How Alcohol Impacts Your Skin

Summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, and relaxing by the pool often come hand-in-hand with a refreshing drink. But while that cocktail might feel good in the moment, it could be silently wreaking havoc on your skin. 

The Unfiltered Truth: How Alcohol Dulls Your Glow

A couple drinks in and you might notice that rosy flush, but beneath the surface, it's actually the start of a cascade of less desirable effects on your skin.

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes your body lose fluids at a faster rate, which quickly shows as dehydration in your skin. Your complexion can appear dull, feel tight, and even accentuate fine lines and wrinkles as moisture is literally sucked out. Beyond dehydration, alcohol is also inflammatory. It can trigger widespread redness, puffiness, and even exacerbate existing skin conditions like rosacea, acne, and eczema. That morning-after redness isn't just from lack of sleep; it's your skin reacting to the alcohol in your system.

Regular alcohol consumption can also compromise your skin's natural barrier function, making it more susceptible to environmental damage, pollutants, and further moisture loss. This leads to increased sensitivity and a less resilient complexion over time. Moreover, alcohol can interfere with the absorption of essential vitamins and nutrients vital for healthy skin, such as Vitamin A and various B vitamins, contributing to a lackluster appearance and slowed cell turnover. 

And finally, while a nightcap might make you feel drowsy, alcohol disrupts your sleep cycles, leading to poor quality rest. As we know, beauty sleep is real, and a lack of it can result in under-eye circles, puffiness, and a generally tired-looking complexion.

These effects can happen anytime you drink, however drinking in the summer brings an additional, surprising skin hazard. 

The Infamous Margarita Burn: Protecting Your Upper Lip from This Summer Cocktail 

If your summer cocktail of choice is a margarita enjoyed in the sun, you need to be aware of "margarita burn", otherwise known as phytophotodermatitis. 

This occurs when certain chemicals in limes (specifically furocoumarins) come into contact with your skin and then are exposed to UV radiation. The result? An often painful and blistering rash that can leave behind dark pigmentation long after it heals. 

Be EXTRA cautious when handling citrus fruits in the sun. 

SOS for Summer Skin Sins

So, maybe you enjoyed a few too many drinks, or perhaps that sun was stronger than you thought while drinking your margarita. Either way, it happens! When your skin needs a little extra love to bounce back, here's some topical remedies to help it recover: 

• Icing for Inflammation & Puffiness: One of the simplest yet most effective ways to combat alcohol-induced inflammation and morning-after puffiness is icing your face. Gently run an ice cube over areas of redness or puffiness for a few minutes. The cold temperature helps to constrict blood vessels, reducing redness and swelling. It's a quick and accessible way to refresh your complexion. For easy handling, I love using an ice mold.

• Healing Margarita Burn: If you suspect you have a margarita burn, prompt and gentle care is key:

  • Rinse Thoroughly: Immediately wash the affected area with a cleanser and water to remove any lingering lime juice.

  • Soothe Inflammation: GlyMed’s CBD Mist can be incredibly soothing for inflamed and irritated skin. CBD has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm the redness and discomfort associated with phytophotodermatitis. Spritz gently over the affected area as needed.

  • Repair and Calm: DMK’s Beta Gel is a powerhouse for calming inflammation and supporting the skin's natural healing processes. Its beta-glucan content helps to reduce redness and encourage tissue repair, making it ideal for soothing the aftermath of a margarita burn. Apply a thin layer to the affected area.

  • Create a Protective Barrier: To protect the compromised skin and promote healing, GlyMed’s Cell Protection Balm is very beneficial. This occlusive balm creates a barrier that helps to lock in moisture and protect the skin from further irritation as it heals. Apply a thin layer, especially at night.

  • Prevent Further Damage with a Mineral SPF: Once the initial inflammation subsides, protecting the area from further sun exposure is absolutely crucial to prevent long-term pigmentation. Face Reality’s Mineral SPF provides a physical barrier against UV rays without potentially irritating chemical filters. Apply liberally and frequently to the healed (but still vulnerable) skin.

With these targeted steps, you can actively support your skin's recovery and minimize the lasting effects of summer indulgences.

Moderation & Mindfulness 

While enjoying a drink or two in the summer sunshine is often part of the fun, it's important to be mindful of the impact alcohol can have on your skin. By practicing moderation, staying well-hydrated with water (between those cocktails!), and incorporating soothing and protective skincare into your routine, you can help mitigate the less desirable effects. And if a margarita burn happens, promptly take action to help your skin heal and prevent lasting marks. Here's to a happy and healthy summer glow!

Best, 

Maria