How does alcohol affect your skin? We asked an expert

We’re all for festive cheer, but if you seem to have lost count of how many mulled wines you’ve guzzled or mistletoe martinis you’ve sipped, the alcohol could be showing up on your skin the next morning.

You know what we’re talking about. Waking up with red splodges scattered over your cheeks and the feeling that your face is gasping for water are just two common skin issues that can arise after late nights. (The lack of sleep that often goes with drinking can contribute to a sluggish appearance, but it’s not the whole story.) And you’re not alone if this is something you’ve noticed happening more during the festive season: Google searches for ‘how does alcohol affect your skin’ have increased by a whopping 5,000% over the last month.

It’s the season to indulge in chocolates and hot toddies while lounging on the sofa, and dry January is just around the corner. But if you’re wondering how it might show up on your face when you’ve overdone it on the eggnog, here’s what you need to know. 

How does alcohol affect the skin?

“Alcohol has several effects on the skin, both short and long term,” says dermatologist Dr Nora Jafaar. “It’s a diuretic, meaning it increases fluid loss, which can leave skin dehydrated, dull and less plump.” So that’s why we want to soak our skin in moisturiser after a night out.

Redness is also something you might have spotted. This is because alcohol “causes blood vessels to dilate, which can contribute to facial flushing and broken capillaries over time,” explains Dr Jafaar. “Internally, it increases inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which impair the skin barrier.”  

Of course, there’s a big difference between having one too many on the odd occasion and drinking heavily on a regular basis. “Chronic excessive alcohol intake has been linked to loss of elasticity and a persistently dull or uneven complexion,” says Dr Jafaar. Over time, the “repeated inflammation and dehydration” caused by excessive drinking can also can weaken the skin barrier, she continues, “making skin more sensitive, reactive and prone to conditions like eczema or rosacea”. Those with rosacea will know the flush you get from just a few sips of red wine; persistent drinking can leave the skin a lot more sensitive and reactive.

Eczema and rosacea are not the only skin conditions that could be triggered or exacerbated by alcohol. “Those with sensitive skin may notice increased redness or stinging, while acne-prone skin can flare due to inflammation, hormone disruption and increased oil production following alcohol consumption,” says Dr Jafaar. 

Will my skin show signs that I could be drinking too much?

Yes. While we might struggle with the maths when it comes to units on a night out at the pub, our skin can be an indicator if we need to rein in the amount of pints we’re getting through. “Common visible signs include persistent facial redness, puffiness (particularly around the eyes), dehydration lines, enlarged pores, dullness and uneven skin tone,” says Dr Jafaar. We can invest in all the products we want to try to counteract these signs, but their effectiveness will be limited if we’re drinking too much.

The skin can show other red flags, too. Some people experience “worsening breakouts or slower skin healing” after overconsuming alcohol, Dr Jafaar says. “Over time, skin may appear more tired and less resilient.” 

What skincare should I use after drinking?

There are some quick fixes to reach for if you’ve overdone it one night. “To support skin affected by alcohol, I recommend focusing on hydration, barrier repair and antioxidant protection,” says Dr Jafaar.

Look out for particular ingredients when building your skin hangover kit. “Ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin help restore hydration, while ceramides and niacinamide strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. Vitamin C, resveratrol and other antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, and daily broad-spectrum SPF is essential to protect already-stressed skin from further damage,” she says. 

The important thing is to stay diligent and note what works for you. “Even within guidelines, individual skin sensitivity varies, so listening to your skin is important,” says Dr Jafaar.

However, we can’t rely solely on products to counteract the effects of drinking on our skin. We’re not saying you have to quit drinking to have glowing skin, but “from a dermatological perspective, moderation is key”, says Dr Jafaar. “In the UK, the general recommendation is no more than 14 units per week, spread over several days with alcohol-free days in between. Regularly exceeding this increases the likelihood of visible skin changes.” If you’re concerned about your alcohol consumption, you can find judgement-free support and resources via Drinkaware and Alcohol Change UK.

Images: AdobeStock