If you’re a social drinker, you might be wondering if alcohol affects your skin. Well, unfortunately, the answer is yes. Alcohol has a negative impact on the largest organ of your body, your skin. It affects the skin in many ways, from dehydration to wrinkles, and has long-lasting effects that are tough to reverse. In this article, we’ll discuss how alcohol affects your skin and what you can do to mitigate the negative effects.
One of the most apparent effects of alcohol on the skin is dehydration. Alcohol has a diuretic effect, which means that it causes the body to lose fluids and vital nutrients. When you drink alcohol, your skin loses fluids and nutrients, leading to dehydrated and unhealthy-looking skin. Some common symptoms of dehydration include a dry mouth, dark yellow urine, muscle cramps, headaches, and dry, cool skin.
Less Elasticity
Dehydration caused by alcohol consumption leads to elastosis or loss of elasticity. When the skin loses its elasticity, it becomes saggy and crinkled, making it look older than it is. Collagen and elastin, which are present in the skin, play a crucial role in maintaining skin elasticity. Alcohol steadily destroys collagen, which reduces skin elasticity, and over time, causes wrinkles to appear.
Wrinkles
The morning after a night of heavy drinking, do you notice that your existing wrinkles are more pronounced or that new ones have appeared? Alcohol causes dehydration, which is the primary reason why your skin looks wrinkly and aged after a night of drinking. When the skin is dehydrated, the wrinkles appear more prominent, and you can develop new ones as well.
Dull, Unhealthy, Tired, and Older Skin
Alcohol consumption can lead to different symptoms of complexion, making the skin look dull, grey, bloated, and puffy. Other symptoms of skin damage caused by alcohol include dryness, flushing, and dark circles under the eyes. In short, alcohol damages the skin, making it appear unhealthy, tired, and old.
Collagen Destruction
Alcohol disrupts the production of collagen, which leads to weaker skin. The loss of collagen leads to sagging and more wrinkles, which gives the skin an older appearance.
Skin Conditions
Alcohol affects all tissues of the body, including the skin, and can cause or worsen different skin conditions. The most common condition related to alcohol consumption is rosacea, which causes redness, dilated blood vessels, small red bumps, and pus-filled spots on the face. Other skin conditions that can be caused or worsened by alcohol consumption include seborrheic dermatitis, urticarial reactions, and many more.
“Alcohol Face”
If you’ve ever looked in the mirror after a night of heavy drinking and noticed that your skin looks older, you’re not crazy. Alcohol can indeed make you look old, and it has even been given a name – “wine face.” Dehydration caused by alcohol consumption can sap the skin of moisture and elasticity, leading to wrinkles, dryness, and sagging skin. As you age, you become more dehydrated, which makes the effect of alcohol on your skin even worse.
What Can You Do?
The best thing you can do for your skin is to avoid alcohol. But if you are not willing to give up alcohol, you can take measures to mitigate its effects. For example, you can drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated. Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can also help to keep your skin healthy.
You can also follow anti-aging guidelines and be persistent and consistent with your skin care routine
