Can Alcohol Cause Breakouts?
6 min read
OCT 4, 2022 - by KYLIE NICHOLSON
LIFE STYLE
Can Alcohol Cause Breakouts?
6 min read
OCT 4, 2022 - by KYLIE NICHOLSON
LIFE STYLE
Ever wondered why some nights out seem to take a toll on your skin? Finding the sweet spot between enjoying your favorite mixed drinks and keeping your skin clear can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Today, we’re unpacking how drinking alcohol impacts your skin, and sharing the science and skin care solutions to help you strike that balance. From understanding the effects of dehydration to recognizing the role of inflammation, you’ll learn the dos and don’ts of keeping your skin healthy and complexion clear — without giving up your go-to drink.
Ever wondered why some nights out seem to take a toll on your skin? Finding the sweet spot between enjoying your favorite mixed drinks and keeping your skin clear can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach. Today, we’re unpacking how drinking alcohol impacts your skin, and sharing the science and skin care solutions to help you strike that balance. From understanding the effects of dehydration to recognizing the role of inflammation, you’ll learn the dos and don’ts of keeping your skin healthy and complexion clear — without giving up your go-to drink.
The Relationship Between Alcohol and Breakouts
When you indulge in your favorite libation, your skin experiences something slightly less enjoyable. As alcohol is metabolized in the liver and converted into acetaldehyde, it sets off a cascade of reactions that can contribute to acne breakouts. A known carcinogen, acetaldehyde produces free radicals
and can damage proteins, DNA, and other cellular structures1 – but the damage doesn’t stop there. By triggering oxidative stress, acetaldehyde causes inflammation throughout the body, leading to the development of skin conditions such as acne.2
What’s more, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and subsequently leads to increased fluid loss from the body.3 This dehydration can leave yo
ur skin dry, flaky, and more prone to irritation. Combined with the inflammatory impact, alcohol has the potential to wreak havoc on your skin. This leads us to question, does alcohol make you age faster? The dehydration and oxidative stress caused by alcohol consumption can accelerate premature aging, underscoring the importance of moderation to maintain a healthy balance. Regardless, hold off before dumping that bottle of wine down the sink – let’s look at some common misconceptions about this relationship, and explore the possibility for a healthy balance.The Relationship Between Alcohol and Breakouts
When you indulge in your favorite libation, your skin experiences something slightly less enjoyable. As alcohol is metabolized in the liver and converted into acetaldehyde, it sets off a cascade of reactions that can contribute to acne breakouts. A known carcinogen, acetaldehyde produces free radicals
and can damage proteins, DNA, and other cellular structures1 – but the damage doesn’t stop there. By triggering oxidative stress, acetaldehyde causes inflammation throughout the body, leading to the development of skin conditions such as acne.2
What’s more, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production and subsequently leads to increased fluid loss from the body.3 This dehydration can leave yo
ur skin dry, flaky, and more prone to irritation. Combined with the inflammatory impact, alcohol has the potential to wreak havoc on your skin. This leads us to question, does alcohol make you age faster? The dehydration and oxidative stress caused by alcohol consumption can accelerate premature aging, underscoring the importance of moderation to maintain a healthy balance. Regardless, hold off before dumping that bottle of wine down the sink – let’s look at some common misconceptions about this relationship, and explore the possibility for a healthy balance.Clarifying the Role of Alcohol in Breakouts
You might already be passing judgment on your favorite happy hour drink, but don’t be too quick. The relationship between alcohol and skin health isn't a one-size-fits-all equation. Here are some popular misunderstandings surrounding alcohol and its association with acne breakouts.
One common myth is the blanket assumption that all types of alcohol have the same impact on the skin. In reality, the type of alcohol consumed matters significantly. For instance, distilled spirits might affect the skin differently than a glass of red wine due to variations in ingredients and how the body processes them. Alcoholic beverages with more carbohydrates, such as those with high sugar mixers, can increase the risk of damage to your skin and exacerbate existing acne. However, some lower-calorie and high-antioxidant options, such as red, white, and sparkling wine, low-sugar cocktails, light beer, and cider, can be healthier options in moderation.5
Additionally, while it’s well-known that excessive alcohol consumption can be detrimental to your skin health — and health in general, the misconception lies in assuming that any amount of alcohol spells trouble for your complexion. In reality, drinking in moderation isn’t likely to have severe adverse effects. Also, keep in mind that individual differences play a role here. Skin type, genetics, and environmental factors contribute to the complexity of how alcohol interacts with your skin. What might cause breakouts for one person may not have the same effect on another. Clarifying the Role of Alcohol in Breakouts
You might already be passing judgment on your favorite happy hour drink, but don’t be too quick. The relationship between alcohol and skin health isn't a one-size-fits-all equation. Here are some popular misunderstandings surrounding alcohol and its association with acne breakouts.
