Here’s Exactly How Bad Drinking Alcohol Is for Your Skin

Every mirror-conscious binge drinker has noticed a correlation between his thirstier nights and obnoxious pimples a day or two later. That and a general sense of the skin having turned into parchment overnight—dry to the point of scaly.

So, what exactly is happening to the skin when you drink so much? Why is the body processing alcohol differently than it would water, leaving you dehydrated and red in the face? We had these questions, so we called in the help of a pro: Dr. Amy Spizuoco of Greenwich Village Dermatology in NYC. Here’s how Spizuoco breaks down alcohol’s affects on your skin:

Toxic Byproducts

First, the body metabolizes the alcohol from an enzyme in the liver, which releases a byproduct called acetaldehyde. This byproduct is toxic to body tissues. In turn, body tissues and skin are dehydrated, which Spizuoco says cause premature aging of the skin (like wrinkles). Dry skin is also a stepping stone to post-bingeing breakouts.

The alcohol is meanwhile causing inflammation to bodily tissue, “releasing a histamine that dilates the blood’s capillaries, so that the net effect is redness of the skin.” Spizuoco warns that, when compounded over several years, this redness can be permanent.

And that’s not it!

“Alcohol dilates the pores of the skin, leading to blackheads and whiteheads,” says Spizuoco. “And if is not properly treated, it can go on to cause inflamed skin papules (lesion-like bumps) and cystic acne.” In the long term, this ages the skin and can cause permanent scarring.

Also, and we knew this already, alcohol consumption impairs your sleep and the dehydration compromises the regenerative cycle your body enters while you rest. “This decreases normal cellular turnover and leads to an unhealthy, dull complexion,” Spizuoco says.

Side Note: Caffeine Can Be Bad Too

Alcohol isn’t the only dehydrator. Caffeine has similar effects on the body. It is also metabolized in the liver, then acts as a diuretic (hence that familiar urge to use the restroom after drinking coffee). Diuretics also dehydrate the body tissues and skin, which in turn leads to wrinkles and premature aging. Caffeine can stress the liver just as aggressively as alcohol, when consumed in such large and frequent quantities.

Which Kind of Alcohol is Least Bad for the Skin?

From the alcohol menu, Spizuoco says that beer may be the most offensive to the skin. “Beer has more additives, such as salts and sugars, which will add more stress on the liver to metabolize, as well as be overly dehydrating,” she says. Similarly, dark liquors have more additives than clear ones. The least harmful to you (note that we aren’t saying “the best for you”) is probably red wine, says Spizuoco. This is because reds contain resveratrol, which acts as an antioxidant for the tissues and skin, and helps rid the body of harmful free radicals.

How to Drink and Minimize Strain to the Skin

If you want a pro-skin strategy for your nights out, Spizuoco suggests alternating between a serving of alcohol and a glass of water. Chase one with the other. “This can minimize harmful effects of alcohol on the skin by hydrating the tissues and skin.” She also stresses that eating full meals prior or while drinking will deter the side effects, since some of the alcohol will pass instead through the gastrointestinal system along with the food, so that the two are metabolized in tandem (and thus, side effects aren’t as potent).

What Happens to Your Skin When You Stop Drinking Alcohol

• Alcohol can have some negative impacts on your skin.
• It can cause puffiness and acne. 
• After cutting out alcohol, your skin should improve over time.
  

  ---

No matter how fun alcohol may be, it can be bad for your health, especially if you over-indulge. Your Margarita Mondays and Thirsty Thursdays may seem like fun, but having one too many shots can do some major damage to your health, and in this particular case, your skin.

While many of us focus on the negative effects alcohol has on the liver, we tend to forget about its impact on your body’s biggest organ — your skin. INSIDER spoke to a few skin-care professionals to get the scoop on alcohol’s major effects on the skin, and what happens to your complexion when you cut it out.

It causes dehydration.

