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Alcohol may stimulate the release of histamines, which can cause the blood vessels under the skin to dilate. → Use it as a natural moisturizer by applying a small amount to dry skin or lips. Get more of SELF’s science-backed skin care tips delivered right to your inbox—for free. “Alcohol is known to dehydrate the skin, depriving it of the moisture and nutrients it needs to keep our complexion looking radiant, supple and youthful,” says Dr Rita Rakus, Cosmetic Doctor.
Alcohol impairs blood circulation
Sluggish circulation restricts blood flow to the skin’s deeper layers too. When oxygen and cell-nourishing nutrients can’t reach the dermis, collagen production suffers. Proper blood circulation is crucial for maintaining healthy, well-hydrated skin.
More in The effects of alcohol on your body
Another impact that alcoholism has on the skin is that individuals who drink heavily are more prone to infections. Even just a single drink reduces immune function, which can become worse when you drink regularly, placing you at risk of skin infections. Alcohol can directly impair your immune system but can also do so indirectly if you develop deficiencies of vitamin C and zinc, both of which help to maintain a strong immune system.
The Effects of Alcohol on Skin
Limiting alcohol consumption or avoiding it altogether can also help reduce the likelihood of alcohol-related dry skin and other skin issues such as alcoholic nose. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and causes dehydration in the body. When your body is dehydrated, your skin can become dry and flaky. Beyond this, the effects of alcohol on skin cause a decrease in oil production, further inflaming dryness or even creating an alcoholic face. However, for skin conditions related to AUD, liver disease, or excessive alcohol consumption, the best preventive measure is to stop drinking alcohol.
While we’re all urged to drink plenty of water throughout the day, it’s not always easy to drink enough. It can be easy to forget to keep sipping away throughout the chaos of daily life, but experts have revealed that failing to do so can have several serious health consequences. Overall, tea is a good source of hydration, especially if you choose a tea with a low caffeine content, such as green tea or herbal tea. You can also reduce tea’s caffeine content by steeping it for a shorter time. Studies show that it’s unlikely for moderate coffee consumption to lead to dehydration.
So, regular coffee drinkers are less likely to experience increased urine output than those who drink the occasional cup of coffee. Coffee contains caffeine, a natural stimulant that improves alertness, focus, and athletic performance. Caffeine is also a mild diuretic, which means it increases urine production. If you’re peeing more frequently after drinking coffee, it’s logical to assume this could lead to dehydration. However, research shows this is not the case—you take in more fluid by drinking a cup of coffee than you lose through urination. Everyone loves holding a fancy cocktail glass in their hand, but your faves like Pornstar Martinis and Cosmopolitans are also bad news if you want to keep a clear complexion.
- Limiting alcohol consumption or avoiding it altogether can also help reduce the likelihood of alcohol-related dry skin and other skin issues such as alcoholic nose.
- “Any alcohol will negatively impact the quality, appearance and ageing of your skin,” explains Dr Ioannis Liakas, Medical Director at Vie Aesthetics.
- If you notice any flare-ups in chronic skin conditions after drinking, take steps to treat the symptoms as soon as possible.
- If you quit drinking alcohol, you’ll see many skin improvements both immediately and over time.
White wine
Additionally, when someone regularly drinks large quantities of alcohol, spider veins (or what some think is a rash from drinking too much) can appear on the surface of their skin. While alcohol can directly cause an alcoholic rash, if you have liver damage because of drinking, this can also contribute to the appearance of extra veins. As your veins are more prone to damage with alcohol abuse, they become leaky, which can also cause your face and other areas of your skin to look swollen. Alcohol is a vasodilator, which causes blood vessels to expand and can lead to a temporary flushing of the skin (especially on your face).
According to a 2020 study, applying topical brimonidine to the skin before drinking alcohol may be effective in reducing the appearance of flushing. Brimonidine is prescription-only, and Alcoholics Anonymous doctors sometimes prescribe it to people with rosacea. To combat the short-term effects of alcohol on the skin, a person can drink water to stay hydrated while consuming alcohol.
- Drinking too little water has surprising consequences for our health, affecting our digestion, skin health, energy levels, and even cognitive function.
- But its dehydrating effects go deeper than just flushed moisture.
- Health experts generally recommend that adults consume around 11 to 16 cups of fluid per day.
- Though a couple of drinks can make you feel relaxed, reducing tension and lowering inhibitions, it makes for slower reflexes, poor co-ordination and slower brain activity.
- This could be due to cold, dry weather, sweating, not drinking enough water, or overusing strong actives (like exfoliating acids and retinol, which can potentially weaken your barrier).
Understanding Skin Conditions Related to Alcohol Consumption
When you’re able to get a good night’s sleep, your skin and body can much more effectively recharge, allowing you to wake up looking less tired. Dr Ana recommends catching up on sleep after a night out and putting an extra pillow down too. This hydrating serum drenches skin with long-lasting moisture by combining hyaluronic acid with VICHY’s highest concentration of Volcanic Mineralizing Water, rich in minerals. The lightweight gel texture of the serum is soothing upon application, supporting the skin’s natural barrier and defending against pollutants – and the effects of a hangover.
Individuals who drink heavily are more likely to bruise easily, most likely due to the impact that alcohol has on nutrition. Research shows that extensive bruising can arise among alcoholics because of scurvy, caused by a severe deficiency of vitamin C. Bruising is more likely because, without enough vitamin C to support collagen production, blood vessels become fragile and damage easily. Similarly, a deficiency of vitamin K, which is needed for blood clotting, can also cause bruising. Even if you can’t visibly see the impact of alcohol on your skin immediately, heavy drinking can still affect what’s going on inside. ‘Damage like collagen breakdown and oxidative stress can still be happening under the surface.
Once all the alcohol has been eliminated from your system, you will no longer be dehydrated, you will be well-rested and short-term symptoms such as dark circles should fade away. Have you ever woken up raccoon-eyed after a night of binge-drinking? This is because purple bags, more commonly referred to as dark circles, are known to develop under your eyes as a result of dehydration and inflammation that is caused by excess consumption of alcohol. Heavy drinking can also affect the quality of sleep, featuring as another cause for the undereye shadows. “Short-term skin changes such as dullness, dryness and puffiness are common after drinking alcohol.
