Does Drinking Alcohol Affect Your Skin? Experts Explain
During my college years, I was no stranger to the party scene. I went out multiple times a week, ate poorly, and drank way more than I should’ve been. This lifestyle caught up with me and my complexion definitely took a hit. My skin looked dull and puffy and I was constantly breaking out. I’ve since made my health and skin a priority, but I’ve always wondered: how does alcohol affect your skin? I spoke to experts to find out.
Alcohol dehydrates the skin
One of the biggest effects alcohol has on your skin is dehydration, according to New Jersey-based dietician Vanessa Risseto. “Alcohol affects any mucous membrane, from the pancreas and liver to the skin. The first, and most immediate, effect is dehydration – alcohol takes all the fluid out of your skin.”
Dehydration causes wrinkles and pores to be more visible and makes your complexion appear dull and uneven. Regular drinking can actually make you look a decade older, according to Risseto.
Alcohol exacerbates inflammation
“Alcohol is pro-inflammatory, and can trigger inflammatory skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, and psoriasis,” says NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Morgan Rabach. Our bodies process alcohol as sugar, which causes inflammation. This inflammation shows up on the skin in the form of redness, breakouts, and puffiness.
choose more skin-friendly alcohol options
Both experts agree that moderation is key when it comes to alcohol, but there are better choices you can make during happy hour. “The actual alcohol is what causes oxidative damage and that is consistent through all drinks. However, certain beverages contain antioxidants, like resveratrol in red wine,” says Dr. Rabach.
Drinks with low sugar, like tequila, are less likely to trigger inflammation and breakouts. Red wine is a better choice than white because it has resveratrol, which is good for your skin and anti-aging, but it also contains sulfites which can irritate skin conditions like rosacea. Beer is a better choice than spirits, because it contains less alcohol and will be less dehydrating.
The worst offender? Cocktails with sugary bases. As previously mentioned, excess sugar in your diet can cause inflammation, which can lead to increased skin aging.
how can i minimize the damage?
When you’re out, make sure to drink one glass of water for every alcohol drink to combat dehydration. And before you turn in for the night, don’t forget to do your skincare routine. Remember to cleanse your skin to remove makeup and prevent your pores from getting clogged. Since alcohol is dehydrating, choose products with ingredients that boost your skin hydration like hyaluronic acid.
