Does Alcohol Cause Acne or Make You Break Out?

Many people wonder if there is a connection between alcohol and acne (pimples). They also wonder - does alcohol cause spots?

While alcohol itself doesn’t directly cause acne, it can contribute to breakouts in several indirect but significant ways. Drinking can disrupt your hormonal balance, increase inflammation, and dehydrate your skin—all of which can trigger or worsen acne. Over time, drinking alcohol can damage skin elasticity and slow down cell turnover. This leads to large pores, uneven texture, and a loss of that healthy glow.

Additionally, because alcohol robs the body of vital nutrients like vitamin A and antioxidants, the skin loses its ability to repair itself, defend against pollution, and maintain a smooth, youthful appearance.

If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol abuse, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery so we can guide you on your path to recovery.

What Can Drinking Do to Your Skin?

Drinking alcohol impacts your skin in both the short and long term.

In the short term, alcohol:

• Dilates blood vessels, causing reddish skin or broken capillaries
• Impairs liver function, leading to dull, puffy, or blotchy skin

Over time, regular drinking can cause skin to lose elasticity and slows down its natural renewal process. This can cause larger pores, uneven texture, and a dull look. Alcohol also depletes important nutrients like vitamin A, making it harder for skin to heal, fight damage, and stay smooth and youthful.

Skin Disorders Linked to Heavy Drinking

• Rosacea and Facial Redness - Alcohol, especially red wine, can trigger or worsen rosacea. It causes flushing that may lead to persistent redness and visible blood vessels on the face.
• Worsening of Chronic Skin Conditions - Long-term alcohol use can aggravate skin issues like psoriasis, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis.
• Infections and Slow Healing - Alcohol weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of fungal infections and slowing the healing of skin wounds.

How Does Drinking Alcohol Cause Spots or Pimples?

While alcohol does not directly cause spots or pimples, it can affect the skin in the following ways:

• Boosts Oil Production - Alcohol raises hormone levels, causing more oil on your skin. This, plus dehydration, can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.
• Raises Blood Sugar - Sugary drinks can spike blood sugar, causing inflammation and more acne.
• Worsens Hormonal Acne - If you're prone to deep or hormonal breakouts, alcohol can make them worse and slow healing.

Alcohol and Itchy Skin

Alcohol may also contribute to skin irritation and itchiness. It can cause histamine release and widen blood vessels, leading to red, itchy patches on the skin, especially in people who are sensitive or allergic to certain types of alcohol. This reaction can be mistaken for dry skin or an allergic rash.

Chronic alcohol use can also lead to liver stress, which in turn may cause toxins to build up in the bloodstream. When these toxins aren’t properly filtered out, the skin may react with itchiness, rashes, or inflammation. People with liver damage from alcohol may experience a condition known as pruritus - persistent itching without a clear rash.

Alcohol and Acne

Alcohol causes inflammation in the body, which is a large reason why it can lead to acne. When you drink, your body releases certain chemicals that cause swelling and redness. This doesn’t just affect your organs—it also shows up on your skin. The inflammation can make breakouts more painful, red, and difficult to ignore. It also slows healing, so pimples take longer to go away. If you already have skin problems like acne, rosacea, or eczema, drinking alcohol will likely make those conditions worse.

How Can Drinking Age People?

Alcohol can hasten the appearance of aging by dehydrating the skin and depriving it of essential nutrients.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Dullness
• Sagging
• Fine lines
• Deep wrinkles

Collagen production also slows down with regular alcohol use. Collagen is a key protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness.

Alcohol raises oxidative stress, which means that harmful molecules damage your skin cells. Without enough antioxidants to fight them off, your skin ages faster. Heavy drinkers often develop puffy eyes, uneven skin tone, and rough skin over time.

Types of Alcohol That Have Greater and Lesser Impact on Your Skin

Does Beer Cause Acne?

Beer doesn’t directly cause acne, but it can play a role in making breakouts worse. Its high sugar and carb content can spike blood sugar and insulin levels, which may lead to increased oil production in the skin—a key factor in acne. Beer also contributes to inflammation and can disrupt hormone balance, both of which are known to aggravate skin issues. Plus, drinking beer in excess can strain the liver and affect gut health, which are both important for clear skin. While a drink here or there likely won’t cause major problems, regular or heavy beer consumption can definitely be a contributing factor for those prone to acne.

How to Prevent Breaking Out After Drinking Alcohol

If you’re going to drink and want to reduce your chances of a breakout, there are a few steps you can take. Hydration is key - drink plenty of water before, during, and after alcohol consumption to offset dehydration and support skin recovery. Choosing drinks with lower sugar content can also help minimize inflammation and hormonal spikes.

After drinking, clean your skin thoroughly to remove any oil, sweat, or makeup buildup. Use gentle, anti-inflammatory skincare products like niacinamide or green tea extract to calm redness and support the skin barrier. Prioritizing sleep and avoiding greasy foods after drinking can also help your skin recover more easily.

Alcohol Addiction Treatment

If you find yourself drinking regularly and noticing not just skin issues but deeper health, mood, or relationship problems, it might be time to consider whether alcohol is playing too large a role in your life. Alcohol addiction often starts subtly, but can quickly escalate into a cycle that’s hard to break alone.

At Avenues Recovery, we understand the emotional and physical toll alcohol abuse can take. Our compassionate, personalized treatment programs are designed to help you heal from the inside out. Whether you're just beginning to question your drinking or already know it's time for change, Avenues is here to guide you toward recovery and a healthier future—body, mind and spirit.