Seven years ago when I was 45 I did something that at the time was more about proving to myself I could do it while setting a good example for my young teenagers- I stopped drinking for 8 months. Now, moderating and minimizing alcohol is something I do mostly out of sheer vanity, and knowing how I look and feel with a hangover is not a look I desire.

 At midlife, we as women are well aware of the immediate impact of alcohol on our bodies, but its long-term effects on our skin are often underestimated. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the negative effects of alcohol, focusing on our skin exclusively.  

 There are so many other reasons that drinking too much alcohol negatively impacts me, and I have a lot of resources to help to stay focused on my intention to not overdrink (apps and podcasts mostly). My blog is specifically about aging naturally, and with all the other blogs available for those who are sober curious, or wish to be entirely sober, if this is something you are considering, you’ll find many resources available. But when it comes time to decide on having that next drink, one thing of many that will immediately come to my mind is how terrible I will look in the morning with my eyes swollen from overdrinking, a bad night’s sleep and my skin dry and red!

1. Dehydration and Dullness:

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases urine production, leading to dehydration. We all know what happens when we break the seal during a night out! Dehydrated skin appears dry, and flaky, and lacks elasticity, resulting in a dull complexion. Prolonged dehydration can exacerbate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making you look older than your years. When I didn’t drink for 8 months, the last thing on my mind in making that decision was dehydration and the effects on my skin, but now a night of drinking even a couple of drinks can be a big setback both in how I look and feel.   

2. Inflammation and Redness:

Alcohol consumption triggers inflammation in the body, which can manifest as redness and irritation on the skin, and reek havoc under our skin in our body and how it functions. Inflammation disrupts the skin’s natural barrier function, leaving it vulnerable to environmental aggressors and increasing the risk of allergic reactions. There are so many environmental factors and other sensitivities that cause inflammation in our bodies, that extra alcohol and overdrinking is not something I need for my skin or my health.

3. Acne and Breakouts:

Alcohol can disrupt hormone levels and increase cortisol production, leading to hormonal imbalances that contribute to acne breakouts. Alcohol can stimulate the overproduction of oil in the skin, clogging pores and exacerbating acne-prone skin conditions. Excessive alcohol consumption also compromises the liver’s ability to detoxify the body, further aggravating skin issues.

4. Premature Aging:

One of the most alarming effects of alcohol on the skin is its role in accelerating the aging process. Alcohol generates free radicals in the body, unstable molecules that damage cells and contribute to premature aging. Additionally, alcohol inhibits the production of collagen, a protein responsible for maintaining the skin’s firmness and elasticity. As collagen production declines, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin become more prominent, prematurely aging our appearance.

5. Uneven Skin Tone and Hyperpigmentation:

Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation. Alcohol disrupts the body’s natural detoxification process, leading to a buildup of toxins that can manifest as dark spots or patches on the skin. Alcohol dilates blood vessels near the skin’s surface, causing redness and contributing to the development of spider veins and broken capillaries, further detracting from a smooth, even complexion.

With all of these negative effects of alcohol on our skin, it’s pretty obvious to me at this point in my life that one easy way to age naturally is not always what we have to do, but sometimes in what we don’t do. While the occasional drink may not have a significant impact on your skin, excessive or regular alcohol consumption can really impacts your skin and appearance and overall health.