Oily skin subsides with excess alcohol consumption...why?

I've suffered from excessively oily skin (face, back & shoulders) since I was about 12 (I'm 39 now) and I've tried EVERYTHING to no avail (this horrible pH imbalance is inherited). In my early 20's I used to over imbibe in alcohol (beer, wine, hard liquor, whatever) on a regular basis (6 nights a week). The following day I would notice that my skin would be virtually oil free-my version of heaven, but with a hangover:). I understand the aspects of alcohol=dehydration, but I'm really curious what the science is behind this that would make my sebaceous glands stop overproducing the oil-I'd love to bottle it and sell it :) just kidding. Any thoughts?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Alcohol tends to remove water from the body and skin cells and reducing its hydration levels andthus resulting in drying. The other effects of alcohol on the skin are that it causes broken capillaries,aggravates acne rosacea,causes malnutrition and causes craving and loss of control and affects personal grooming and skin care.

Hope it helps. Take care and regards.