Drinkaware also reports that almost 1 in 7 adults do not drink. Besides, non-alcoholic drink options have never been better – I stock up on Saicho and Fortnum & Mason’s Sparkling Tea every December – driven by an increasingly sober-curious society. Mainly because it wasn’t a big part of my culture growing up in Malaysia, and I’ve seen enough friends nursing terrible morning afters for me to even be remotely tempted. Plus, as I’ve discovered, alcohol affects your skin in many not-so-great ways. Finding support during recovery is crucial for long-term success. One way to find support is by listening to addiction recovery podcasts.
Treatment for alcohol-related physical symptoms
People are also more likely to get injured while drinking excessively and injuries on top of a weak immune system can lead to skin infections. The links between alcohol and various types of cancer are well documented. Along with liver, breast, and pancreatic cancer, alcohol abuse also increases the risk of skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Also a common by-product of liver disease, jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and sclera (the whites) of the eye. Some alcohol abusers suffering from jaundice will also experience darkening of the skin around the eyes, mouth, and legs.
Alcohol’s impact on weight and body composition
“Wrinkles, pores and acne can be improved if you decide to put time and effort into your daily lifestyle and skincare regime,” Dr Liakas says. Your skin will what is alcoholism regain moisture and appear more even-toned. Additionally, breakouts caused by heavy, sugary drinks will start to dissipate. In the long term, you’ll see a youthful, healthy glow return to your face.
What Happens When You Stop Drinking Timeline + Benefits
We’re exposed to free radicals every day through food, pollution, smoke, sunlight, and yes, alcohol. According to research, alcohol not only releases a flood of free radicals into the body, it also impairs your antioxidant defense at the same time. Inflammation also impacts the well-being of your arteries and organs overall, which can have a domino effect on your health—once again including your skin. Discover how to reduce them with our complete guide on skincare, topicals, and expert-approved clinical treatments.
- Alcohol has been found to stimulate the production of sebum, leading to an increase in oiliness on the skin’s surface.
- “However, if it’s something you are not willing to give up, there are some types of alcohol you can indulge in without feeling too guilty about its effects on your skin.”
Alcohol-related body odor
This condition could typically be addressed with skin moisturizers, but if the person continues with chronic alcohol intake, there could be no marked improvement in skin quality. The most basic adverse effect of alcohol on the body is dehydration. how alcohol affects your skin This is because of two reasons, both of which actually compound each other. Alcohol in itself is a potent diuretic and is believed to be many times more powerful as a diuretic than coffee. As such, drinking alcohol causes the body to expel more fluids than normal through frequent urination.
Appearance Effects Of Alcohol On Your Skin, Face And Body
Moderate drinking is defined as 14 or fewer drinks per week for men, and seven or fewer drinks per week for women. Medical addiction treatment programs offer comprehensive care for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. These programs provide a safe and supportive environment for detoxification and withdrawal management. They also offer therapy and counseling to address the underlying causes of addiction and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Individuals with pre-existing skin conditions, such as eczema or rosacea, may be particularly susceptible to alcohol-induced skin irritation. Alcohol’s ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow to the skin can exacerbate the symptoms of these conditions, leading to heightened redness and inflammation. However, by being aware of the effects of alcohol on the skin and taking steps to minimize its impact, individuals can maintain healthy and vibrant-looking skin. Moderating alcohol consumption, prioritizing hydration, and establishing a skincare routine that supports recovery are all essential steps in protecting your skin’s health. A weakened skin barrier makes it easier for irritants and allergens to penetrate the skin, triggering inflammatory responses.
Oxidative stress damages every type of cell in your body, including your skin. Most of us have had an occasional morning-after with a puffy, dry face (along with other symptoms of a dreaded hangover). But if tipsy nights out have become a regular part of your routine, here’s what you should know about drinking and your skin. If you just want to cut back on your drinking or are sober curious, find ways to have fun and hang out with your friends that don’t include drinking.
Alcohol also increases the production of free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and accelerate the aging process. They can break down collagen and elastin, two proteins that are essential for maintaining youthful-looking skin. Findings regarding whether alcohol consumption triggers or exacerbates non-neoplastic skin diseases are inconsistent. Hence, further studies are necessary to determine relationship between alcohol consumption and non-neoplastic skin diseases and the precise mechanisms of action. For neoplastic skin diseases, it is apparent that alcohol consumption triggers and exacerbates skin tumors, with the relationships being dose dependent.
Skin changes due to liver disease
Psoriasis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that causes patches of thick, scaly plaques on the skin. Some research also suggests that alcohol may aggravate rosacea due to changes in the gut microbiome, inflammation, and alcohol-induced flushing. If a person spends an evening drinking, they may also stay up late or not sleep at all. At EagleCrest Recovery, we are committed to removing every obstacle between you and recovery. Our professional addiction detox, inpatient residential program, IOP, and every other service are designed with full recovery and full support in mind. Feeling good about your skin might be the spark that gets you thinking about the other ways alcohol is affecting your life.