One of the biggest effects alcohol has on your skin is dehydration, according to Tess Mauricio, MD, FAAD and CEO of MBeautyClinic.com.

“It dehydrates the skin and will cause your wrinkles and pores to be more visible,” Dr. Mauricio told INSIDER. “Your skin will lose it’s natural plumpness and healthy glow.”

Alcohol can heighten your risk of rosacea.

Certain alcohols can increase your risk.

Sarah Schmalbruch/INSIDER

If you identify as a woman, you may want to lay off the pinot grigio: the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that alcohol consumption, specifically white wine and liquor, increases the risk of rosacea in women.

However, if you’re still craving a drink (in moderation), Dr. Debra Jaliman, board-certified NYC dermatologist, assistant professor of Dermatology Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and author of the book, “Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist,” noted that clear liquor like vodka won’t increase your risk of rosacea.

It can cause inflammation.

“Everyone knows the sun is the number-one ager for the skin, but most people don’t realize that the second major cause of skin aging is inflammation — any way we can avoid inflammation will be better for our skin,” Joshua Ross, celebrity aesthetician and owner of SkinLab, told INSIDER. “What alcohol does is bring the blood up to the tissue causing inflammation so that’s why it’s harmful to the skin. That can manifest in blotchiness, redness, ruddiness, and dehydration.”

You could be depriving yourself of nutrients.

Although certain alcoholic beverages like red wine are known to have some health benefits, consuming alcohol in excess is never a healthy choice. Filling your body with the empty calories and sugars that many of your happy hour drinks are filled with can actually lead to malnutrition, which can have an obvious impact on your complexion.

“Alcohol is a toxin with little nutrient value and can contribute to poorer liver function, reduced immunity, hormone disruption, cell damage and insulin issues all impacting on the quality, appearance and aging of your skin,” said Sonya Dakar, celebrity esthetician and founder/CEO of Sonya Dakar skin care and Skin Clinic. “Alcohol is also a diuretic, so you can lose plenty of skin cell-loving water from the body quite rapidly, leaving your skin dehydrated and dull. I can always tell who is a drinker when I look at their skin and see puffy under eyes, red skin, or a red nose, pasty skin and even broken capillaries.”

A lot happens to your skin when you cut out alcohol.

Now that we know all of the things alcohol can do to your skin, it’s time to hit the road to recovery. Here’s what will happen to your skin once you cut out the rosé for good:

After one hour, your body works overtime to cut out the excess toxins.

After an hour from your last drink, Dakar said that your body begins to work overtime to clear your skin (and the rest of your body) from the excess toxin you just ingested.

“Your body will enter a detox mode to clear the alcohol from your bloodstream and prevent alcohol poisoning,” she said. “As you drink your last drink, your liver starts working overtime.

She also said that your pancreas also starts producing extra insulin due to shock.

After one day, your skin will still be dehydrated.

You may want some extra hydration.

Mark Dadswell/Getty Images

For those of you who have from rosacea, we have good news: Dr. Jaliman stated that within a 24-hour period, your skin will see a bit of an improvement when it comes to your symptoms. With that being said, Joshua Ross noted that your skin has a long way to go before it fully bounces back, and will still be recovering from its own type of hangover.

“One day after drinking, your skin will be dehydrated and blotchy,” Ross said.

A week after your last drink is when your skin really starts to see improvement.

After your seven-day stretch of sobriety, Dakar said that your skin will begin to have a dewy, healthier look and a youthful glow due to restored hydration.

However, you may want to keep your cleansers and spot treatments at hand: Ross stated that while your skin’s lipid barrier will begin to heal itself from inflammation, your pores may start to “purge” — which means more breakouts as your skin pushes all of the toxins and clogging materials out of the pores and onto the surface of your skin.

After one month, your skin may have significant changes.

After a month of staying margarita-free, your skin will likely be significantly healthier-looking. According to both Ross and Dr. Mauricio, your skin will have less swelling, a more even tone, and a more hydrated look. Bonus: Dr. Mauricio also said that you may experience some weight loss too.

