Thursday, July 7, 2011

Answering: Does Alcohol Cause Acne And Why Can It?

By Eugene Yeng


Many people would like a definitive answer to the question: Does alcohol cause acne and why? There is no one cause of this skin condition in the narrow sense of the term, but alcohol is sometimes recommended as a topical remedy and often included in the list of things to be avoided.

The unsightly skin eruptions and swellings that happen with an outbreak of acne affect most humans at some point in their lives, especially during puberty. The problem is a mere annoyance for many and clears up as adolescence ends, although problems may reemerge during pregnancy or times of unusual stress. For others, however, the condition may be severe and long-lasting and may cause permanent scarring to the face.

The breakouts can be very disturbing for those who suffer extreme acne, since it is on the face and detracts from both physical beauty and the sufferer's self-esteem. For this reason, there is much interest in an absolute cure or in ointments, skin washes, or medications which promise relief. The market has stimulated a great deal of research, which has helped to determine some causes of the condition and found some helpful pointers and remedies, although no definitive cure.

This skin condition causes both physical harm, as it may be very unsightly for months, years, and even decades, and mental distress. Appearance is important to many, especially during the teenage years, and a loss of self-esteem and social comfort often accompanies this problem. For this reason, interest runs high in cures and remedies, there is a strong market for skin care products, and much research has been done in this area. However, no definitive cure has been found and no one cause has been pinpointed.

Alcohol as a beverage has several drawbacks. It turns to sugar in the system and also leaves the body more acidic in pH levels. Bacteria thrive when the body is acidic rather than slightly alkaline, and sugars are acid-forming foods. Alcoholic drinks also drain the body of B vitamins, which are known to boost the immune system and help the body fight bacterial infection. Some of the B vitamins are essential for healthy skin, such as biotin and thiamine. It can interfere with digestion as well, and improperly digested food can lead to toxin overloads of the bloodstream and organs.

The hormonal changes of adolescence and pregnancy, as well as a too high stress load, have been shown to exacerbate this condition. The glands that produce hormones may be over-stressed by many factors, both in the lifestyle and in the chemical make-up of the whole system. Drinking fermented beverages such as beer and wine, as well as hard liquor, can reduce levels of nutrients already lowered by stress or a inadequate diet and make the situation worse. They also tend to make the body more acidic, which helps contribute to bacteria overgrowth and a suppressed immune system. These problems will often have negative effects on the complexion.

As a topical agent, rubbing alcohol is often recommended by friends and family for relief from acne. People believe the liquid reduces oils, kills bacteria, and tightens pores. However, many skin care authorities say this compound is excessively drying, actually stimulating already over-productive oil glands, and can make pores too small to allow for normal cleansing action. They do not recommend using this on the skin.

There are both yes and no responses to this question: does alcohol cause acne and why? The internet is full of information, and all who suffer from this skin condition will probably benefit from reading the information found online. Diet and lifestyle changes alone may really be beneficial.




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