Does alcohol cause acne? Not directly, but drinking more than normal can cause a hormone imbalance which in turn, can cause acne. Studies have found that moderate alcohol consumption doesn’t contribute to acne. However, heavy drinking can indirectly cause acne by altering hormone levels. If you regularly consume more than four alcoholic drinks per day, your body produces higher levels of testosterone. This hormone can increase oil production in the skin, resulting in clogged pores. Over time, this could lead to the development of acne lesions. Again, this is most common when you drink heavily on a regular basis.
But even light drinking isn’t completely safe when it comes to acne. Consuming up to two drinks per day has been linked to milder forms of inflammatory acne. One study showed that men who drank one to two drinks per day were more likely to have moderate to severe acne than men who abstained from drinking.
However, this study’s results are somewhat inconclusive. Participants with the heaviest alcohol intake also had the poorest overall nutritional quality of their diet. They were less likely to eat fruits and vegetables, which are thought to support skin health by maintaining antioxidant levels.
So while some research suggests that low-to-moderate alcohol consumption can contribute to acne, other studies report no link whatsoever. That’s why it’s important for individuals with acne-prone skin to examine all lifestyle factors that may be contributing to breakouts. These include stress level , late night eating , and sleep patterns.
How Alcohol Impacts Your Immune System
In fact, one study showed that people who drink alcohol have a higher risk of getting sick from viruses such as the common cold and the flu.
It’s possible that these effects can increase your body’s inflammatory response. Prolonged inflammation has been linked to acne development. This is because it triggers a gene responsible for producing sebum by-products. Sebum clogs pores and traps bacteria, which can lead to spots and breakouts.
Heavy drinkers are more likely than light drinkers or non-drinkers to suffer from acute pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition that causes abdominal pain (10). If you do drink, don’t make doing so a habit . Drinking in excess can lead to a variety of health problems, including malnutrition and liver disease.
Alcohol and Acne-Prone Skin
It’s always important to remember that everyone’s body is different. This includes how your body reacts to specific stimuli such as drinking alcohol. If you have acne-prone skin , it’s best to limit your intake of all types of alcohol. Heavy drinking can cause high levels of testosterone, which leads to increased sebum production and clogged pores. It also causes the degradation of collagen and elastin fibers, which makes skin easier to scar . Moderate or low consumption may not affect skin in a negative way at all, so save yourself the trouble and enjoy an occasional drink with friends.
After all, it’s not just what you drink, but how much that contributes to acne formation. It’s also important to maintain a nutritious diet . This can mean choosing to drink in moderation, or substituting alcohol for other healthy drinks such as water. For more information about the effects of drinking on skin health, consult your dermatologist.
Do Certain Types of Alcohol Cause Acne?
The most common type of alcohol is ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol. It’s found in fermented foods and drinks such as beer, wine and champagne. This type of alcohol is a diuretic — it makes you urinate more often than usual.
One study showed that high levels of ethanol provoke acne-like symptoms in individuals with normal skin. These factors include: An increase in oil production A higher chance for blackheads and blockages to form Intensified inflammation within the skin.
This contributes to your risk for developing acne or worsening an existing case. However, any person can also develop dehydrated skin after consuming large amounts of alcoholic beverages. Make sure to drink plenty of water while you’re enjoying yourself.