Alcohol can negatively affect the skin barrier and contribute to skin flaking, primarily through its dehydrating effects and its impact on inflammation and immune function. The skin barrier is a protective layer that retains moisture and shields the skin from irritants and pathogens. When this barrier is compromised, the skin can become dry, flaky, and more prone to irritation.
Alcohol consumption leads to dehydration by increasing urine production, which reduces the body’s overall water content, including the skin’s hydration levels. This dehydration causes the skin to appear dull, dry, and tight, which can exacerbate flaking and rough texture[4]. The loss of moisture from the skin surface weakens the skin barrier, making it less effective at retaining water and protecting against environmental damage.
Beyond dehydration, alcohol also promotes systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. It alters the cytokine environment, which can worsen inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and rosacea[2]. These inflammatory effects can further impair the skin barrier function, leading to increased sensitivity and flaking. Chronic alcohol use is associated with various skin manifestations including pigmentary changes, pruritus (itchiness), and vascular abnormalities, which reflect both direct effects of alcohol and secondary effects from liver dysfunction[1].
Alcohol also impairs immune function by reducing the activity of T cells and neutrophils, which are important for skin defense and repair. This immune suppression can increase susceptibility to skin infections and delay healing, indirectly contributing to barrier disruption[1]. Additionally, alcohol-related nutritional deficiencies, common in heavy drinkers, can impair skin health and barrier integrity.
In conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by flaky, scaly patches, alcohol consumption has been shown to worsen symptoms, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood[3]. Alcohol’s role in increasing inflammation and disrupting normal skin function likely contributes to this effect.
In summary, alcohol does not directly “strip” the skin barrier in the way harsh detergents or solvents might, but it compromises the barrier by dehydrating the skin, increasing inflammation, impairing immune defenses, and contributing to nutritional deficiencies. These combined effects lead to a weakened skin barrier and can cause or worsen skin flaking and dryness.
Sources:
[1] Am J Lifestyle Med. 2025 Oct 29:15598276251393676.
[2] Dr Rachel Ho, Alcohol & Dermatology: The Asian Flushing Syndrome
[3] Dr Oracle, Seborrhic Dermatitis and Alcohol
[4] Smart DHGate, Why Does Alcohol Dehydrate You? Understanding the Science
