This is what happens to your skin when you stop drinking…
It’s all good news… If you’re heading into Sober October after a summer full of mojitos and Negronis, you’ve come to the right place.
Like Sober January, Sober October is an event to encourage people to give up alcohol for the month, while raising money for charities like Macmillan Cancer Support.
But what are the benefits of giving up alcohol for 31 days or more? Especially when it comes to your skin? WH spoke to experts to find out how drinking directly affects your healthy appearance and what happens when you drink.
But first… what does alcohol do to your skin? First of all, drinking alcohol anywhere won’t harm your body. But the sad truth is that alcohol is a hepatotoxin, which means it specifically damages the liver, an organ that’s closely tied to the function of your skin.
If your liver is damaged, it will show on your skin. Ultimately, drinking alcohol can lead to dry skin, dark circles, loss of elasticity and redness.
“Alcohol deprives the skin of vitamins by blocking their absorption and speeding up the breakdown of existing reserves,” says Dr. David Jack, Harley Street Beautician. See you soon, skin cell renewal.
A lack of vasopressin also reduces the ability of blood vessels to constrict. “This can cause broken capillaries and dilation of telangiectasia, which can lead to red lines on the skin,” says top beautician Kate Kerr.
What does alcohol do to your body? We know the feeling: when you’ve had a Friyay, it feels like a cold Picpoul beer. Drinking in moderation is fine (no more than one drink a day for women). But it’s worth understanding what alcohol
does to your body.
While small amounts of alcohol can relax you, relieve tension and reduce inhibitions, they can lead to slower reactions, poorer coordination and slower brain activity.
Because alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream, it essentially weakens the part of the brain that controls bodily functions, affecting your mood and your ability to make decisions and maintain control. This can lead to anxiety (so-called “anxiety attacks”) for a few days after treatment.
Over time, excessive consumption can increase the risk of high blood pressure, stroke, liver disease and cancer. Does alcohol dehydrate you? It’s a resounding yes.
Liquid alcohols are chemicals produced during the fermentation process that create the taste and smell of alcohol—and they’re the main cause of hangovers. They also remove moisture from the skin, just like the sun removes moisture from sand.
“In the kidneys, alcohol increases water loss by inhibiting the hormone vasopressin, which helps you reabsorb water,” adds Dr. Jack. The result is that skin cells dry out, making wrinkles more noticeable.
“Excessive alcohol can cause hot flashes, has a diuretic effect, and causes dehydration in most people,” says Dr. Justine Hextall, one of London’s top dermatologists.
Does alcohol cause inflammation? You thought those mojitos and caipirinhas tasted so good that they were… well, good? They are. “Too many carbs and sugars can cause inflammation,” explains Dr. Hextal, “and salt [hello, tequila] can cause bloating.”
Hence, eye bags and dark circles after a long night. Does alcohol cause acne? The high salt and sugar content in alcoholic beverages triggers the release of the hormone IGF-1, which causes the skin to produce too much sebum.
Combined with increased insulin levels, which cause inflammation, you have acne. “When the skin follicles become clogged with skin cells and oil, oil starts to build up behind the clog, which leads to the formation of spots,” says Dr. Hextal.
Does alcohol cause premature skin aging? It’s an age-old question. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of cell damage and accelerates skin aging. “Dehydration weakens the skin barrier, which allows environmental factors to cause damage,” explains Dr. Hextal.
One of the reasons cocktails taste delicious is their high sugar content, which isn’t so good for your face. “It causes glycation, where sugar molecules in the blood bind to proteins to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs),” says Dr. Mon.
“Studies show that AGEs can hinder the production of collagen and elastin, leading to reduced cell turnover and repair.” So for your skin, that means discolored, dull complexion. “In addition, glucose not only causes abnormalities in skin cells, it also produces free radicals. This gives you a double advantage when it comes to signs of aging.” Alcohol has a vasodilatory effect, which means it widens your blood vessels. If your blood vessels dilate too much, they can rupture, leaving small peripheral veins that become permanently enlarged (you may notice ruptured red veins around your nose and on your cheeks). Additionally, if your liver stops functioning properly, it may
Your skin looks dull and has pigmentation spots around your eyes.
Does drinking alcohol affect your sleep? It disrupts your circadian rhythm, also known as your internal clock. When you stay awake throughout the night, you don’t go through as many sleep cycles, so growth hormone levels don’t rise as much as they should. “This growth and support hormone is released during the most restful stage of sleep, called the REM stage. Missing this phase can lead to less cell turnover and less collagen stimulation,” said
Scientific Director and Co-Founder of Venn Skincare. Low growth hormone levels also reduce the moisture content of skin cells, making your complexion’s pH unbalanced and lower than it should be (5.5).
This can lead to dehydrated, dull skin. What happens to your skin when you stop drinking? OK, now for the good news. “Giving up alcohol can have a positive impact on your skin over time,” reveals aesthetician Lucy Xu, founder of London’s Best Laser Clinic. Xu says that after quitting alcohol, your skin will improve at different intervals. After 1 week of quitting alcohol: “After a week of quitting alcohol, you may notice an improvement in the appearance and health of your skin.” Hydration: “Alcohol causes dehydration, and quitting alcohol can help your skin regain its moisture.” Hydrated skin looks plumper, smoother, and healthier. .” Reduced redness: “Many people experience facial redness and a warm feeling when they drink alcohol. After a week of quitting alcohol, these redness may subside and your skin tone may become more even. .” After 1 month of quitting alcohol: “After a month of quitting alcohol, your skin will continue to improve. As your skin becomes more hydrated and blood circulation improves, your overall complexion will become brighter and more radiant.” Reduced puffiness: “Alcohol can cause puffiness and swelling, especially around the eyes. ” Avoiding alcohol can reduce puffiness and make your face look younger and fresher. 3 Months After Quitting: “Around six months after quitting drinking,
“You’ll notice more noticeable changes in your skin.”
Reduces acne and rashes: “Alcohol can cause skin problems like acne and rashes. Over time, avoiding alcohol can reduce these problems and lead to clearer skin.” Improved wrinkles: “After six months of not drinking,
“You may notice a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and improved skin elasticity.” Overall healthier look: “Your skin will look healthier, more energized, and less tired.”
Helps achieve a more youthful look. ” “It’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and the extent of improvement may depend on factors such as genetics, overall health, and skin care habits and routine. ”
“However, avoiding alcohol can have a negative impact on the appearance of your skin and your daily habits.
Positive Impact. Healthier, helping to create a fresher, younger appearance. ” Xu added. How to deal with the damage drinking does to your body and skin Once you’ve made it through Sober October, you may need to slowly start drinking back to the beginning to prevent alcohol from coming back. While you’re fighting the harmful effects of a hangover, there are some simple methods you can try: 1. Drink water This is the oldest method and probably the most effective. Start with a big glass of water, followed by a glass of coconut water. High in electrolytes, it’s a good choice 2. Prepare in advance If you know there’s more than one margarita on the agenda, it’s handy to prepare a little in advance for the next day. Before drinking, take a few capsules of Biocol Labs Something For a Mini Hangover (a clever blend of choline, safflower, and artichoke) to break down the toxins in your body caused by tequila. 3. Stop drinking before bed According to an article from the Sleep Foundation, drinking before bed disrupts the stages of your sleep cycle and leads to poorer sleep quality (and a worse hangover).
Unfortunately, we recommend not having that last drink.
