How Alcohol Affects The Skin
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Houses are being decorated, presents are being wrapped and drinks are being poured. Our alcohol consumption tends to rise during December due to the increase in social events, time spent off work and the general festive mindset. Although drinking and Christmas go hand in hand, be aware that those extra glasses of wine are having a negative impact on your skin.
Dehydration
Alcohol is a diuretic. When consumed, it causes the body to remove fluids from the blood, to be processed by your kidneys at a much quicker rate than other liquids. This results in dehydration. When the skin lacks moisture, it quickly appears dull and unhealthy. If you drink alcohol regularly, your skin may struggle to recover from this dehydration, which can lead to the development of wrinkles and premature ageing.
Enlarged Pores
Dehydration can cause the pores to dilate. When this happens, pores are more likely to trap dead skin cells and become clogged, which can lead to breakouts. If this is left untreated, acne may develop.
Spots & Acne
Alcohol consumption can cause blemishes in a number of ways. Many alcoholic drinks, including cocktails and wine, have a high sugar content. Heightened blood sugars cause insulin levels to rise, which triggers the hormone IGF-1 and boosts sebum production. This can result in breakouts.
Binge drinking can also aggravate the symptoms of acne. Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can overwhelm the liver. When the liver is unable to effectively filter toxins, they find other ways to leave the body, including through the skin, which causes spots.
Inflammation
Alcohol causes the blood vessels to dilate, which increases blood flow, provoking redness and inflammation. This can exacerbate skin conditions such as rosacea. Puffiness is also a common side effect of drinking, as alcohol causes the body to retain fluid.
Dark Circles Under The Eyes
When we drink alcohol, we spend less time in the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. This can leave us feeling tired the following day. Drinking regularly results in frequently disrupted sleep, which can cause the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. Lack of sleep forces the blood vessels to dilate and this increase of blood is more visible beneath the thin skin surrounding the eye. This is when dark rings appear.
How To Reverse The Effects Of Alcohol On The Skin
Prolonged alcohol consumption results in premature ageing. The most obvious solution to maintaining youthful-looking skin is to curb your drinking. Plan a number of alcohol-free days over the festive season to give your skin the chance to rehydrate. On the days you do drink, be mindful of how many units you are consuming and aim to drink one glass of water per alcoholic beverage.
If the signs of frequent alcohol consumption have already taken effect, North West Aesthetics is here to help restore your skin’s natural glow. Below are three of our favourite age-defying treatments, but for a more complete list, book a consultation with one of our team today!
Perfect Peel
Chemical Peels transform lacklustre complexions by removing the outermost layers of skin and replacing them with bright, fresh skin cells. The Perfect Peel contains glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, which prevents cellular damage and helps repair tissue. Other carefully selected ingredients, such as kojic acid, stimulate collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Treatments start at £299.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser treatments use thermal energy to penetrate the skin. Heat stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for giving the skin its elasticity. Dead skin cells are removed, revealing a renewed and glowing complexion. Prices vary depending on the area being treated and the severity of ageing.
Dermal Fillers
Not only do Dermal Fillers restore lost volume, their primary ingredient, hyaluronic acid, provides the skin with a boost of hydration. The gel-like substance draws in water and holds onto it, lending some much-needed moisture to dry, damaged skin. This dual-action approach to anti-ageing works wonders on skin suffering from excessive alcohol consumption. Prices vary depending on the number of areas treated and amount of filler required.
Book Your Appointment
If your skin is showing signs of alcohol damage, book a consultation at North West Aesthetics today. Our trained and friendly team will assess your skin and recommend a number of suitable treatments. Call 01942 909 003 or make an enquiry via our website.
