There are a million and one health reasons not to drink alcohol. Still, we understand that there are several reasons why individuals want to continue to have the odd alcoholic beverage here and there. However, that being said, if you are an individual who enjoys consuming alcoholic beverages frequently, chances are you are most likely not getting the total amount of sleep you need. Unfortunately, this will result in dull, dark circles under your eyes and a whole range of other skin-related issues.
These skin issues can be anything from blotchy skin to enlarged pores, constant puffiness of the face, and increased redness. “Alcohol is actually one of the worst, most aggressive compounds to destroy your skin,” says New York nutritionist Jairo Rodriguez. Explore the damaging effects of alcohol on the skin and vital organs.
What are the effects of alcohol on our skin?
Consuming alcohol will result in two main things:
- Inflammation
- Dehydration
The effects of dehydration due to alcohol consumption will result in but is not limited to:
- Loss of elasticity can result in premature sagging and wrinkles
- Dullness
- Dryness
- Itches or flaking skin
- Enlarged pores
Alcohol consumption is known to completely dehydrate the skin, depriving it of the full range of moisture and nutrients it needs to ensure our complexions stay supple, youthful, and radiant. The chemicals inside alcohol remove the fluid in the skin, resulting in the visual appearance of dryness, wrinkles, and saggy skin.
Alcohol is a diuretic, which ultimately means that it actively draws water away from the individual’s vital organs, significantly lowering the body’s water level, again causing dehydration. Skin will start to become unhealthy, and visually the texture and color will begin to look aged.
The effects of inflammation on the skin can be seen to include but are not limited to:
- Rosacea
- Acne
- Blotchiness
- Puffiness
Alcoholic beverages, specifically wine and cocktails, are incredibly high in sugar, visually showing on your skin if you consume above the recommended amount. Sugar has been shown to trigger the hormone IGF-1, which is known to cause an overproduction of oil in your skin, resulting in a significant increase of acne or severe breakouts.
Unfortunately, if you are an individual who is already struggling with acne, or rosacea, it is significantly likely that the alcohol you consume will contribute to worsening your symptoms. Rosacea, in particular, has been proven to be triggered by red wine. As rosacea is an inflammatory skin condition, individuals who further consume copious amounts of red wine are opening themselves up to a flare-up of their condition.
Alcohol beverages that are worst for your skin
Research has suggested that particular alcohol drinks are substantially worse for your skin than others. The higher the alcohol content, the worse the impact on your skin. This is just one of the reasons you should stick to the recommended alcoholic consumptions levels.
The worst alcoholic beverage for your skin is Dark spirits:
- Dark spirits can be seen to include
- Whisky
- Brandy
- Cognac
- Dark Rum
- Scotch
Not only are dark spirits the most detrimental to your skin but it has also been proven that this alcoholic substance, generally speaking, makes for the worst hangovers. These dark spirit drinks contain congeners chemicals such as methanol and tannings, created during the fermentation process and the cause for the awful hangovers.
Red wine is coming in at second for the worst alcohol substance, closely followed by cocktails, white wine, and beer. The best alcoholic beverages for your skin are clear spirits such as:
- Vodka
- Gin
- White rum
- Sake
- Tequila
How to reduce the effects of alcohol on the skin
Keep yourself hydrated. It may sound simple and obvious, but one of the most vital things you can do to help your skin, especially when drinking alcohol, is to drink enough water.
If you go on a drinking session with your friends, try to drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage. If this is something you can not or don’t want to do, try to drink a large glass of water before you go to sleep once you get home. Once you wake up, again drink another glass of water, you will need to begin getting your hydration levels back up. If you feel particularly hungover or ill, try adding citrus, cucumber, or mints to your water for an extra antioxidant boost.
Drinking alcohol doesn’t just deprive your skin, but it further places your kidneys in an overdrive state as they attempt to flush out the excess liquids.
Don’t revolve your life around alcohol.
Going out with your friends drinking alcohol is great fun, so long as it does not become excessive or the only pleasurable thing you do with them. There are a million and one things besides drinking to do in the world that does not damage your body internally or externally.
If you find yourself beginning to drink a little too much or drinking seems to be the only activity you do with your friends, take a step back and analyze your situation. If you have noticed that you crave alcohol or are beginning to turn to an alcoholic substance when you wake up, get stressed, or get through the day. We would recommend immediately that you contact Shoreline Recovery Centre for an assessment.
