We all enjoy a good night out, and a glass of wine or cocktail can feel like the perfect way to unwind. But did you know that alcohol can wreak havoc on your skin? We take a look at the effects of alcohol on our skin and what we can do to minimise it.
Alcohol is like that wild friend who convinces you to have a good time but leaves you in a mess. Suddenly, walking in a straight line becomes an Olympic challenge! Your reflexes? Gone. Decisions? Questionable at best. In short, alcohol takes your sharp, functioning self and temporarily turns you into a confused, clumsy and funnier version of yourself!
Beyond all the wonderful benefits of the occasional tipple, there are serious consequences that alcohol consumption has on skin health. But jokes aside, I’m here to walk you through what happens when you indulge a little too much and, most importantly, how to minimize the damage. Don’t worry, you don’t have to swear off happy hour, if you take the right steps to protect your skin!
What Alcohol Really Does to Your Skin
Alcohol consumption affects your body in many ways, and since your skin is one of the body’s largest and most visible organs, it quickly reflects the toll alcohol takes on your hydration, circulation, and overall health.
When you drink, alcohol dehydrates the body by making your kidneys work overtime to remove fluids. This dehydration can leave your skin thirsty and dry, reducing its natural glow and making fine lines and wrinkles more visible.
Additionally, alcohol dilates blood vessels, leading to flushed skin, puffiness, and sometimes broken capillaries (especially on the face). It also triggers inflammation, which can worsen skin conditions like acne, rosacea, and eczema.
Read on for the breakdown of each effect and what you can do to mitigate them:
01 Dehydration - Bye Bye, Glow!
Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you lose more fluids than you take in. This results in dehydration, which translates to dry, dull skin. When your skin is lacking moisture, fine lines and wrinkles can become more pronounced. That coveted glowing complexion? Gone.
Skincare Tip: Hydrated skin is happy skin! Focus on replenishing lost moisture with a good hyaluronic acid serum and a rich moisturizer. Don’t forget to drink water—lots of it! Drinking water during and after alcohol consumption can slow dehydration and keep your skin in balance.
02 Inflammation - Flare Ups and Puffiness
Ever notice your skin looking puffy or flushed after a night of drinking? Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to redness and puffiness. It can also trigger inflammation, which worsens conditions like rosacea, eczema and acne. Those who are prone to sensitive skin might experience more frequent flare-ups after drinking.
Skincare Tip: To calm inflammation, incorporate soothing ingredients like Aloe Vera, Chamomile or Centella Asiatica Extract into your skincare routine. These ingredients are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce redness and irritation.
03 Collagen Breakdown - Accelerated Ageing
Regular alcohol consumption accelerates the breakdown of collagen, the protein responsible for keeping your skin firm and youthful. Without adequate collagen, your skin loses elasticity, making fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging more noticeable. Hello, premature ageing!
Skincare Tip: To combat collagen loss, look for products containing Retinoids, Vitamin C, and Peptides. These ingredients boost collagen production and help maintain the skin’s firmness and smooth texture.
04 Increased Oil Production - Hello, Breakouts
Even though alcohol dries out your skin, it can actually cause your sebaceous glands to overcompensate by producing more oil. This means that, on top of dry skin, you might also experience breakouts and clogged pores. A double whammy!
Skincare Tip: Use a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser and follow up with lightweight, oil-free moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated without clogging your pores. Look for products with salicylic acid or niacinamide to help control excess oil.
05 Toxin Overload - Detox Dilemma
Alcohol puts a strain on your liver, the body’s primary detoxification organ. When your liver is overwhelmed, toxins start to build up, which can manifest as dull, congested skin. This is why frequent drinkers often experience dark circles, a loss of radiance, and an overall tired appearance.
Skincare Tip: Support your skin from within by eating a diet rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, which help combat free radicals and promote detoxification. Topical antioxidants like serums and creams can also provide extra protection against environmental stressors.
