“Does drinking alcohol make acne worse?”
I've been drinking a lot of alcohol lately and go out a lot more as well, but it seems like it's affecting my skin. Does drinking alcohol make acne worse?
5 Answers
Yes, drinking alcohol can produce more acne, depending on what types of alcoholic beverages and the frequency during the week. Are you drinking any water? You should try to lower the alcohol intake, use an acne prone skin product morning an at night, and drink at least 32oz of water a day.
If you have acne and are drinking alcohol, you may be underage for the latter. In general, acne is not worsened by drinking alcohol. It may be hormonal as is common in women in their late 20's and 30's. It could also be worsened by a general lack of skin care and certain makeups.
Regular acne (acne vulgaris) may flare with high glycemic index foods (simple sugars, processed grains) or low fat milk (worse than whole milk). Rosacea (AKA adult acne) may flare with alcohol, stress, sun, hot beverages, or a mite that lives in the hair follicles. If you are having flares that are not easily controlled, see a board dermatologist to assist with identifying triggers and reach long-term control.
No
Many things can affect acne: stress, lack of sleep, hormonal changes, diets with high glycemic index foods, can all affect acne. Each person is an individual. If yours is affected by alcohol, then by all means, cut down.
Suzanne Sirota Rozenberg, DO, FAOCD, FAAD
Suzanne Sirota Rozenberg, DO, FAOCD, FAAD
