[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Another mojito after work may not seem like such a bad idea but have you noticed that your complexion is starting to suffer? If so, you might want to reconsider how often you imbibe. As the festive holiday season fast approaches, parties and family gatherings may have you wanting to look your best, so though it may not seem related, consider passing on that second glass of wine if you want a brilliant winter glow to your skin that will rival all the tinsel and sequins associated with this this merrymaking time of year.
But how can alcohol be that bad for your complexion? “Alcohol negatively affects the body in a variety of ways,” explains
Dr. Jessica Krant, a board-certified dermatologist with specialized experience in cosmetic, laser, surgical, and medical dermatology. “While it is well known that alcohol negatively affects the liver and brain, it’s not so well known how it affects the skin. Alcohol can increase the risk of several skin conditions and can also worsen pre-existing issues as well.”
How alcohol impacts skin health
Lack of hydration
The rule of thumb is that for every cocktail you drink, you should follow it with a glass of water.
This helps because, according to Krant, “Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes the body to release more urine, [so that] the body [loses] more water and salt than usual. With less water in the body, it’s easier for your body to dehydrate. Dehydration can negatively affect your skin by causing it to dry out and become dull and rough.”
Lack of proper hydration also leads to lack of elasticity or plumpness, encouraging the skin to sag or wrinkle.
Ruddiness
Ever notice that heightened redness to your cheeks
after consuming spirits?
“Flushing or turning red is also a common side effect of drinking alcohol,” Krant explains, because “alcohol’s metabolite acetaldehyde stimulates the release of histamines which can cause the blood vessels to dilate. When the blood vessels dilate, they can make your skin look flushed and red. Over time these capillaries become stretched out and the redness begins to persist.”
Acetaldehyde is inflammatory and
studies show that it is also carcinogenic, often associated with liver cancer as the liver is the primary organ involved in metabolizing alcohol.
Insomnia
You may like how alcohol makes it easier for you to fall asleep, but
research reveals that it can actually lead to shorter sleep durations and disturbances in the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase of your sleep cycle. Your body repairs and regenerates skin cells while you sleep so if you are deprived, your skin can't repair itself as well. Plus the presence of alcohol is inflammatory, making your cells work harder to mitigate the damage.
“One or two nights of disrupted sleep are usually harmless,” adds Krant, “But according to the peer-reviewed journal Sleep Medicine, more than that can cause temporary changes to the skin, like dark circles under the eyes, pale skin, and a duller complexion.”
Aging
Alcohol consumption can accelerate aging by damaging telomeres according to the latest
studies. Telomeres are DNA sequences that protect chromosomes – their length is a marker of biological aging. Shorter telomeres are linked to aging-related diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and coronary artery disease.
“Though most people are probably familiar with the drying and sleep disruption effects of alcohol,” Dr. Krant confirms, “More research is coming to light about the direct effects of alcohol on the aging of our cells and our DNA itself.”
Aggravated skin conditions
Alcohol can also serve as a trigger for
inflammatory skin conditions. If you're already dealing with issues like psoriasis, eczema, or rosacea, alcohol has the potential to worsen your symptoms and may even cause more flare-ups.
“According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association,” Krant explains, “[it] can cause the development of rosacea and can exacerbate the condition and worsen the redness, making it more permanent over time. One version of rosacea is rhinophyma, the classic enlarged bumpy nose. Though this is associated with rosacea in general, it is famously assumed to be the nose of chronic alcohol drinkers.”
Skin cancer
Drinking alcohol is often connected to cancers of the mouth and throat, but alcohol consumption is also linked to common types of skin cancers.
Research suggests this occurs because drinking alcohol impedes the body’s ability to effectively repair cellular damage from the sun.
“Excess alcohol use weakens and suppresses the immune system,” Krant explains, “When you’re drinking and UV rays hit your skin, those harmful rays can actually cause more damage than they normally would. With more UV damage to the skin, you’re more at risk of developing skin cancer.”
Tips for reducing alcohol’s impact
There’s nothing wrong with making mulled wine as the weather turns cooler or indulging in a cocktail at an office Christmas party or even celebrating New Years with a glass of champagne. Just be mindful of how frequently as well as how much you’re drinking and try to stay within the recommenced limits for your age, weight and gender. However, a few tips to help mitigate alcohol’s harmful effects on your skin should get you through the holidays or whatever social scene lies ahead with a brilliant complexion intact!
Stay hydrated
Try to sip 8 to 12 ounces of water for every standard alcoholic drink you consume. If you haven’t managed that as you were too busy celebrating, shoot for at least a pint of water afterwards and your skin will thank you, plus it will help with any headache you might have the next day too. By consuming some water before bed and staying extra hydrated the next day, you’ll diminish some of the dehydrating damage associated with alcohol use.
Don’t skip your nighttime routine
It may be tempting to climb straight into bed after a late night, but your skin needs more attention than ever so do not go to bed without cleansing and hydrating. Reach for a gentle cleanser such as
The Honest Company’s Gentle Gel Cleanser and finish off with a rich moisturizer like
Pacifica’s Vegan Ceramide Barrier Face Cream that contains ingredients like humectants and ceramides that help soothe and hydrate, replenishing your cell's water levels and supporting your skin barrier.
Take supplements
A Vitamin B complex plus Vitamin C is often recommended after drinking as these nutrients address detoxification of the liver, increase energy production of cells and reduce the oxidative stress associated with alcohol use. But if you are looking to also address your skin specifically, include
Vitamin A, which is responsible for cell turnover and is often depleted after imbibing.
Exercise regularly
Not only does exercise improve your bone density plus your overall flexibility and agility, but it is also associated with increased brain, heart, lung health and is essential in weight loss. Improved blood flow and circulation through exercise not only drives toxins like alcohol out of your body faster but can also help keep your skin plump, well-nourished and vibrant.
Consider mocktails
Sober curious? Banning booze doesn't mean you can't enjoy a fancy beverage. Known as 'mocktails,’ these non-alcoholic alternatives are filled with delicious flavors, fancy fruits or fizzy water and allow you to take part in a celebratory scene without needing to consume libations. Mocktails are having a moment, and most bars and restaurants will offer at least a few.
While indulging during a special occasion might not seem that harmful, it’s clear that regular alcohol use could have potentially negative consequences for your skin.
“Whether you’re struggling with skin conditions due to alcohol use or not,” Kant summarizes, “An effective skincare regimen can help address your concerns and have you looking healthy, radiant, and more youthful.”
So consider these tips and make a toast to a better complexion this coming new year!
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