Alcohol consumption is known to cause a variety of health problems, including liver damage, heart disease, and high blood pressure. However, the impact of alcohol consumption on the skin is often overlooked.
In recent years, scientists have discovered that alcohol can cause significant damage to skin cells, leading to premature aging and other skin issues. .
What happens to the skin when alcohol is consumed?
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it causes the body to lose fluids. When the body is dehydrated, skin cells lose moisture and become dry, flaky, and dull.
This can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as an overall lack of elasticity in the skin.
Not only does alcohol dehydrate the skin, but it also dilates blood vessels, causing redness and puffiness particularly around the nose area.
Consistent long-term alcohol consumption also damages the liver which is said to be the organ of metabolism and hence affects the metabolic rate of blood circulation present in the skin.
The harmful effects of alcohol on the skin
1. Premature aging
When skin cells are exposed to alcohol, they become damaged and lose their ability to regenerate quickly. This can lead to premature aging, including the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Furthermore, heavy alcohol consumption is linked to a loss of collagen, a protein that gives the skin its elasticity and strength, leading to sagging skin.
2. Skin discoloration
Regular alcohol consumption can cause hyperpigmentation, which is the darkening of the skin caused by an increase in melanin.
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This is often seen in heavy drinkers who have red, blotchy skin, particularly around the nose, due to dilation of blood vessels.
3. Acne and breakouts
Alcohol causes inflammation that may result in the proliferation of bacteria that lead to skin breakouts. Rosacea is a medical disorder in which the alcohol weakens the skin, and the superficial blood vessels become visible.
These spiders like veins may cause breakouts on the skin which can be difficult to get rid of.
4. Dull and dry skin
As mentioned earlier, alcohol is a diuretic that causes dehydration, hence the loss of moisture from skin cells. This results in dry, dull, and flaky skin that is more vulnerable to environmental factors like wind, Sun, and pollution.
Can skin damage from alcohol drinking be reversed?
The harmful effects of alcohol on the skin can be reversed but it requires a significant change in lifestyle.
Firstly, cutting down significantly on alcohol is a great start as most of these damages take a very light to moderate amount of alcohol to cause the harm. Secondly, incorporating regular hydration activities to maintain the body’s hydration level when consuming alcohol will help keep your skin in proper health, diminishing the symptoms of skin damages caused by alcohol.
Also using skin products rich in vitamin C to enhance collagen production can help in reducing and treating the effects of skin damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential to understand the damaging effects of alcohol consumption on the skin. Reducing alcohol consumption and proper hydration can do enormous good for the skin.
While it may be challenging to cut alcohol completely, developing a lifestyle that includes proper hydration, regular washing, and wearing sunscreen will ultimately help maintain healthy skin.
