Now that we know diet can influence acne breakouts, a common question comes up: does alcohol make acne worse?
We’ve long understood that alcohol isn’t exactly skin-friendly, but how strong is its link to acne?
Emerging research shows that alcohol may impact multiple acne-related pathways.
It increases inflammation, disrupts the gut-skin axis, and alters the skin’s microbial balance.
A Closer Look: Alcohol and Oil Production
One study goes deeper: alcohol can directly stimulate sebocytes, the skin's oil-producing cells to boost lipogenesis. This happens through a process called non-oxidative alcohol metabolism, which produces compounds known as Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters (FAEEs). These accumulate in the skin, making it more acne-prone, even without visible damage.
Global Insights: What the Research Shows
In Asian studies, alcohol use has been linked to both higher acne risk and worsening of existing acne. These associations often remain even after adjusting for other variables like age, gender, or genetics.
What about wine?
A French study reported that regular consumption of wine was associated with more severe acne in women. That’s important, especially since wine is often considered neutral or even healthy in Mediterranean diet.
The Takeaway: Does cutting out alcohol help acne?
Altogether, the evidence suggests it may be wise to limit or avoid alcohol if you are acne prone. In persistent or hard to treat cases, alcohol could be a modifiable lifestyle factor worth addressing in your skincare journey.
References:
- Kleemann, J et al., Alcohol Promotes Lipogenesis in Sebocytes-Implications for Acne., J Cells
- Heng, A. et al., Epidemiological Risk Factors Associated with Acne Vulgaris Presentation, Severity, and Scarring in a Singapore Chinese Population., J Dermatology
- Say, Y. H. et al., Modifiable and non-modifiable epidemiological risk factors for acne, acne severity and acne scarring among Malaysian Chinese., J BMC public health
- Ah-Thiane et al., Lifestyle habits and impact of the Mediterranean diet on facial acne severity in French women., International journal of women's dermatology