Does Alcohol Cause Acne? What Science Says

If you've noticed breakouts after a night out drinking, you're not imagining things. While alcohol doesn't directly cause acne, research shows it can make breakouts worse in several ways. Studies find that people who drink alcohol have a higher risk of developing acne compared to those who don't.

The relationship is complex. Alcohol affects your hormones, increases inflammation, dehydrates your skin, and puts stress on your liver. These effects can trigger more oil production and create the perfect environment for breakouts, especially if you're already prone to acne.

How Alcohol Affects Your Skin

When you drink alcohol, your body processes it in ways that can harm your skin. A 2024 study found that alcohol triggers oil production in the skin cells that create sebum. More oil means more clogged pores and breakouts.

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it makes you urinate more and lose water. Dehydration makes your skin dry and rough, causing your skin to overproduce oils and increasing the layer of dead skin cells that can build up and clog your pores.

Your body breaks down alcohol into a compound called acetaldehyde, which creates inflammation throughout your body, including your skin. This inflammation can worsen existing acne and trigger new breakouts. The process also produces harmful molecules that damage your skin cells.

Research shows alcohol increases hormone levels, particularly testosterone and estrogen in women. These hormones signal your oil glands to produce more sebum. Studies found that for every alcoholic drink consumed, hormone levels increased, potentially making acne worse.

Are Some Alcoholic Drinks Worse Than Others?

Not all drinks affect your skin equally. The sugar content and ingredients make a difference.

Sugary cocktails and mixed drinks are the worst offenders. Your body processes alcohol as sugar, and when you add sweet mixers, sodas, or syrups, you double the inflammatory effect. High blood sugar triggers insulin spikes that promote oil production and inflammation.

Clear spirits like vodka, gin, and tequila contain less sugar and are better choices if you're concerned about acne. Beer and wine fall somewhere in the middle, though red wine contains compounds that can increase inflammation and redness in some people.

The Liver Connection

Your liver works hard to remove toxins from your blood, including alcohol. When you drink frequently or heavily, your liver can become overwhelmed. If it can't process toxins efficiently, your body may try to eliminate them through your skin instead. This can trigger inflammation and breakouts.

Some bacteria on your skin can convert alcohol into acetaldehyde, the same toxic compound your liver produces when breaking down alcohol. This creates additional inflammation right where acne forms, potentially making breakouts worse.

How to Reduce Alcohol's Impact on Your Skin

If you choose to drink, alternate alcoholic beverages with water to stay hydrated. This helps counter alcohol's dehydrating effects and may reduce the oil overproduction that leads to breakouts.

Choose drinks with less sugar. Skip the sugary cocktails, fruity mixers, and sweet wines.

Pay attention to how your skin responds. Some people can enjoy occasional drinks without skin issues, while others notice breakouts after even moderate amounts. Track your patterns to understand your personal threshold.

When to See a Dermatologist

While cutting back on alcohol might help reduce breakouts, lifestyle changes alone won't cure acne. See a dermatologist if you experience:

• Persistent acne that doesn't improve with lifestyle changes

• Painful cysts or deep nodules that leave scars

• Breakouts that don't respond to over-the-counter treatments

• Acne that affects your confidence or quality of life

A dermatologist can provide prescription treatments that address the root causes of acne more effectively than lifestyle modifications alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after drinking alcohol will I break out?

If alcohol triggers your acne, you might see new breakouts within 1-3 days after drinking. The timing varies by person and depends on how much you drank and your individual skin sensitivity.

Will quitting alcohol clear my acne?

Quitting alcohol may help reduce breakouts, especially if drinking was contributing to inflammation and hormonal changes. However, alcohol is just one potential trigger. Most people need a complete skincare routine or medical treatment to fully clear acne.

Can I drink alcohol if I have acne?

Yes, you can drink alcohol with acne, though moderation is key. Choose lower-sugar options, stay hydrated, and pay attention to how your skin responds. Some people can drink occasionally without worsening their acne.

The Bottom Line

While alcohol doesn't directly cause acne, it can make breakouts worse through multiple pathways: increasing oil production, causing dehydration, raising hormone levels, and triggering inflammation. Research shows that people who drink regularly have a higher risk of developing acne.

If you have acne-prone skin, consider reducing your alcohol intake or choosing lower-sugar options. Stay hydrated when drinking and pay attention to your skin's response. Remember that everyone reacts differently, so what triggers breakouts in one person may not affect another.