Five Problems Alcohol Can Cause To The Skin

When it comes to our physical appearance, most commonly we’re most conscious about our skin and complexion. Yet, our skin can be incredibly sensitive. That’s why we need to spend plenty of time looking after it.

So much can affect the look and health of our skin. Some things we’re keen to avoid, such as putting plenty of sun lotion on during sunny periods, while others we tend to ignore. One such thing is alcohol.

Alcohol can have a huge impact on the health of our skin, and if you go to any alcohol rehab across the country you’ll find people are not only suffering from addiction, but also a case of bad skin. Yet, we’re all still happy to go out for a night on the cocktails or beers.

But how exactly can alcohol harm the skin if we are heavily drinking?

It can become dehydrated

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes the body to lose water through increased urination. As a result, excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate the body, leading to dry and flaky skin. Chronic dehydration can also cause the skin to lose elasticity, making it more susceptible to wrinkles and fine lines.

You can develop acne

Alcohol consumption can increase the production of sebum, a natural oil produced by the skin. Excessive sebum production can clog pores, leading to the development of acne. Additionally, alcohol can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, leading to redness and swelling, which can exacerbate acne breakouts.

Rosacea can be triggered

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness, swelling, and bumps on the face. Alcohol consumption is a common trigger for rosacea, and many individuals with the condition find that their symptoms worsen after drinking. This is because alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to increased redness and inflammation in the skin.

You’ll start to look older at a younger age

Excessive alcohol consumption can accelerate the aging process by damaging collagen and elastin fibers in the skin. Collagen and elastin are proteins that give the skin its structure and elasticity, and their breakdown can lead to sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. Additionally, chronic dehydration caused by alcohol consumption can further exacerbate these effects.

Psoriasis can cause a lot of issues

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to build up rapidly, leading to thick, scaly patches on the skin. Alcohol consumption is a known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups, and many individuals with the condition find that their symptoms worsen after drinking. This may be because alcohol can weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off psoriasis flare-ups.

This is a guest blog entry.