How to Minimize Alcohol's Negative Effects on Your Skin
Now that you know how alcohol can sabotage your skin, let’s talk about how to minimize its effects beyond skin treatments. By incalcating some good habits when you do decide to enjoy that occasional drink, you’ll be able to enjoy your wines and cocktails without fear of dull, dry, or breakout-prone skin.
01 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Before, during, and after drinking, water is your skin’s best friend. Alcohol dehydrates you, so drink plenty of water to replenish lost fluids and keep your skin plump and radiant. Adding electrolytes to your water can also help rehydrate your body faster.
Tip: Drink a glass of water between each alcoholic beverage to prevent over-drinking and keep hydration levels up.
02 Prep Your Skin Before Drinking
Give your skin a hydration boost before heading out for the night. Apply a hydrating sheet mask or use a serum packed with hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. This can help create a protective barrier on your skin and lessen alcohol’s dehydrating effects.
Tip: Look for products with hydrating superstars like Glycerin, Ceramides, and Squalane. These ingredients help your skin retain moisture even when alcohol is trying to zap it away.
03 Don’t Skip Your Nighttime Skincare Routine
We get it—it’s tempting to fall into bed without washing your face after a fun night out. But skipping your skincare routine is a huge no-no, especially if you’ve been drinking. The combination of alcohol and makeup left on overnight is a recipe for clogged pores, breakouts, and dehydrated skin.
Tip: Keep makeup wipes or micellar water by your bedside for those nights when you’re too tired to do a full cleanse. At the very least, remove your makeup and apply a light moisturizer before crashing.
04 Detox Your Skin and Body
Help your body recover by incorporating detoxifying ingredients into your skincare and diet. Consider using a clay mask to draw out impurities and balance your skin post-drinking. Internally, load up on antioxidant-rich foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts to support your liver and skin health.
Tip: Detoxifying supplements, like those containing milk thistle or glutathione, can further support your body’s recovery and help repair the damage alcohol does to your skin.
05 Prioritize Sleep
Alcohol disrupts your sleep cycle, and poor sleep is one of the biggest culprits behind tired, lackluster skin. Not only does a lack of sleep increase the appearance of fine lines and dark circles, but it also slows down your skin’s natural repair processes.
Tip: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, and use a silk pillowcase to prevent creasing and friction that can cause irritation. Bonus: Silk pillowcases are also gentler on your hair!
06 Choose Your Drinks Wisely
Not all alcoholic beverages are created equal when it comes to your skin. Sugary cocktails and mixed drinks can contribute to breakouts, while dark liquors like whiskey and rum contain congeners (toxins produced during fermentation) that worsen hangovers and skin damage.
Tip: Stick to lighter drinks like vodka or gin, and mix them with soda water and a squeeze of lemon or lime. You’ll avoid the extra sugar, and citrus fruits are packed with skin-loving vitamin C!
07 Boost Your Antioxidant Defense
Alcohol increases oxidative stress, which leads to premature aging and inflammation. To combat this, load your skincare routine with antioxidant-rich products like vitamin C serums, green tea extract, and niacinamide. These ingredients help neutralize free radicals and repair damaged skin.
Tip: For an added antioxidant boost, apply your products in the morning to protect your skin throughout the day, especially when you're recovering from a night out.
Wrapping Up: It’s All About Balance
While alcohol can undoubtedly take a toll on your skin, you don’t have to give up your favorite drinks altogether. By hydrating, nourishing, and taking care of your skin (and body) before and after you drink, you can minimize the damage and keep your complexion looking fresh.
Remember, skincare is all about balance—just like life! So go ahead, enjoy that cocktail, and keep your skin glowing by incorporating these tips into your routine. After all, life’s too short not to indulge every once in a while, and with the right skincare hacks, your skin doesn’t have to pay the price.
Cheers to happy, healthy skin!
About the writer
Rachel spent five ascetic years as a vegetarian before discovering spicy chicken wings are, in fact, a delicacy. She’s also a bit of a snob about fancy whiskey. Rachel writes early in the morning, then spends the rest of the day trying to impress her Maine Coon.