One year later, your skin should have an overall healthier appearance.

Your skin will definitely reap from the benefits of going sober for good: according to Dr. Mauricio, since your liver will be significantly repaired from the damages of alcohol by this point, your skin will have an overall healthier appearance and naturally radiant look.

“Over one year of not drinking alcohol, your liver will be healthier and better at detoxifying your body,” she said. “The healthier you are, the more beautiful your skin looks, so our skin will be more healthy and glowing.”

For more great stories, head to INSIDER’s homepage.

Does Alcohol Cause Rashes? The Link Between the Two

Article at a Glance:

Skin reactions related to alcohol use are not common and most of them are not dangerous. These reactions can be caused by many different factors, so it is important to take note of these reactions if they happen to you or a loved one. Key points to remember about alcohol-induced skin reactions include:

• Alcohol use can cause skin reactions like rashes, flushing, redness and itching, among other symptoms.
• Being aware of the circumstances associated with alcohol-related skin reactions can help you to determine what the cause is, whether it’s a drug interaction, an underlying skin condition that is triggered by alcohol, using a certain type of alcohol or an actual alcohol allergy.
• Limiting or avoiding alcohol (or a particular kind of alcohol) can be a great solution to prevent unpleasant reactions. 
• A discussion with a healthcare professional may also help determine the reasons for a skin reaction along with treatment and prevention options.

Alcohol and Rashes

Many people experience a variety of adverse effects due to alcohol use, including nausea, vomiting, impaired decision-making skills, aggression, loss of consciousness and visual impairment, among other symptoms. Alcohol use can also cause various skin reactions, including rashes. 

Alcohol consumption can occasionally lead to skin reactions like:

• Skin redness
• Rashes
• Itching
• Skin flushing

Skin reactions associated with alcohol use can range from mildly uncomfortable to quite severe, depending on the person. However, these effects are fairly uncommon in the general population. Certain people appear to simply have an intolerance to alcohol, which could be due to many factors.

Causes of Alcohol-Related Skin Reactions

Skin reactions can occur after alcohol consumption because of:

• Genetics (which may relate to sudden alcohol intolerance)
• Drug interactions
• How alcohol is prepared and consumed
• Pre-existing allergies

Genetics

Alcohol-induced skin reactions can stem from a genetic inability of the body to process alcohol properly. This inability is especially common in people with East Asian ancestry, who may experience extreme redness and warmth in the skin after consuming even small amounts of alcohol.

Drug Interactions

Drinking alcohol with certain drugs, including antibiotics, can cause drug interactions resulting in uncomfortable skin reactions, especially flushing. One common antibiotic medication, metronidazole, is especially associated with this kind of reaction when used with alcohol. This reaction is called a disulfiram-like reaction and often causes nausea, vomiting, headaches and stomach pain in addition to the skin flushing.

Although this drug interaction results in undesirable symptoms, it is usually not life-threatening. Anyone experiencing this reaction, especially if vomiting is present, should try to stay hydrated. The symptoms usually subside on their own after the alcohol is broken down by the body.

It is not recommended to use alcohol during a course of metronidazole therapy, or even several days after the course of therapy is finished. Other drugs can also interact with alcohol in this way, so it’s important to speak with a doctor or pharmacist before using any medication with alcohol.

Alcohol Preparation and Consumption

Alcohol can also be prepared in many different ways and mixed with various other substances before a person consumes it, and it is thought that certain impurities, including preservatives, may contribute to the development of some alcohol-related skin reactions.

Some cases of alcohol-related skin reactions may not be caused directly by alcohol itself, but because of the impurities present in the alcohol. Some people may react to one type of impurity (for example, the sulfites that are sometimes found in wine) and may not react to others. A person who is allergic to wheat might have skin reactions only after consuming alcohol that is made with wheat, such as beer.

