohen, BS

Joe Cohen, BS

Joe Cohen flipped the script on conventional and alternative medicine…and it worked. Growing up, he suffered from inflammation, brain fog, fatigue, digestive problems, insomnia, anxiety, and other issues that were poorly understood in traditional healthcare. Frustrated by the lack of good information and tools, Joe decided to embark on a learning journey to decode his DNA and track his biomarkers in search of better health. Through this personalized approach, he discovered his genetic weaknesses and was able to optimize his health 10X better than he ever thought was possible. Based on his own health success, he went on to found SelfDecode, the world’s first direct-to-consumer DNA analyzer & precision health tool that utilizes AI-driven polygenic risk scoring to produce accurate insights and health recommendations. Today, SelfDecode has helped over 100,000 people understand how to get healthier using their DNA and labs.
Joe is a thriving entrepreneur, with a mission of empowering people to take advantage of the precision health revolution and uncover insights from their DNA and biomarkers so that we can all feel great all of the time.

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