Why Does My Face Get Oily And Shiny When I Drink Alcohol?

Alcohol And Your Sebaceous Glands

The primary cause of all the oil and shine action that’s happening to your face after drinking liquor is connected to how alcohol affects your sebaceous glands. Your skin is covered in thousands of these little guys, and their job is to produce oil (sebum) that keeps your skin lubricated and protected from the elements.

When you drink alcohol, it stimulates these glands to produce more oil than usual. This excess oil causes a shine on your face — especially around the nose, forehead, and chin area — which can sometimes look greasy or slick.

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can also cause dehydration. When your skin is dehydrated, it reacts by producing even more oil to compensate for the lack of moisture. This makes the shine problem even worse.

Additionally, alcohol can also cause a mild hormonal imbalance which can trigger the sebaceous glands to produce even more oil. This can manifest itself in the form of breakouts or acne along with shiny skin.

Toxin buildup is another possible culprit. When you drink alcohol, your body can become overloaded with toxins which can cause inflammation and clog pores — leading to an oily complexion.

How To Control Oil And Shine After Drinking Alcohol

One way to compensate for the oil and shine that can result from drinking alcohol is to cleanse your face immediately after. This will help to remove any dirt, sweat, and other impurities that have accumulated on your skin during the course of the evening. If you don’t have access to a sink or running water, use cleansing wipes specifically designed for oily skin types.

Try to avoid alcoholic beverages with high sugar content, such as cocktails, as sweet drinks can lead to oily skin after drinking alcohol. Opt for a lighter, lower-sugar alternative such as an iced vodka soda with lime or a gin and tonic instead.

In order to minimize shine, you can also consider using blotting paper or sheets to absorb excess oil. Additionally, the use of mattifying products, such as d*shine’s mattifying moisturizer may help.

Finally, drinking plenty of water before, during, and after a night out is essential for keeping your skin hydrated. It will also help to flush out any toxins that could be causing the oiliness in the first place.