Plus, dermatologist-suggested skin boosters to neutralize the effects of alcohol.
My last sip of alcohol was unremarkable. As I tipped my head back, I barely tasted the dry, mineral flavour I used to savour. It was the last long weekend of summer 2022, and my rosé intake had rivalled my water intake. But now, my decades-long love affair with unwind wine had run its course and it was time to break up. Six weeks later (right around the time my rosé cravings would normally turn to smoky Malbec ones) came the comments about how great my skin looked. I was probed about my highlighter and sleep routine. Was it possible that cutting alcohol was behind my new-found glow?
According to Dr. Sam Hanna, a Toronto-based dermatologist, it’s not unusual to see an improvement in your skin when you pass on the Prosecco. “Alcohol is a diuretic, so it makes you lose water,” he says. “This can leave you looking dehydrated, with a slight increase in fine lines, sunken eyes and dark circles.” On top of that, impaired judgment can lead to sloppy skincare behaviour, like face-planting into your pillow in full makeup (which puts you at risk for styes and breakouts) or forgetting to apply sunscreen while navigating a brutal hangover the next morning.
If you’re prone to existing conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne or spider veins, you can expect them to worsen under the influence, says Amanda Hlatky, founder of Glow Dermal Therapy and Strategy Skin in Vancouver. This is partly due to the increase in matrix metalloproteinases (also known as MMPs), which are enzymes linked to inflammation and photo-aging. “Within 30 minutes of your having a drink, the pH level of your skin is affected,” says Hlatky. This provides an opportunity for bacteria to grow and also causes inflammation, dysregulated sebum production and increased transepidermal water loss.
And the more you drink, the more severe your pre-mature signs of aging may…
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