Effects of alcohol on the skin

Dehydrated skin

Alcohol has a diuretic effect. Therefore, drinking a lot of alcohol can increase urine production, causing dehydration and dry skin cells, causing wrinkles. The most noticeable place is crow's feet in the area around the eyes.

Dark circles under eyes

Alcohol disrupts circadian rhythms and sleep quality, causing drinkers to sleep less. This affects the restorative phase of sleep and leads to dark circles under the eyes and a swollen face in the morning.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a condition in which skin cells build up and form dry, itchy patches. Regular alcohol consumption can make flare-ups worse, especially in men.

Lots of acne

The sugar in alcoholic beverages activates the hormone IGF-1, which causes the skin to produce more oil, increasing the risk of acne. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to increased inflammation and hormonal changes in the skin, which can aggravate acne and rosacea.

Some studies suggest that alcohol may increase the risk of rosacea in people who do not already have the condition.

Rash

Red, itchy bumps on the skin can appear when drinking alcohol. The rash can last for a few minutes or a few days. Sometimes they are a symptom of alcohol intolerance or the result of an allergic reaction to an ingredient in alcohol. Cool compresses and over-the-counter antihistamines can help relieve the condition.

Cellulitis

Drinking too much alcohol can cause cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that often affects the lower legs. The bacteria enter the body through a cut or wound in the skin, causing the skin there to become red, swollen, painful, and warm to the touch.

Increased risk of skin cancer

Alcohol weakens the immune system, reducing the body’s natural defenses against disease. Some evidence also suggests that drinking alcohol can exacerbate the effects of UV rays on the skin, causing more damage than normal.

Along with increasing the risk of liver, pancreatic and breast cancers, alcohol also increases the risk of skin cancers including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Everyone should drink plenty of water after getting drunk to prevent dehydration. Supplementing with vitamins A, C, E, B1, B6, B2, B3 and omega 3 helps keep skin, hair and nails healthy, and repair skin damage.

Experts recommend that men should drink no more than two units of alcohol per day, and women one unit of alcohol. According to the World Health Organization, one unit of alcohol is equivalent to a 100 ml glass of wine (13.5% alcohol content), a 330 ml glass of draft beer or a 30 ml shot of spirits (40% alcohol content).