Here's How Going Alcohol-Free Can Help Your Skin, From A Sober Beauty Editor
The festive season is in full swing, which means our diaries are quickly filling up with Christmas parties and year-end celebrations. While for most this means a steady flow of cocktails and wine, for me, it’s all about dancing until last call fuelled by virgin margaritas and faux bubbly.
I’ve been sober my whole life. Mainly because it wasn’t a big part of my culture growing up in Malaysia, and I’ve seen enough friends nursing terrible morning afters for me to even be remotely tempted. Plus, as I've discovered, alcohol affects your skin in many not-so-great ways.
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Besides, non-alcoholic drink options have never been better – I stock up on Saicho and Fortnum & Mason’s Sparkling Tea every December – driven by an increasingly sober-curious society.
Research carried out by the charity Drinkaware found that the rates of young adults aged 18-24 going alcohol-free rose from 14% in 2017 to 21% in 2021 (although it must be said that those within that demographic who do consume alcohol have a tendency towards binge-drinking). Drinkaware also reports that almost 1 in 7 adults do not drink.
While the wellbeing benefits of sobriety is well-documented, from improved mental health and better responses to stress to encouraging sleep quality and energy levels. Switching your martinis for virgin Negroni’s can do wonders for your skin, too, as long as you go easy on the sugars.
How does alcohol affect the skin?
It’s no secret that alcohol causes dehydration, and this extends to your skin, too. ‘It can leave the skin looking dry, dull and tired,’ says consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips. ‘Heavy drinking also enlarges blood vessels in the skin and triggers histamine release resulting in a persistently red face and facial flushing.’
That said, not all drinks are created equal. Clear spirits like vodka and gin go through rigorous distillation process to remove impurities and they contain fewer additives. ‘Cocktails are usually packed with sugar, additives and colourings, which can trigger spots and impact your complexion (when consumed in excess),’ shares Phillips.
While we all have that friend who can throw all caution to the wind and still emerge looking clear-skinned and fresh faced, it’s worth noting that the skin's resilience varies from one person to the next, says Dr Hiba Injibar, a Harley Street-based consultant dermatologist.
There isn't an exact science to determine how many drinks it takes for it to affect your skin, as our bodies process it differently. Dr Injibar tells ELLE UK: ‘When drinking becomes a habit, increased effects can be seen for skin ageing like fine lines, discolouration and skin sagging. Increased alcohol consumption over a long period of time can result broken capillaries which can be permanent.’
Even if you can’t visibly see the impact of alcohol on your skin immediately, heavy drinking can still affect what’s going on inside. ‘Damage like collagen breakdown and oxidative stress can still be happening under the surface. Long-term, nobody is immune to the effects of alcohol,’ says Dr Injibar.
What about wine?
We often speak of the antioxidant content in wine, and how the occasional glass can actually be good for your health. But can the same be said for your skin?
Kind of, but only marginally. ‘Red wine contains resveratrol, a potent antioxidant that can neutralise free radicals that accelerate skin ageing,’ agrees Dr Phillips. ‘However, it is important to remember that alcohol is still alcohol, and overindulgence will dehydrate your skin, exacerbate redness, and contribute to the (pre-mature) signs of skin ageing.’
Admittedly, a single glass now and again can deliver modest levels of antioxidant protection, but it doesn’t beat a good daily skincare serum.
Can alcohol trigger skin conditions?
According to Dr Phillips, those with rosacea should exercise extra caution. ‘Alcohol stimulates the release of histamine which dilates blood vessels in the skin,’ he explains. Plus, it can cause facial flushing for those of north-eastern Asian descent, as approximately 40% of the demographic ‘lack a key enzyme involved in the breakdown of alcohol’.
Drinking in excess can worsen skin issues such as severe treatment resistant psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and some variants of eczema. ‘It can also lead to nutritional deficiencies with associated bruising, brittle nails, hair loss and widespread itch,’ he adds.
But you don’t have to give it all up…
As with all things in life, moderation is key and there are things you can do to negate the effects of alcohol on your skin. ‘The NHS recommends no more than 14 units a week,’ says Dr Phillips, who also recommends going easy on the sugary cocktails and downing water in between drinks to boost hydration.
Vinoclean Micellar Cleansing Water
C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Serum
Indigo Overnight Repair
How to combat the effects of alcohol on your skin
Try not to let a good time and a long night get in the way of your evening regime.
'I would recommend hydrating your skin with a moisturiser containing humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to counteract dehydration caused by alcohol,' says Dr Injibar. She adds: 'Ingredients like niacinamide can help reduce redness and soothe irritation, while antioxidants like vitamin C can combat oxidative stress.'
It can be a chore to wash off that foundation when you get in at 4AM but trust, your skin will thank you in the morning.
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