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Does Alcohol Consumption Cause Acne?

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Posted on Mon, 21 Dec 2015
Question: Why do my acne outbreaks seem to dissapear after drinking alcohol??
When I consume quite a lot of alcohol, the day or two later skin seems good, then later it gets bad. I consume alcohol twice a week (12 cans of beer). I read alcohol can make acne worse for some and better for others, but for me it is better. I wonder why? Are these acne marks or scars?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Thanks very much for your question. I am trained in internal medicine, have read over all your previous questions, have taken a close look at your photos, and I believe I have a good understanding of your situation.

First, let me say that 12 cans of beer a week constitutes a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder, and you should seek counseling to explore whether or not you are addicted to alcohol. This was not your question, but I felt I should mention it.

The reason you are reading that alcohol both improves and worsens acne is because there this is all totally coincidental -- there is no scientifically established relationship between alcohol and acne. Acne is largely genetic, and can be properly treated with topical or oral antibiotics and/or retinoids. Alcohol is not related to this.

Your pictures are consistent with acne, though there appears to be an element of razorburn which could be improved with a sharper razor and aftershave.

I see you have asked many premium questions. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my direct link below. It would be my pleasure to be your personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (http://yyyyyyyyyy.yyyyyyyyyyyyy.com/best-hospitals/yyyyyyyyyyyyyy/psychiatry). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: yyyyyyyyyyyyy.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (2 hours later)
Hi,
Thanks for reply.
Yes, I use my razor on my skin without cream which is probably not good so I will address this.
But for strange reason alcohol does help - maybe because I eat less when drinking it and so no food iritation? Or maybe it drys my skin. Not sure, but does help.
So these are red marks and not scars?

Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Don't believe in myths

Detailed Answer:
You're most welcome!

I think the connection between alcohol intake and the improvement you notice in your acne is coincidental and not causative. Food also has very little effect on acne -- for example, the idea that chocolate worsens acne is a total myth.

These are indeed temporary red marks and not scars. No worries!

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my direct link below. It would be my pleasure to be your personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (http://yyyyyyyyyyyy.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/yyyyyyyyyyyyy). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.com/DrSheppeAnswers


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (26 minutes later)
Thanks a lot for your help and reassurance. I'm looking into a new razer / cream for shaving as could be really aggrivating the skin.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
I think that's a great idea. It's probably significantly contributing to your skin irritation.

Again, in the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my direct link below. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (http://yyyyyyyyyyyyy.usnews.com/best-hospitals/yyyyyyyyyyyy/yyyyyyyyyyyyyy). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Does Alcohol Consumption Cause Acne?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Thanks very much for your question. I am trained in internal medicine, have read over all your previous questions, have taken a close look at your photos, and I believe I have a good understanding of your situation. First, let me say that 12 cans of beer a week constitutes a diagnosis of alcohol use disorder, and you should seek counseling to explore whether or not you are addicted to alcohol. This was not your question, but I felt I should mention it. The reason you are reading that alcohol both improves and worsens acne is because there this is all totally coincidental -- there is no scientifically established relationship between alcohol and acne. Acne is largely genetic, and can be properly treated with topical or oral antibiotics and/or retinoids. Alcohol is not related to this. Your pictures are consistent with acne, though there appears to be an element of razorburn which could be improved with a sharper razor and aftershave. I see you have asked many premium questions. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my direct link below. It would be my pleasure to be your personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (http://yyyyyyyyyy.yyyyyyyyyyyyy.com/best-hospitals/yyyyyyyyyyyyyy/psychiatry). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, or individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: yyyyyyyyyyyyy.com/DrSheppeAnswers