What's alcohol acne? How drinking can affect your skin

Alcohol can sabotage your health, including your skin. If you’ve experienced pesky pimples after having too many drinks, you’re about to know why. Discover what alcohol acne is, its triggers and ways you can keep your skin glowing.

What Is alcohol acne?

Alcohol acne refers to breakouts that occur or worsen after drinking alcohol. Alcohol consumption is a risk factor for mild acne and can trigger other factors that contribute to increased acne, such as dehydration, inflammation and hormonal imbalance.

How drinking alcohol can affect skin health

Some of alcohol’s effects may indirectly trigger or worsen acne.

1. Weakened immune system

Protective cells make up the immune system and protect you from harmful bacteria and viruses. Drinking alcohol can weaken this system, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. For example, Cutibacterium acnes bacteria can trigger acne and other skin conditions, but your skin might be more susceptible to it if your immunity system is compromised from alcohol consumption.

2. Hormonal disruption

Alcohol can cause changes in hormone levels, leading to increased oil production as a result of hormonal imbalance. Excess sebum can mix with dead skin cells and bacteria in your pores, which may result in a breakout.

3. Dehydration

Drinking alcohol can make you urinate more than usual, which may lead to dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, your skin can feel dry. Your oil glands will compensate for dryness by producing more oil, which can lead to breakouts.

4. Inflammation

Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting itself against injury or infection. It involves swelling, redness and pain as your immune system works to heal the affected area. Swollen pimples that contain excess oil, dead skin cells and pus are considered inflammatory acne. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to chronic inflammation. 

5. Lack of sleep

Sometimes, alcohol keeps you from having a good night’s sleep by making you wake up in the middle of the night. Missing restorative sleep can affect your skin’s health and put you at risk for acne.

How to avoid alcohol acne

Keeping your skin healthy and glowing is one of the benefits of maintaining a sober or sober-curious lifestyle. These tips can help you avoid alcohol acne. 

1. Get acne treatments

Your skin needs TLC. If you have persistent acne, consult your dermatologist to find the right treatment for you. Experts predict the skin care industry’s value will reach an estimated $145 billion by 2028, meaning you’re likely to benefit from continuing innovations. Effective treatments like microdermabrasion and chemical peels are becoming more accessible.

2. Abstain or drink occasionally

Choosing to abstain or reduce your alcohol consumption can be a great choice for your overall health, and your skin will love you for it. Spread the word by informing your friends and family about the risks of alcohol on their skin health.

Embrace a simple, consistent routine. The natural oils in your skin have benefits, so the key is to create balance, not strip your skin of moisture. Here’s how to take care of oily or acne-proneskin:

• Wash your face twice daily using a gentle, foaming cleanser.
• Use products with “noncomedogenic” or “oil-free” labels.
• Apply moisturizer to keep skin hydrated.
• Wear sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
  

4. Manage stress

Stress can manifest in your skin. Maintain a healthy work-life balance. Practice relaxing activities like meditation and yoga, or take a nature walk. Connect with others, go out, and laugh with your close friends and family.

5. Practice healthy habits

Eat a balanced diet. Adding more fruits and vegetables to your plate gives your skin the antioxidants and vitamins it needs. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from the inside out. Last but not least, prioritize quality sleep every night and watch your skin radiate health.

Achieve flawless skin

Choosing sobriety means investing in radiant skin. Follow these practical tips and continue your journey toward a more flawless complexion.

Written by Mia Barnes

Mia is a freelance writer and researcher with a passion for women’s health and wellness. Mia is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the healthy living online publication, Body+Mind Magazine.