How Does Alcohol Consumption Affect the Skin?

Increased urination leads to a significant loss of bodily fluids, including the moisture that our skin relies on to maintain a healthy glow. But if you’re the kinda dude who wants to look their best at all-times, you should probably hold off on that second or third (or fourth) pint. Because according to some studies, alcohol consumption can affect your skin in a negative way.

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And for those who aren’t entirely interested in giving up drinking, a few simple steps can help protect your complexion. A person’s risk of alcohol-related cancers is influenced by that person’s genes, specifically the genes that encode enzymes involved in metabolizing (breaking down) alcohol (27). Beyond the safety considerations, medical detox is a more comfortable, pleasant experience.

Introduction to Alcohol and Skin Health

Studies have shown that alcohol, particularly red wine, is a common trigger for rosacea flare-ups​​. This is likely due to alcohol’s ability to dilate blood vessels, leading to increased blood flow and visible redness. Chronic alcohol consumption can exacerbate these symptoms, making the management of rosacea how alcohol affects your skin more difficult for sufferers. Anybody who’s looked in the mirror after a few drinks knows that alcohol does not-so-great things to your skin. First off, it modulates blood vessels, which, depending on your skin tone, may cause facial flushing and visible broken capillaries.

Alcohol’s Impact on Sebum Production

how alcohol affects your skin

While there are some short-term withdrawal effects, the long-term benefits are well worth the effort. Start by focusing on hydration and a smarter skincare routine. That sugar content can quickly lead to inflammation and cell damage, which contributes to acne, dull skin and a sallow appearance. And if you’re a fan of a margarita, remember that sugar and salt combined are doing your skin no favours. Urticaria (hives) may occur within minutes to hours of drinking alcohol and is sometimes due to allergic reaction. Flushing and overheating after drinking alcohol may also indicate cholinergic urticaria.

how alcohol affects your skin

Understanding these effects is crucial for maintaining healthy, vibrant skin. Alcoholic beverages can dehydrate the body, including the skin. Dehydration can lead to dryness, dull pigmentation, wrinkles, and sagging.

  • Inherently, rubbing alcohol can fight bacteria and other harmful microbes.
  • The dehydrating effect of alcohol affects your skin and your hair significantly.
  • In fact, bourbon has 37 times the amount of congeners that vodka does in the same amount of alcohol.
  • This one might sound a little mad, but sleeping on an extra pillow and propping up your head as you sleep can do a lot to reduce puffiness in the face and eyes.
  • Dark under-eye circles can be improved with cold compresses, and some eye masks may lighten the area.
  • What’s worse is, as it’s so easy to drink, we tend to drink a lot of it.
  • These effects can lead to a range of skin problems, such as dryness, redness, sensitivity, breakouts, and premature aging.
  • They will become less intense, and symptoms will disappear one by one.

By the end of your first month of sobriety, the benefits of better sleep, improved hydration, spending less and decreased calorie intake will be growing. You will likely have saved over $800 and avoided about 12,000 calories or more, allowing you to lose at least four pounds. By the end of this first month, your recovery will be well underway, and your struggle with alcohol will begin to become more of a distant memory than a recent struggle. By week three, you will have saved about $450–$600 from not buying alcohol. Your calorie intake will be https://ecosoberhouse.com/ about 9,000 calories less, leading to a potential drop in weight of about three pounds. Withdrawal will be nothing more than an unpleasant memory.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol and Skin Health

This pause in our drinking habits isn’t just a welcome drug addiction detox for our bodies, but it can also bring surprising benefits to our skin. It may be due to increased cortisol, sugar spikes, or gut imbalances. Alcohol also dehydrates your skin, making it produce more oil.

It is also more common in people who are fair-skinned and have blond hair and blue eyes. To understand how much alcohol is too much, it may be helpful to know what excessive drinking means. It can make your family and friends feel as if you are choosing an addiction over them and cause you to act in ways that are destructive to relationships. The effects of alcohol can even make you abusive or cause you to harm others emotionally.