Your skin and alcohol: Benefits of cutting down

It’s important to know that alcohol can have a number of different effects on our health, but have you ever considered what drinking excessive alcohol can do to  your skin? Cutting back on alcohol consumption can lead to some really great and noticeable improvements to your skin’s overall complexion and skin health. Glowing skin is in for 2024! Let’s look at how alcohol affects your skin and the benefits of reducing your intake.

What does alcohol do to the skin?

Drinking alcohol can drastically affect your skin in many ways. From dehydration to increased skin condition risks, perhaps becoming more aware of these effects can help motivate you to cut down on alcohol and improve skin health, after all, we all want to look younger for longer!

Increased Skin Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases urine production and leads to dehydration. Dehydrated skin can appear dull, dry, and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. A trial published in the National Library of Medicine found that alcohol consumption can lead to significant skin dehydration, compromising the skin's barrier function and leaving it more vulnerable to environmental damage.

Increased risk of Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterised by redness, flushing, and sometimes pimples. Alcohol, particularly red wine, has been identified as a trigger for rosacea flare-ups. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology concluded that the women who drank alcohol had a higher risk of developing rosacea than the women who didn’t drink. The study also noted that alcohol can amplfy those who are already prone to rosacea symptoms due to it’s vasodilatory effects which increases blood flow to the surface. 

Increased risk of rash and skin inflammation

Alcohol can also increase the risk of developing rashes and skin inflammation. This is partly due to its impact on the immune system and its ability to cause or worsen allergic reactions, alcohol can weaken the immune system, making it more vulnerable and open to these types of conditions, According to a study in Medical News Today , alcohol can trigger inflammatory responses in the skin, leading to conditions like eczema and psoriasis . Eczema, or dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes itchy, dry, and cracked skin. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes flaky patches of skin, which form silvery-white or grey scales. Whether alcohol triggers symptoms may depend on various factors, such as the type of eczema or psoriasis a person has, how much they drink, and whether they have any other health conditions

FAQs on alcohol and the skin

Does alcohol cause acne?

Alcohol can be a trigger for acne prone skin conditions. While drinking alcohol isn’t a direct link to acne, it can cause hormonal imbalances, affecting your body's natural immune response and skin hydration- all factors which lead to breakouts. A study in The Oxford Academic found a correlation between alcohol consumption and increased acne due to inflammation and oil production and its impact on hormone levels. So if you are struggling with breakouts it might be worth considering taking a break from alcohol for a few weeks to see how your skin reacts. 

Can quitting drinking help acne scarring?

Quitting alcohol can help improve the overall health and appearance of your skin, which might include reducing the visibility of acne scars. While there is limited direct research on alcohol cessation and acne scarring, a study in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology suggests that improved skin hydration and reduced inflammation after quitting alcohol can enhance the skin's healing processes. 

Does quitting alcohol make you look younger?

Alcohol can accelerate the skin's ageing process, reducing its plasticity through dehydration, nutrient depletion and stress. A study performed at the University of Oxford sound evidence that alcohol accelerates biological ageing after testing their telomere lengths.  Telomere length is considered an indicator of biological ageing, since 50-100 DNA bases are lost each time a cell replicates. Individuals who had been diagnosed with an alcohol-use disorder had significantly shorter telomere lengths with controls, equivalent to between 3 and 6 years of age-related change. An increase from 10 units to 32 units per week was associated with the equivalent of 3 years of ageing, which is pretty crazy! So if you’re looking to achieve a more youthful appearance, improve skin elasticity then it might be worth considering cutting back on your weekly intake. 

Does alcohol cause puffy eyes?

Alcohol can cause puffy eyes due to its dehydrating effects and its impact on sleep quality. Poor sleep and dehydration leads to fluid retention around the eyes, creating a puffy appearance. Research published in Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery  supports the link between alcohol consumption and increased incidence of periorbital edema (puffy eyes).

Cutting down on alcohol can lead to remarkable improvements in your skin's health and appearance. By reducing alcohol intake, you can decrease skin dehydration, lower the risk of conditions like rosacea and inflammation, and potentially look younger. Embracing a lifestyle with less alcohol not only benefits your overall health but also leaves you with clearer, more vibrant skin. Take the first step towards healthier skin today by rethinking your alcohol consumption and enjoying the numerous benefits that come with it.

Ready to see the positive changes in your skin? Start reducing your alcohol intake today and embrace the journey to healthier, more radiant skin.