Alcohol can definitely change how serums absorb into the skin, and this is something that many people do not realize. When you use a serum, you are hoping that the active ingredients will get into your skin and help with things like hydration, brightness, or anti-aging. But if you drink alcohol regularly, especially in large amounts, your skin may not be able to absorb those serums as well as it should. This is not just about how your skin looks on the outside, but also about what is happening inside your body that affects your skin’s ability to take in nutrients and other helpful substances.
First, it is important to understand how serums work. Serums are made to deliver concentrated ingredients deep into the skin. They are usually lighter than creams and are designed to penetrate the outer layers of the skin to reach the cells that need help. For this to work, your skin needs to be healthy and functioning properly. If your skin is dry, damaged, or not getting enough nutrients, it will not be able to absorb serums as effectively [4].
Alcohol affects your skin in several ways that can make it harder for serums to work. One of the main problems is that alcohol can dry out your skin. When your skin is dry, it loses some of its natural ability to absorb products. Dry skin is also more likely to have a damaged barrier, which means that it is not as good at letting good things in and keeping bad things out. This can make it harder for serums to get into your skin and do their job [4].
Another issue is that alcohol can change the way your body absorbs nutrients. When you drink alcohol, it can interfere with the absorption of important vitamins and minerals, like vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and B vitamins. These vitamins are not only important for your overall health, but they also play a big role in keeping your skin healthy and helping it absorb products like serums. If your body is not getting enough of these vitamins, your skin may not be able to use the ingredients in your serums as well as it should [3].
Research has shown that chronic alcohol intake can reduce the absorption of vitamin B by up to 50%, especially thiamine, folate, and vitamin B12. These B vitamins are important for cell metabolism and DNA synthesis, which are both needed for healthy skin and hair. If your skin cells are not getting enough of these vitamins, they may not be able to repair themselves or absorb new nutrients properly. This can make your skin less responsive to serums and other skincare products [1].
Alcohol also affects your liver, which is the organ that helps your body process and remove toxins. When your liver is not working as well as it should, it can lead to a buildup of toxins in your body, including your skin. This can cause your skin to look dull and make it harder for serums to penetrate and work effectively. Liver dysfunction can also lead to changes in your skin, such as jaundice, itching, and changes in pigmentation, which can all affect how well your skin absorbs products [2].
In addition to affecting nutrient absorption and liver function, alcohol can also change the way your blood flows to your skin. Alcohol alters vascular tone and peripheral circulation, which means that it can reduce the amount of blood that reaches your skin. When your skin does not get enough blood, it does not get enough oxygen and nutrients, which are both needed for healthy skin and for the absorption of serums. Poor blood flow can also make your skin look pale and tired, and it can make it harder for serums to work as well as they should [2].
Another thing to consider is that alcohol can disrupt your gut health. Research has shown that alcohol can damage the intestinal barrier and change the balance of bacteria in your gut. This can lead to malnutrition and changes in your weight, but it can also affect your skin. When your gut is not healthy, it can lead to inflammation and other problems that can show up on your skin. This can make your skin less able to absorb serums and other skincare products [7].
If you are someone who drinks alcohol regularly, you may notice that your skin does not respond to serums as well as it used to. You might find that your skin feels drier, looks duller, or does not seem to get the benefits you expect from your serums. This is because alcohol is affecting your skin in many different ways, from drying it out to changing how your body absorbs nutrients and how your blood flows to your skin.
It is also important to remember that everyone’s skin is different, and some people may be more affected by alcohol than others. If you are concerned about how alcohol is affecting your skin and your ability to absorb serums, it is a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional. They can help you understand what is happening and give you advice on how to take care of your skin and your overall health.
In short, alcohol can definitely change how serums absorb into the skin. It can dry out your skin, interfere with nutrient absorption, affect your liver function, reduce blood flow to your skin, and disrupt your gut health. All of these things can make it harder for serums to work as well as they should. If you want your serums to be as effective as possible, it is important to take care of your skin and your overall health, and to be mindful of how much alcohol you are drinking.
[1] https://hairgp.co.uk/alcohol-smoking-the-hair-loss-science-in-2025/
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12571796/
[3] https://www.bubsnaturals.com/blogs/all-about-collagen/does-alcohol-kill-collagen-in-your-skin-exploring-the-effects-of-drinking-on-skin-health
[4] https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/skin-health.html
[7] https://smart.dhgate.com/why-are-alcoholics-often-skinny-exploring-the-surprising-link/
