The habit of drinking alcohol is harmful not only to overall health but also to your skin. Even without heavy drinking, regular intake can make facial skin appear older than your actual age.

Is Alcohol Harmful to Your Skin?

You have likely heard about the health risks linked to alcohol. Drinking can contribute to liver damage, acid reflux, stomach ulcers, digestive problems, nerve issues, and other medical concerns.

Beyond those effects, alcohol can also influence your skin. Alcohol has a diuretic effect that increases urine output. As a result, the body flushes out more water and salt, which can lead to dehydration.

If this pattern continues, the skin can become chronically dehydrated, leaving it drier, more sensitive, and uncomfortable.

Adverse Effects of Drinking Alcohol on the Skin

If you drink regularly, be aware of the following skin-related effects:

Rosacea

Rosacea is a skin condition marked by redness and acne-like bumps. Flushing tends to appear on the cheeks, nose, and forehead. Alcohol intake can raise the likelihood of facial flare-ups, even in people without a prior diagnosis.

Psoriasis

Frequent alcohol use can trigger psoriasis. Psoriasis causes a buildup of skin cells that forms dry, itchy plaques. In people with psoriasis, alcohol may worsen symptoms and make the condition less responsive to treatment.

Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Dark under-eye circles have many causes, and alcohol can be an indirect cause to this. Drinking habit can disrupt your normal sleep patterns, leading to restless nights or difficulty in staying asleep.

If this continues, dark circles can form or become more noticeable. To improve this, work on restoring a healthy sleep schedule and cut back on excessive alcohol.

Rosy Cheeks

Alcohol can interfere with enzyme activity involved in processing alcohol’s toxins, which may lead to a flushed or rash-like redness on the face often called rosy cheeks. When the enzyme is not working efficiently, toxins build up and the face becomes red.

Cellulitis

Heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection that usually affects the legs. It presents with redness, swelling, pain, and warmth. Bacteria enter through skin breaks and can cause serious infection.

Skin Sensitivity to Sunlight

For some people, sun exposure can cause burning, blistering, and pain. While this tendency can be inherited, high alcohol intake may also act as a trigger.

In addition to the effects listed above, alcohol use can raise the risk of cancers of the skin, mouth, vocal cords, and throat. If drinking is part of your routine, consider quitting. If stopping is difficult, seek help from a doctor or psychologist.

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