Alcohol's Impact on Skin Health: Long-Term Damage & Solutions

Say No To Alcohol!

You may find it quick, but I am getting straight to the point this time. Alcohol wrecks your skin. Period.

Sip by sip, glass per glass, alcohol inflicts massive damage to your skin. If you think this damage will affect only the way look tomorrow morning, you’re mistaken. Such damage is always long-term. Damage that happens to your skin shows in the long run too.

One night of heavy drinking and the next morning you have puffy eyes, blotchy complexion, dark circles, dull and lifeless skin. But this is just the tip of the ice berg. Alcohol is detrimental for the liver. Regular alcohol intake results in immense fluctuation of liver enzymes. Along with this it even dehydrates your skin.

How Does Alcohol Dehydrate Skin?

We have certain cells in our body responsible for detoxifying our system. Alcohol is a toxin for those very cells. It affects the collagen production adversely. Reduced collagen production leads to flushing, broken blood vessels, deeper wrinkles, furrows and even increased pore size. It dilates facial blood vessels. For those who already have a skin condition, their problem can only get worse with alcohol.

The best way to put this would be, alcohol dehydrates and depletes vital nutrients from the largest organ of our body – skin.

It is only due to after-effects like these, that a lot of ladies totally abstain from alcohol consumption. After all, who would like waking up to a dull, dead and bloated face every morning?

How To Say No To Alcohol?

We understand it’s easier said than done. But this is one problem that doesn’t even have a cheat code. Say no to alcohol at all costs. Unfortunately, for some people, it is not practically possible to quit drinking totally. They end up attending social occasions where saying no to alcohol just isn’t an option. The key then is in drinking less, really less.

Ways To Minimise Damage While Drinking

Before I start with this section, I want to reiterate: there is no way to clear out the damages done by drinking alcohol. The best way is to stop drinking totally.

But for those who cannot:

• Space out your alcohol intake. Don’t gulp one glass after the other. Take it easy and really slow.
• Alternate every glass of alcohol with a glass or two of water. This will ensure you have more water in your system. Plus it will help slow down alcohol consumption too. But if that isn’t possible, drink at least one bottle of water before you sleep that night.
• The next morning, have lemonade followed by at least cup of green tea. People prefer a cup of coffee to get over the hangover. However, we must not forget that coffee itself dehydrates skin. So it is always better to stick to green tea, herbal tea, tender coconut water and water.
• Do not mix energy drink with alcohol. The stimulants in energy drink will keep you alert and make you think you’re not drunk. But alcohol would still cause the havoc on your body. Realise that energy drinks don’t cut down on the harms of alcohol.

If you must drink, drink smarter. Know your drinks well. Understand which drink has more alcohol content and steer clear of it. For instance, Vodka and Irish whiskey dehydrate way faster than beer. And you if you do choose drinks with high alcohol content, mix it with lime juice or spirits.

If you live in the warmer climatic condition, avoid tequila (an alcoholic beverage) as it causes your body temperature to rise. This will prevent the dehydration to some extent.

When you know you’ve had a lot to drink, stuff yourself with fibrous foods and fruits like grapes, bananas, almonds and carbohydrates like rice once you are done. This helps absorb the alcohol and reduces the ill effects the next day.

Pop a multivitamin tablet and include lots of greens in your diet the next day. This will help you to retain the glow of your skin after the big night of drinking.

Saying no to alcohol is the best way to preserve those good looks. There are many good things to indulge in. Alcohol sure doesn’t feature on that list. How do you say no to alcohol? Share your tips by leaving your comments below.