Does Alcohol Cause Acne? Link Between Drinking and Skin

Medically Reviewed:
Dr. Randy Gelow, MD, FASAM
Ray Hamilton, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-C
Last Updated: April 4, 2025

Scientific studies have shown that alcohol can increase inflammation, trigger hormonal imbalances, and weaken liver function — all of which are major contributors to acne. These effects can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and longer healing times for your skin.

So, does alcohol cause acne? Yes — and the connection is stronger than many people realize.  From increased oil production to impaired detoxification, the drinking effects on skin can be both immediate and long-term. Understanding how alcohol impacts your skin is a key step toward clearer, healthier skin and overall wellness.

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How Does Alcohol Cause Acne and Pimples?

Alcohol increases inflammation in the body, which triggers the sebaceous glands to produce more oil. That excess oil mixes with dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores — a major cause of acne and pimples.

Additionally, alcohol impairs your body’s ability to heal and detoxify naturally, making it harder for your skin to recover.

  • Excess oil production: Alcohol stimulates oil glands, leading to clogged pores.
  • Inflammation: Alcohol ramps up inflammation, which makes acne worse.
  • Slower healing: Your skin’s ability to repair is compromised.

If you’ve been dealing with alcohol and breakouts, it might be time to consider detox. At Hart Rehab, our holistic detox approach treats addiction while also helping your skin rebalance, reduce acne, and regain its natural clarity.

Alcohol on Skin Diseases: Rosacea or Eczema

The impact of alcohol on skin diseases goes beyond just acne. Alcohol can worsen or even trigger chronic skin conditions like rosacea and eczema. It dilates blood vessels, leading to redness, flushing, and inflammation.

If you already struggle with sensitive skin, consuming alcohol can lead to frequent flare-ups and irritation.

  • Rosacea and flushing: Alcohol expands blood vessels, causing visible redness.
  • Eczema flare-ups: Alcohol can make symptoms more severe.
  • Pre-existing conditions: Alcohol worsens many skin disorders.

Our alcohol detox program at Hart Rehab is personalized to address both substance use and skin-related concerns. Detoxing helps reduce inflammation and improve skin tone, especially for those with chronic skin conditions.

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Why Drinking Alcohol Causes Dry Skin and a Dull Complexion

A major side effect of drinking alcohol is dry skin. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, pulling moisture from your body and leaving your skin dehydrated. This leads to a dull, tired complexion and may even speed up the appearance of fine lines and dark circles.

  • Dehydration: Alcohol strips your skin of natural hydration.
  • Fine lines and aging: Dryness contributes to premature signs of aging.
  • Lackluster look: Skin appears tired and loses its healthy glow.

At Hart Rehab, our medically supervised detox includes hydration and nutrition support to help restore your skin from within. Rehydrating your body is a vital first step in reclaiming vibrant skin.

How Alcohol Cause Pimples and Skin Breakouts

Alcohol doesn’t just dry out your skin — it also leads to alcohol and breakouts. One reason alcohol cause pimples is because it overwhelms your liver, the body’s main detox organ. When the liver can’t effectively filter out toxins, those toxins may surface through your skin as acne or pimples.

  • Toxin buildup: A sluggish liver means more toxins affecting skin health.
  • Inflammation and irritation: Alcohol contributes to skin flare-ups.
  • Breakouts: Combined effects lead to more frequent acne issues.

Our alcohol detox program at Hart Rehab helps clear these toxins from your body. That means fewer breakouts and a healthier complexion.

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How Heavy Drinking Increases the Risk of Skin Cancer

Many people don’t realize that heavy drinking can also increase the risk of skin cancer. Alcohol reduces your skin’s ability to protect itself from harmful sun exposure and makes you more vulnerable to UV damage. It also dehydrates your skin, leaving it less resilient.

  • Lower UV defenses: Alcohol weakens your skin’s natural barrier.
  • Dehydration: Makes your skin more sensitive to the sun.
  • Cancer risk: Long-term alcohol use can contribute to melanoma and other skin cancers.

By detoxing from alcohol, you not only reduce your cancer risk but also support healthier skin.

At Hart Rehab, we prioritize your full-body health, helping you build long-term protection against environmental damage.

The Immune System, Alcohol Abuse, and Skin Vulnerabilities

Alcohol abuse takes a serious toll on your immune system, which plays a key role in skin repair. A weakened immune system means you’re more likely to experience acne, infections, and inflammation.

Excessive alcohol consumption delays your skin’s healing process and makes you more susceptible to bacteria and blemishes.

  • Compromised immunity: Increases your risk of skin infections and breakouts.
  • Poor healing: Alcohol slows down your body’s ability to repair itself.
  • More flare-ups: Inflammation and acne become more common.

At Hart Rehab, our alcohol detox focuses on strengthening your immune system through nutrition, hydration, and holistic care — giving your skin the chance to truly heal.

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What Happens in Alcohol Detox

Alcohol detox is a critical first step in improving your skin health and overall well-being. By removing toxins from your body, detoxing not only supports your internal organs but also helps restore your skin’s natural glow. Here’s what you can expect during the detox process:

Thorough Assessment Of Physical And Mental Health

You’ll begin with a detailed evaluation of both your physical and mental health. This step helps tailor the detox plan to your specific alcohol consumption, medical conditions, and skin concerns, ensuring the best results for your overall recovery.

Personalized Detox Plan Based On Your Needs

A detox plan is created just for you. It takes into account your drinking habits, existing medical conditions, and any skin issues related to alcohol, such as acne or dryness. This approach ensures that the detox process addresses both your body’s needs and skin health.

Medical Supervision To Manage Withdrawal Symptoms

Throughout the detox process, you will be monitored by healthcare professionals. This supervision ensures that any withdrawal symptoms are managed safely, providing you with the necessary care and support during your recovery.

Detoxing from alcohol is an essential step toward regaining not only your health but also clearer, more radiant skin. At Hart Rehab, our team is here to guide you through every stage of your recovery.

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How Alcohol Detox Can Lead to Clearer, Healthier Skin

Removing alcohol from your life is one of the most effective ways to improve your skin health. Detox allows your body to flush out harmful substances, restore hydration, and reduce inflammation.

By eliminating toxins, your skin becomes clearer, smoother, and more balanced. Without alcohol, your skin can hold moisture better, leading to a natural glow and fewer breakouts.

At Hart Rehab, our 30-day alcohol detox program supports full-body healing. We provide medical and emotional support while helping your skin recover naturally.

Reclaim Your Skin Health by Quitting Alcohol

So, does alcohol cause acne? Absolutely — but the good news is, you can reverse the damage. Detoxing can help reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and restore your skin’s glow. Whether you’re dealing with pimples, skin conditions, or just tired, dull skin, Hart Rehab is here to help.

Reach out to Hart Rehab today at (480) 351-5146 or email contact@thehopehouse.com to learn more about our personalized detox programs. Let’s take that first step together — toward sobriety, wellness, and a healthier, clearer you.

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