gr9813

Has anyone else gotten acne after they quit drinking? I'm way past the teenage acne stage, and my face has been pretty clear despite the amount of drinking. Now that I'm sober (almost 5 months), my face seems to break out every few days. Its pretty damn annoying. I was thinking it would just pass by now, but hasn't. I feel like a teenager buying acne face wash at the damn drug store...

Has this happened with anyone else?

Other than my face, my skin feels 100% better...dry hands and feet, not clammy anymore, skin temperature is consistent all the time, ect...

sher70

I just had that same thought this morning!

Ncognito13

This tends to happen to me when I first stop, but I think it's because I'm sweating a lot. I found changing my pillow cases more often helped.

EverySngleNight

It could be unrelated to quitting... You could maybe see a dermatologist.

Can you think of any other habits you've changed? Medications? New soaps or lotions? Maybe seasonal? Or, clothing related?

Lots of possibilities!

anchorbird

I have had a great deal of acne since I got really serious about quitting in October.

sugarbear1

I got it and a rash on my body. It all went away.

Then I got compliments on my appearance--from complete strangers, too!

bluncain

I did for about two weeks, read somewhere it's the toxins being expelled by your body. So your body is healing, that's a good sign yeah?

Admiral

Some people believe that the skin is a reflection of what's going on inside. Alcohol wrecks the body, especially the digestive system, the balance of healthy bacteria and flora may be out of whack.

I would suggest eating as clean as possible, if it wasn't around a hundred years ago, then don't eat it. You could also try reducing grains and dairy for several weeks and see if it makes a difference. The whole gluten thing is way overblown, but it is true that a lot of people don't tolerate dairy or grains very well.

I used to wash my face twice a day with face soap, and apply cream twice a day, it's been about a year now since I stopped doing that, and I haven't needed to go back to that regimen. It could just be a coincidence, or it could be because I don't eat junk like I used to. Regardless, you really have nothing to lose.

Pipping

Same here, I get a few spots and a bit of eczema but have less redness and deep lines have softened.

Ruby2

I broke out a lot when I first stopped drinking. It went away after a while.

pattyj

Think of all the toxins that you put in your body over the years. Your body is trying to rid itself of years of damage. I went to a dermatologist who specialized in detox. DO NOT POP THESE PIMPLES! They will cause more scars because of the toxin. I went to sephora to get really good face stuff, not the grocery store stuff I was using for years. Just be careful, go see a specialist and be very honest. And be honest with a face person at sephora or Nordstrom. They have seen it all and will get you what you need. My face now feels like a baby's bottom and I can go makeup free regularly!

Inca

Interesting....I think I did have some skin problems at first. I think it may have been because it was so used to being pumped full of alcohol and it probably had to adjust.

It didn't last long....maybe a few weeks or so. Once I got into a good routine for skin care it seemed to help. I mean, actually washing my face and using lotion regularly instead of going to bed with makeup on and wearing it for three days straight. I can't believe I did that but that's what alcohol will do to you!

Pipping

Not to mention your teeth. I bet your teeth look better though, even if your skin is bothering you.

Kayla50

I don't know how or what is going on. It happens to me. Not too bad on my face but my body is freaking out with hives (I think). It sucks. I am sorry you are dealing with this.

DanicaB

Mine actually got better when I quit. That's another one of the perks that's keeping me going with the sober. But I'm no where near 5 months in. It could change. Try eating less carbs and sugars and drinking lots of water. And take vitamins.