While we all enjoy a tipple every now and then, we’re also aware that alcohol isn’t the best for our health. There are a number of downsides to alcohol, one of them being the effect it can have on your skin. Yep, we’re sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but your favourite drink isn’t doing great things for your complexion.
One of the most problematic parts of alcohol is its sugar content. Consuming drinks high in sugar on a regular basis can cause insulin levels to spike and according to Australian Skin Clinics, can lead to skin inflammation as well as redness and irritation. Alcohol is also known to cause puffiness and dehydration in the skin and can increase free radical damage.
There is also reason to believe that alcohol can play a role in acne. While it doesn’t directly cause acne, it can exacerbate it if you’re already experiencing breakouts. According to Healthline, this is because alcohol can impact the way oxygen and nutrients travel through the skin and this oxidative stress can worsen acne.
This doesn’t mean you have to avoid alcohol going forward if you don’t want to. It’s more about maintaining a balance when it comes to drinking and making sure you’re looking after your skin to counteract any potential side effects from drinking. This includes:
Water, Water, Water
Drinking at least two litres of water a day is great for your skin, helping to keep it hydrated and healthy. So, when you’re having a bevy, make sure to keep your water consumption up as well. This will assist in maintaining the hydration in your body and skin while also helping to flush out toxins from the alcohol.
Opt For Clear Spirits
Clear spirits like gin, vodka and tequila tend to contain fewer additives and move through the body far quicker compared to liquids like beer or darker spirits, so try to opt for these when drinking as they’ll leave the body quicker, thus wreaking less havoc on the way out.
Use a Vitamin C Serum
Given alcohol’s ability to increase free radical damage (which leads to the breakdown of collagen in the skin), Australian Skin Clinics recommends using a vitamin C serum to help mitigate this damage. Vitamin C helps to stimulate collagen, while also brightening the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
