Skin Health: How Alcohol Is Secretly Affecting Your Conditions

Skin health is greatly affected by alcohol consumption. These short and long term effects will surprise you.

You've probably heard about the dangers of drinking alcohol to your health, but did you know that drinking alcohol can have negative effects on your skin? Yes, you heard that right, drinking alcohol can also have negative effects on your skin. The effects of alcohol on the skin range from short-term problems such as dehydration and redness of the skin to serious long-term effects such as skin infections and cancer. Alcohol use disorder is a serious condition characterized by uncontrolled drinking. In this state, a person never stops drinking, even if he knows that this condition affects his health problems. In this article, we'll look at the many long- and short-term effects of drinking alcohol on the skin and how it can worsen some skin conditions. Prevention involves moderation and drinking, and stopping drinking is the most effective measure. Seeking medical help for alcohol use disorders and related skin conditions is critical to long-term skin health.

Some short-term effects of alcohol on the skin

dehydration

The diuretic effect of alcohol contributes to dehydration. Symptoms include dry skin, sunken eyes, loss of elasticity and dry lips. Drinking water between alcoholic drinks can relieve dehydration.

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Alcohol stimulates the release of histamine, which dilates blood vessels under the skin. This usually causes redness or inflammation of the skin. People of East Asian descent may experience facial flushing due to enzyme deficiency.

sleep problems

Although alcohol helps you fall asleep faster, it disrupts your sleep patterns. Disturbed sleep can lead to dark circles under the eyes, lighter skin, dull complexion and increased wrinkles.

Long term effects

Increased risk of skin infections and cancer.

A weakened immune system due to long-term alcohol use increases susceptibility to infection. Weak immunity and sensitivity to UV radiation increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

Skin changes in alcoholic liver disease

Long-term alcohol consumption can lead to diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver. Manifestations include jaundice, darkening of the skin around the eyes, visible blood vessels and itchy skin.

How can this be prevented or treated?

A hydrating and topical solution

Drinking water while drinking alcohol helps combat dehydration. Topical application of brimonidine prior to use may reduce the occurrence of hot flashes (prescription only).

Stop drinking alcohol

To prevent and relieve alcohol-related skin conditions, you need to stop drinking alcohol. Seeking help from a healthcare professional, friend, therapist, or support group may be helpful.

Treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), detoxification, rehabilitation, peer support groups, and medications are available to treat AUD. Treatment for AUD can help relieve the underlying skin condition, but additional treatment may be needed to correct the underlying problems.

Continue to treat the underlying condition.

If liver disease or other conditions persist after you stop drinking alcohol, special treatment is needed. People with pre-existing skin conditions (eg, psoriasis, rosacea) require ongoing dermatological treatment.