This a great and common question. Currently, there is evidence showing a direct impact of drinking alcohol on acne. However, that is not to say that there isn’t an affect—only that it has yet to be proven in clinical studies. In fact, it is highly likely that drinking alcohol does have a negative impact on the skin. Here are two reasons why;
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Testosterone: Alcohol has been shown in to increase testosterone levels in the blood of both men and women. Testosterone is well known to be a major factor in the development and frequency of acne breakouts.
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Sugar: When digested in the human body, alcohol is transformed into straight sugar, which is another well-known trigger for acne.
For these reasons, it’s quite likely that drinking alcohol (particularly frequently and/or in excess), can be a factor in triggering or worsening acne. Therefore, if you struggle with breakouts, it’s always a good idea to limit or cut out alcohol completely. Always remember to drink in moderation and choose beverages without any added sweeteners or sugars.
For more info, check out this study: Testosterone increases in men after a low dose of alcohol.
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