The New Year often brings a commitment to healthier habits, and for many, that means participating in Dry January. But beyond general wellness, did you know that abstaining from alcohol can have significant, positive impacts on your skin?
In this short video, Dr. Macrene discusses the short-term and long-term effects of alcohol on the skin and provides simple ways to mitigate them.
Alcohol's Skin Effects
Even short-term or moderate use of alcohol can affect your skin's appearance:
- Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which causes the skin to dehydrate.
- Puffiness: Alcohol consumption can cause puffiness.
- Redness and Broken Capillaries: Flushing caused by alcohol can lead to redness and broken capillaries.
- Dullness and Dark Circles: Alcohol interrupts sleep, which results in dullness and dark circles.
Chronic or long-term alcohol use can contribute to more serious skin issues:
-
Premature Aging: Alcohol accelerates premature aging.
Loss of Essential Proteins: You may see a reduction in collagen and elastin.
- Skin Conditions: Alcohol can trigger inflammation, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.
- Acne Breakouts: Due to the sugar content, breakouts can occur in acne-prone individuals.
- Increased Cancer Risk: Alcohol increases the risk of skin cancer, including both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.
- Liver Damage Signs: Chronic use causes liver skin damage, which may appear as yellowing of the skin; if you see this, seek medical attention immediately.
Dr. Macrene's 3 Tips to Mitigate Alcohol's Effects
Whether you're committing to Dry January or just cutting back, you can support your skin by taking these steps:
- Hydrate Smart: Hydrate with drinks that contain high electrolytes.
- Choose Smart Mocktails: Select antioxidant mocktails throughout the month of January.
-
Stick to Skin Care: Use a high-performance face cleanser and then lock in hydration with a high-performance face cream. This type of cream can help replenish and repair the skin, potentially using 50 active ingredients to restore your glow.
Want to learn more about keeping your skin healthy during Dry January and beyond? Watch the full video here.