When it comes to how alcohol impacts your skin, we aren’t talking about rubbing alcohol. Unfortunately, the alcohol you consume in your favorite cocktail has been proven to produce poor consequences on your skin.
For those that consume alcohol on a regular basis, your skin can suffer consequences. This happens as a result of the following:
- Dehydration: Alcohol affects the mucous membranes of your body, from your liver to your skin. It can essentially extract fluid from your skin, leaving it more dry and wrinkled over time.
- Inflammation: Alcohol triggers a systemic inflammation in your body, especially your skin tissues. This histamine reaction can be apparent by a red flushing of the face after you consume a drink or two. If this type of inflammation occurs on a consistent basis, it can lead to a lingering and prominent facial redness.
What Can You Do?
The good news is that your skin is resilient. It can recover quickly from the effects of alcohol, especially if the damage is not severe. If you do enjoy a nightly cocktail, choose your alcohol wisely. When it comes to your skin health, it is generally better to go with a clear alcohol that can get out of your system faster. These include Vodka, gin, and tequila. Last but not least, stay hydrated with water as much as you can if you are sipping on an alcoholic beverage. This increases the diuretic effect and lessens the damage to your skin.
Of course moderation is key when it comes to lowering alcohol’s affect on any of your body’s organs. At Olansky Dermatology Associates, we are committed to helping patients choose healthy lifestyle habits that will help them retain vibrant, youthful skin for as long as possible. Be mindful of your cocktail for the sake of your complexion!
