3 Sneaky Effects of Drinking Alcohol on Your Skin

It’s not a stretch to say that many women look for the secret to unlocking glowing skin. You may have experimented with your skincare regimen, tried the latest serums and products, and even remembered to hydrate regularly. But why are you still not getting that dreamy, radiant skin? Have you checked your lifestyle? Your nightlife may be the culprit. The effects of drinking alcohol could manifest on your skin, too.

If you wake up after a night of partying with a zit on your face, then read on to find out why.

Alcohol does not directly cause acne – or other skin conditions, for that matter. However, it creates an environment conducive to puffiness, dry patches, redness, aging, and more. So how exactly does sipping alcohol sneak up on your skin and cause these effects? Below are a few reminders to drink moderately.

Not all fluids can quench your thirst. Have you ever noticed why you excuse yourself to the bathroom more often when you’re drinking? Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it flushes out water and salt faster than usual, consequently robbing your skin of moisture.

As the body metabolizes alcohol, a toxic compound called acetaldehyde is released, causing your skin and body tissues to lose moisture. It is responsible for your incredibly dry and sandpaper-like skin the morning after.

Your skin may forgive you for one night but imagine drinking excessively several times a week. Your skin will constantly dry out, and soon, your oil glands won’t be able to keep up with the lack of hydration. Dry skin is much more susceptible to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Cellular repair is also slower, making skin lose its firmness and elasticity. What’s more, it can accentuate broken blood vessels and puffy eyes.

Ever wondered about the flush you get when you go out for drinks? Some people can easily turn red after one drink, while others will have to take several drinks to get that ruddy shade. The histamine that alcohol releases in the body dilates the blood’s capillaries, causing your skin to turn red and rosy.

But while you may probably like the “natural” blush you get when you drink, this redness and inflammation could turn permanent when the effects of drinking alcohol become compounded over the years. After all, you’re constantly drinking, so you’re constantly swelling up, too.

Alcohol can cause all kinds of inflammation in the body, including liver inflammation, which can lead to serious conditions like hepatitis. On a “lighter” note, it’s also responsible for a more common form of inflammation: acne. Alcohol can dilate your skin’s pores, opening it up to sweat, gunk, and bacteria that usually cause blackheads and whiteheads. When mismanaged, it can even lead to worse types, such as inflamed pimples and cystic acne – the latter of which can lead to hyperpigmentation and scarring.

Fortunately, it is possible to reverse the detrimental effects of alcohol on your skin. With some lifestyle and behavior changes, you can achieve a healthy and glowing complexion.

While this may sound obvious, cutting back on drinking can do wonders for your skin. You can still indulge in the occasional happy-hour cocktail. However, space out the time (and quantity) to allow your body to flush the alcohol out of your system before your next drinking session.

Remember: the older you get, the longer it takes for alcohol to exit your body. So, you will also have to drink less in between cocktail nights.

Alcohol can make your skin puffy and bloated. To cushion these effects, alternate a serving of alcohol with water. You can even sip on sparkling water with citrus, such as lime, to trick your brain into thinking you’re drinking alcohol. It also helps you flush the alcohol out.

When you know a night out is coming, combat the effects of alcohol on your skin with a gentle and nourishing body care routine that could help retain your skin’s moisture and keep it soft and radiant.

Nurture parched skin with Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash. It features Nutrium Moisture™ technology, which seals in hydration and helps your skin retain its natural moisture by nourishing deep below the surface.

Buff out the sweat and grime after the night out while caring for your skin with Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash. Nutrium Moisture™ and exfoliating beads team to restore the skin’s natural nutrients, giving you softer, smoother skin after just one shower.

If you have sensitive skin, you can also opt for Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash, made with a caring sulfate-free formula that is gentle on your microbiome and hypoallergenic.

The effects of drinking alcohol on your skin can be sneaky. But with the right measures, you can still achieve healthy and moisturized skin.