One common myth is the blanket assumption that all types of alcohol have the same impact on the skin. In reality, the type of alcohol consumed matters significantly. For instance, distilled spirits might affect the skin differently than a glass of red wine due to variations in ingredients and how the body processes them. Alcoholic beverages with more carbohydrates, such as those with high sugar mixers, can increase the risk of damage to your skin and exacerbate existing acne. However, some lower-calorie and high-antioxidant options, such as red, white, and sparkling wine, low-sugar cocktails, light beer, and cider, can be healthier options in moderation.5
Additionally, while it’s well-known that excessive alcohol consumption can be detrimental to your skin health — and health in general, the misconception lies in assuming that any amount of alcohol spells trouble for your complexion. In reality, drinking in moderation isn’t likely to have severe adverse effects. Also, keep in mind that individual differences play a role here. Skin type, genetics, and environmental factors contribute to the complexity of how alcohol interacts with your skin. What might cause breakouts for one person may not have the same effect on another. Alcohol and Skin Health
Let's talk more about the effects of alcohol on the skin and how to address its broader impact. Striking a balance is crucial when maintaining skin health in the context of alcohol consumption – while a glass of wine or two might offer certain health benefits, overindulgence can negate positive things you do for your complexion. At OneSkin, we have a holistic point of view when it comes to skin health, meaning what goes in your body is just as important as what goes on it. Fortunately, when paired with a mindful lifestyle, our scientifically validated approach to skin care can help counteract potential issues, such as those associated with alcohol. In lab studies, our proprietary OS-01 peptide is proven to reduce IL-6, a key biomarker of skin inflammation. It also improves key biomarkers associated with collagen and hyaluronic acid
production, COL1A1 and HAS2, respectively.4 So if you enjoy a drink now and then but also worry about your complexion, OneSkin can help keep your skin resilient and hydrated.
Everyone’s quest for healthier skin is different. And that’s why we’re here — to help you navigate the ups and downs of your daily skin care challenges with scientifically proven solutions and actionable advice.Alcohol and Skin Health
Let's talk more about the effects of alcohol on the skin and how to address its broader impact. Striking a balance is crucial when maintaining skin health in the context of alcohol consumption – while a glass of wine or two might offer certain health benefits, overindulgence can negate positive things you do for your complexion. At OneSkin, we have a holistic point of view when it comes to skin health, meaning what goes in your body is just as important as what goes on it. Fortunately, when paired with a mindful lifestyle, our scientifically validated approach to skin care can help counteract potential issues, such as those associated with alcohol. In lab studies, our proprietary OS-01 peptide is proven to reduce IL-6, a key biomarker of skin inflammation. It also improves key biomarkers associated with collagen and hyaluronic acid
production, COL1A1 and HAS2, respectively.4 So if you enjoy a drink now and then but also worry about your complexion, OneSkin can help keep your skin resilient and hydrated.
Everyone’s quest for healthier skin is different. And that’s why we’re here — to help you navigate the ups and downs of your daily skin care challenges with scientifically proven solutions and actionable advice.Practical Tips for Skin-Friendly Drinking
Still concerned about how your Friday night wine might be affecting your skin and acne development? Here are more practical tips to keep your skin healthy even while enjoying a drink:
- Hydration is Key: Alternate your alcoholic beverages with water to prevent dehydrated skin. Staying hydrated helps your skin maintain its natural moisture balance.
- Choose Wisely: Opt for an alcoholic beverage with fewer additives and lower alcohol content. Clear spirits like vodka or gin with simple mixers might be gentler on your skin.
- Skincare Routines Matter: Consider a dedicated skincare routine, especially when you've enjoyed an alcoholic drink or two. Using a gentle cleanser like PREP and moisturizing with products like OS-01 EYE and OS-01 FACE that are clinically proven and packed with antioxidants can help mitigate the impact.
Practical Tips for Skin-Friendly Drinking
Still concerned about how your Friday night wine might be affecting your skin and acne development? Here are more practical tips to keep your skin healthy even while enjoying a drink:
- Hydration is Key: Alternate your alcoholic beverages with water to prevent dehydrated skin. Staying hydrated helps your skin maintain its natural moisture balance.
- Choose Wisely: Opt for an alcoholic beverage with fewer additives and lower alcohol content. Clear spirits like vodka or gin with simple mixers might be gentler on your skin.
- Skincare Routines Matter: Consider a dedicated skincare routine, especially when you've enjoyed an alcoholic drink or two. Using a gentle cleanser like PREP and moisturizing with products like OS-01 EYE and OS-01 FACE that are clinically proven and packed with antioxidants can help mitigate the impact.
Key Takeaways:
- Alcohol's metabolic conversion into acetaldehyde triggers oxidative stress, which produces inflammation in the skin and contributes to conditions like acne.
- Not all types of alcohol impact the skin the same way, and individual differences, including skin type, genetics, and environmental factors, contribute to the complexity of the relationship.
- Striking a balance is crucial; while moderate alcohol consumption might have benefits, excessive drinking without rehydrating can counteract positive skin care efforts.
- In lab studies on human skin samples, OneSkin's OS-01 peptide is proven to reduce a key biomarker associated with inflammation and enhance key biomarkers associated with collagen and hyaluronic acid production, supporting the skin's natural barrier.4
Key Takeaways:
- Alcohol's metabolic conversion into acetaldehyde triggers oxidative stress, which produces inflammation in the skin and contributes to conditions like acne.
- Not all types of alcohol impact the skin the same way, and individual differences, including skin type, genetics, and environmental factors, contribute to the complexity of the relationship.
- Striking a balance is crucial; while moderate alcohol consumption might have benefits, excessive drinking without rehydrating can counteract positive skin care efforts.
- In lab studies on human skin samples, OneSkin's OS-01 peptide is proven to reduce a key biomarker associated with inflammation and enhance key biomarkers associated with collagen and hyaluronic acid production, supporting the skin's natural barrier.4
References
References
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
Reviewed by Alessandra Zonari, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin
Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.
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