Expert breaks down exactly what happens to your skin when you stop drinking alcohol
Topics: Alcohol, Health, Food and Drink
Gerrard Kaonga
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Topics: Alcohol, Health, Food and Drink
Experts have revealed some of the surprising improvements a person can see in their skin if they cut out regular alcohol consumption.
With us now being a few days into the new year, many people are plugging along with attempting Dry January. Others are simply trying to make some health changes and cutting out alcohol is certainly a popular one.
While most people are aware that alcoholism and regular alcohol consumption can result in a slew of different issues, many assume they know all the benefits.
Some of the most talked about advantages are an improvement to sleep, saving money and a chance to detoxify the liver, which might be suffering a fair bit following Christmas celebrations.
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However, multiple dermatologists have claimed that quitting booze can greatly improve your skin in a very short period of time.
Skin experts have also noted that more benefits can be unlocked if you refrain from alcohol for longer than a month.
According to Germaine de Capuccini‘s in-house skincare specialist, Gina Baker, the early benefits can be seen as early as just a few days after cutting out alcohol.
As per a report from the Independent, she said: “By the end of the first week, the skin begins to look fresher. The finer dehydration lines start to fill out as the skin becomes plumper and more hydrated.
“By the second week the skin looks and feels less sensitized and the high color begins to dissipate.”
Meanwhile, Dr Conal Perrett, a consultant dermatologist at The Devonshire Clinic, added that this persistent redness seen across some people’s noses and cheeks, may actually be alcohol related inflammation.
He explained: “Alcohol causes dehydration and inflammation, so when it’s removed, the skin often looks less dull, less puffy and more even within just a few days to a couple of weeks.
“Redness around the cheeks and nose can also settle quite quickly and many patients comment that their skin simply looks ‘brighter’ and more rested.”
While having a less puffy face may be desirable, not all of the benefits are cosmetic.
Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to regulate water, which can have a domino effect on the skin.
Baker explained: “Alcohol disrupts the hormones that regulate water loss. And of course, it’s also a diuretic, which leads our skin to become extremely thirsty-looking and dull.
“All this dehydration is very detrimental to our skin barrier.”
When alcohol in the body is no longer in the system, it can allow moisture to better remain and the barrier can better repair itself. A compromised barrier can have unwanted impacts like redness, flaking and sensitivity.
According to the experts, this shift is less about weight loss and more about the body having a better ability to hold onto water after a month without alcohol.
Baker noted: “A month after giving up alcohol is really when you notice the difference.
“Eyes become less puffy and dark. The cheekbone and the jawline become more defined due to the lack of puffiness. The face becomes dewy and glowing.”
This is also helped by the likelihood of improved sleep, ultimately meaning that getting some shut-eye allows the body to regenerate and improve the skin.
Even if alcohol wasn’t the root cause of some of the skin issues you may be suffering from, chances are it's probably not helping.
Dr Perrett noted: “Alcohol increases inflammation, disrupts hormones and dilates blood vessels, all of which can exacerbate acne and rosacea.
Over time, reducing or eliminating alcohol can significantly calm inflammatory skin conditions.”
Improvements to these conditions can be seen after longer periods of time without alcohol.