Can Alcohol Make Acne Worse? How Drinking Impacts Your Skin Health

Discover how alcohol affects acne-prone skin. Learn about dehydration, hormonal imbalance, inflammation, and gut health disruptions caused by drinking—and get practical tips to minimize skin damage.

* * *

The holiday season may be behind us, but social events like Carnival and parties are still in full swing—and often accompanied by a drink or two. Many of us assume that moderation keeps us safe from harm, but when it comes to your skin, that’s not entirely true.

If you have acne-prone skin, even one extra cocktail, shot, or glass of wine can make a noticeable difference. Alcohol doesn’t directly cause acne, but it creates an environment that encourages breakouts and can even trigger acne in people who’ve never had it before. From dehydration to hormonal disruption, here’s how alcohol impacts your skin—and what you can do to minimize the damage.

Dehydration and Excess Oil Production

Alcohol acts as a diuretic, pulling water from your body and skin. This dehydration:

• Weakens your skin’s protective barrier.
• Stimulates sebaceous glands to produce more oil (sebum).
• Increases dead skin cells, which mix with excess oil and clog pores—fueling the acne cycle.

Tip: If you plan to drink, hydrate before, during, and after alcohol consumption to protect your skin.

Systemic Inflammation

When your body metabolizes alcohol, it produces acetaldehyde, a compound that:

• Increases inflammation.
• Causes redness, swelling, and worsens inflammatory acne.
• Damages skin cells, slowing healing and amplifying irritation.

Tip: Include antioxidant-rich foods like berries and green tea in your diet to counter oxidative stress.

Hormonal Imbalance

Alcohol disrupts hormone production and balance:

• Cortisol spike: Stress hormone that boosts oil production.
• Androgen elevation: Increased testosterone and estradiol stimulate sebaceous glands.
• Insulin & IGF-1 surge: Sugary drinks spike blood sugar, accelerating oil secretion and skin cell turnover. Plus, sugar contributes to skin aging through glycation (“caramelization”).

Tip: Avoid sugary cocktails. Opt for low-sugar drinks like dry wine or clear spirits mixed with soda water.

Immune System Suppression

Alcohol weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight Cutibacterium acnes (the bacteria behind acne). This can lead to:

• Persistent inflammation.
• More severe and longer-lasting breakouts.

Tip: Support immunity with nutrient-rich foods and probiotics for gut and skin health.

Gut–Skin Connection

Your gut health directly affects your skin. Alcohol disrupts the gut microbiome, causing systemic inflammation that worsens acne.

Tip: Add fermented foods or probiotic supplements to restore gut balance.

Nutrients Depletion

Alcohol reduces absorption of vitamins A, C, E, and zinc—essential for skin repair and immune defense. Deficiencies slow acne healing and prolong inflammation.

Tip: Use skin-supportive supplements and eat a balanced diet after drinking.

Does the Type of Alcohol Matter?

Yes! Some drinks are worse than others:

• Sugary cocktails: Spike blood sugar and worsen acne.
• Dark liquors: Increase inflammation.
• Clear spirits: Lower sugar but higher alcohol concentration, leading to more dehydration and cellular damage.

Tip: If you must drink, choose clear spirits or dry wine in small amounts, hydrate well, and avoid sugary mixers.

Bottom Line: Alcohol doesn’t directly cause acne, but it sets the stage for breakouts by dehydrating your skin, disrupting hormones, and weakening your immune system. If you want to enjoy a drink without sabotaging your skin, moderation, hydration, and smart choices are key.