People are turning to all sorts of creams and serums in order to achieve perfect skin, but fail to realize what we put into our body plays a significant role in the beauty result we desire. There are many things that we do every day that affect our beauty–skincare routines, sleeping routines, working out and of course our diet choices.
All of these lifestyle choices affect the body inside and out, but alcohol can have a severe impact on the way you look and feel, especially when overindulged. Here are a few negative effects of drinking too much alcohol:
Wrinkle Bound.
Excessive alcohol consumption can make you look older than you are. Chronic drinkers often suffer from accelerated aging due to dehydration. Alcohol dehydrates the body and, by extension, the skin, making it less supple and more prone to wrinkles.
Collagen, a key structural protein that keeps the skin firm and youthful, suffers in this dehydrated state, as it cannot regenerate effectively. The result is the formation of fine lines and wrinkles at a much faster rate—and these wrinkles tend to appear deeper and more pronounced.
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A Consumer Health Digest article informs readers that 75 percent of the U.S. population suffers from dehydration, which is linked to dry skin, wrinkles, and other skin issues.
RELATED: 5 Signs Your Heart Is Begging You To Stop Drinking
Swollen Eyes.
Ever notice that your eyes look puffier after a night of heavy drinking? This isn’t just a coincidence. Alcohol consumption can lead to a condition called periorbital edema, or swelling around the eyes.
The primary culprit is dehydration, which causes your body to retain water to compensate. This fluid retention often manifests as puffiness, particularly in areas where the skin is thinner and more delicate, such as around the eyes.
According to Healthline, inflammation triggered by alcohol consumption can further aggravate this issue, making the swelling even more pronounced. While puffiness can sometimes subside after hydration and rest, frequent drinking may lead to chronic inflammation and prolonged swelling.
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Rising Rosacea.
For years, the connection between alcohol and rosacea was debated, but research has now confirmed a clear link. Rosacea, a chronic skin condition characterized by redness, visible blood vessels, and occasional acne-like bumps, can be worsened—or even triggered—by alcohol.
Certain types of alcohol, such as red and white wine, are more closely associated with increased rosacea risk. The National Rosacea Society reports that white wine consumption increases the likelihood of developing rosacea by 14 percent for moderate drinkers, with the risk skyrocketing to 49 percent for those who consume five or more glasses per week. For individuals who already have rosacea, red wine is particularly notorious as a trigger for flare-ups.
The exact mechanism behind this connection is not fully understood but is believed to involve alcohol’s effects on the blood vessels, leading to increased dilation and visible redness.
Interrupted Sleep Patterns.
Beauty sleep plays a key role in your appearance. Alcohol causes you to continuously wake up from your sleep. According to the National Sleep Foundation, alcohol causes the body to do several things that keep you from getting good quality sleep-such as interrupting your circadian rhythm, aggravating breathing issues, causing extra bathroom trips, and blocking REM sleep.
Not only does it cause your body to complete other functions, but alcohol before bed is linked to turning on two brain activities at the same time-delta and alpha activity. These two activities are not present simultaneously during natural sleep because together they can inhibit restorative rest.
Loss of Brightness.
Dehydration plays another large role in this area of beauty, but what people often forget to include is the decreased chance of following your nightly skincare routine after a night of drinking. After a long night of fun, there is a large possibility you will neglect to complete your skincare routine.
This affects your skin just as much as dehydration. In a GQ article, Dr. Amy Spizuoco a New York City dermatologist, explains that “This decreases normal cellular turnover and leads to an unhealthy, dull complexion.”
How to Counteract Alcohol’s Effects on Your Beauty
While the best way to avoid these consequences is to limit alcohol intake, there are steps you can take to minimize its effects when you do drink:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after consuming alcohol to combat dehydration.
- Follow your skincare routine: No matter how tired you are, make an effort to cleanse, moisturize, and apply any targeted treatments to protect your skin.
- Eat nutrient-rich foods: Foods high in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats can help repair damage and support skin health.
- Get enough sleep: Prioritize sleep to give your body the time it needs to recover.
- Choose your drinks wisely: If you do drink, opt for beverages with lower sugar content, as high sugar levels can contribute to inflammation and dull skin.
Alcohol may be a part of social life for many, but its effects on your skin, sleep, and overall appearance are undeniable. Chronic overindulgence accelerates aging, disrupts healthy routines, and leaves visible marks on your beauty. By understanding how alcohol impacts your body and taking proactive steps to minimize its effects, you can maintain a healthier and more radiant appearance—inside and out.
