Can Drinking Alcohol Cause Acne? The Skin-Deep Connection

You wake up one morning and your face is broken out. You aren’t a teenager anymore, so why are you still getting these unsightly zits? 

You haven’t changed your skin care products, and you don’t have any known allergies. Could your acne be connected to foods or beverages you are consuming? 

In fact, it could be. 

We will explore the ways that alcohol is indirectly related to acne outbreaks and how eliminating alcohol may improve your skin.  

Table of Contents

• Does Alcohol Cause Acne?
• Why Does Alcohol Cause Acne?
• 7 Ways Drinking Alcohol May Indirectly Cause Acne
• Does Cutting Out Alcohol Help Acne?
• Dove Recovery: Professional and Empathetic Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Columbus, Ohio

Acne is one of the most prevalent skin conditions that humans face throughout their lives. But can alcohol be the reason behind acne, especially in adults? It can. 

Alcohol affects nearly every part of the body, including the skin. 

Acne as a result of alcohol consumption was present in 5.5% of heavy drinkers and 5.8% of mild to moderate drinkers. People who consume alcohol regularly are at a higher risk.

There is a correlation between drinking alcohol and acne outbreaks, but it is an indirect connection. 

The ways that alcohol indirectly causes acne are:  

• Hormone disruption 
• Dehydration 
• Inflammation 
• Reduced immune function 
• Liver damage 
• Nutritional depletion 
• Increased stress 

Each of these factors can be a contributing factor to new acne outbreaks or worsening existing acne. 

#1: Hormone Disruption

Drinking alcohol in excess has been linked to adverse health consequences, including the disruption of the communication between the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. 

When the communication between these body systems is interrupted, it can interfere with hormone production and cause a hormonal imbalance within the body. This imbalance triggers oil, or sebum, production.

When the skin has excess sebum, hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This generates bacteria and leads to inflammation, triggering acne. 

#2: Dehydration

Dehydration is a direct consequence of alcohol consumption. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production. As a result, the kidneys aren’t able to filter and retain water as well, leading to dehydration. Additionally, alcohol can increase sweat, causing the body to lose even more water. 

When the body is dehydrated, it disrupts the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The skin can become dry, dull, and lifeless. 

When the skin is dehydrated, oil production isn’t regulated and toxins can’t be flushed out, increasing the chances of acne and blemishes on the skin. 

Additionally, when using products to hydrate or moisturize dry skin, some products can clog the pores or dry out the skin further, which can lead to more acne in a vicious cycle. 

#3: Inflammation

Alcohol consumption can disrupt the body’s immune system which makes the body prone to infections and inflammation. 

Inflammation is one of the root causes of acne outbreaks and is present during all stages of acne formation, even if it is at a microscopic level. 

Inflammation of the skin triggers clogged pores and promotes an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Bacteria trigger further inflammation and result in red, swollen, or painful blemishes. 

The sebum that normally drains to the surface is trapped, making the pore expand and become visible in the form of black or whiteheads. 

Acne has become known as an inflammatory disease in the science community. 

#4: Reduced Immune Function

Whether you drink moderately or heavily, the immune system is affected both short and long-term. Drinking 5-6 drinks in one session results in the immune system being repressed for at least 24 hours. 

One short-term effect is impairing the body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, resulting in acne outbreaks. 

The immune system plays a part in all stages of acne development. 

Because the body can’t fight the bacteria effectively, it can invade the sebaceous glands and the pores more easily, clogging them. The skin will struggle to clear the blockages, resulting in acne. 

#5: Liver Damage

Alcohol is highly toxic to the liver and is known to be one of the most significant causes of liver damage. 

The liver is one of the organs that is most directly connected to the condition of your skin because it is vital to detoxification, metabolism, and hormone regulation in your body. 

When the liver isn’t able to provide these services for the body, skin problems can manifest. 

Sebum production isn’t regulated, resulting in an overproduction of oil, which clogs the pores and leads to acne. 

#6: Nutritional Depletion

Alcohol is unhealthy for your body due to its lack of nutrients and proteins. Not only does it lack essential vitamins, it also doesn’t allow your body to absorb the nutrients that you have gotten from other sources such as your food. 

Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and biotin are essential for skin health and cannot be used by your body if alcohol is in your system. Vitamin A in particular is connected to acne. Lack of vitamin A doesn’t allow skin cells to grow and results in the accumulation of dead skin cells, which can block pores. 

Vitamin D is related to regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. When the immune system is out of balance and inflammation is prevalent, so is acne. 

#7: Increased Stress

Many people turn to alcohol to cope with stress, but in reality, consuming alcohol can worsen your stress. 

Initially, you may feel relaxed and less anxious after having a drink, but once the effects wear off a short time later, the stress is back. 

Alcohol can contribute to increased levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Not only does this increase in cortisol heighten stress and anxiety, but it also triggers inflammation and affects the body’s immune system. 

The cells in the body that produce sebum contain receptors for stress hormones. The inflammation and hormonal imbalance can lead to acne outbreaks or worsening of already existing acne. It also means that the skin is slower at healing, and outbreaks will last longer. 

Although alcohol is not a direct cause of acne, reducing or eliminating the amount of alcohol consumed can have positive effects on the skin, including helping acne. 

Less alcohol may mean reduced inflammation in your body. In turn, your skin may be healthier and clearer. 

Cutting out alcohol allows your body to be better hydrated, which may also benefit your skin. Your skin can flush out toxins efficiently, and sebum production can be regulated. 

Eliminating alcohol consumption may reduce acne because your hormones may be better balanced, meaning the amount of oil your skin produces is normal and won’t lead to clogged pores. 

Overall, removing alcohol from your diet can only benefit your body, including your skin. 

If you, or someone you love, find yourself falling into the cycle of relying on alcohol to relax, Dove Recovery can help. 

At Dove Recovery, our professional staff is invested in your success. Offering an empathetic treatment plan with comprehensive, personalized care, our programs encompass psychotherapy, medication management, peer support groups, and other evidence-based treatments. Treatments are tailored to meet each client’s individual needs. 

Treatment plans can include: 

• Individual counseling sessions
• Group or family therapy
• A 12-step recovery program
• Holistic therapy
• Motivational interviewing

Our experienced counselors understand the complexities of substance abuse and offer guidance and support while teaching coping skills throughout your recovery journey.