Does Alcohol Consumption Cause Acne?
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?
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
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
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
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