Alcohol-Induced Allergic Reactions

A common skin condition called rosacea can sometimes flare up after alcohol intake. Rosacea is a redness of the skin that often looks like blushing or flushing, and can be associated with stinging, sensitivity, burning sensation and dryness.

In general, alcohol does not cause rosacea, but it can trigger rosacea symptoms in some people. A 2017 study of American women found that the risk of rosacea increased as alcohol intake increased, however, other studies have not found the same association.

There have been some reported cases of a genuine allergic reaction after alcohol consumption, including symptoms of itchiness along with lip and tongue swelling, but this type of alcohol allergy is rare.

Usually, skin reactions related to alcohol are due to an intolerance rather than an actual allergy. It’s important to note that some alcohol-related skin reactions may occur for unknown reasons.

Alcohol & Skin-Related Symptoms

There are various skin reactions related to alcohol use. Some common skin-related symptoms that can occur with alcohol consumption include:

• Flushing (redness and warmth in the skin, especially in the face)
• Rash (skin irritation and itchiness)
• Hives (raised, red patches of skin)
• The triggering of an allergic reaction, like rosacea
• Acne
• Swelling
• Stinging, tingling or burning sensations
• Itchiness
• Pain

Alcohol Rash & Hives Pictures

Viewing alcohol rash pictures can be helpful in identifying alcohol-related skin irritations.

Treatment for Alcohol Rashes & Allergies

Although alcohol-related skin reactions can be bothersome or uncomfortable, the vast majority are not life-threatening. As the alcohol is broken down and eliminated from the body, the symptoms generally go away.

In many cases, simply stopping the intake of alcohol allows the breakdown process to occur and symptoms will resolve on their own. Alcohol is broken down at different rates depending on individual factors such as body weight, body fat percentage, hydration level, gender, the presence of liver disease and recent food intake. Alcohol may leave the body more slowly (or more quickly) in certain people compared to other people.

For people who have skin reactions to alcohol, often the best advice is to avoid alcohol altogether or to minimize the amount consumed to prevent a reaction from occurring in the first place.

In more severe cases, medical treatment may be required. If the reaction is severe enough to cause swelling of the face, tongue or throat, a true alcohol allergy may be present, which can be life-threatening. A reaction like this requires immediate medical attention in order to keep a person’s airway open.

Have more questions about alcohol use? Interested in other alcohol-related topics? The Recovery Village offers resources for people to learn more about alcohol abuse and alcohol use disorders, as well as comprehensive alcohol rehab treatment programs.

• Sources

  Lee, Haeok; Kim, Sun; You, Kwang Soo; Park, Wanju; Yang, Jin Hyang; Kim, Minjin; Hayman, Laura. “Asian Flushing: Genetic and Sociocultural Factors of Alcoholism Among East Asians.” Gastroenterology Nursing, September/October 2014. Accessed June 16, 2020.

  Li, Suyun; Cho, Eunyoung; Drucker, Aaron; Qureshi, Abrar; Li, Wen-Qing. “Alcohol intake and risk of rosacea in US women.” American Academy of Dermatology, April 20, 2017. Accessed June 16, 2020.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

Does Alcohol Cause Acne? Why Alcohol May Lead to Breakouts

By The Recovery VillageEditor Melissa Carmona

As the content manager at Advanced Recovery Systems, Melissa Carmona puts years of writing and editing… read more

Medically Reviewed By Benjamin Caleb Williams, RN

Benjamin Caleb Williams, RN

Benjamin Caleb Williams is a board-certified Emergency Nurse with several years of clinical experience, including supervisory roles… read more

Updated on 08/19/21

Article at a Glance:

• Alcohol may not directly cause acne, but it does impact your body in a way that can make you more susceptible to skin problems.
• Alcohol directly affects your skin by causing dehydration and inflammation.
• Alcohol has several side effects that increase the risk of acne, including causing hormone changes, suppressing your immune system and increasing stress.
• The sugar in some alcoholic drinks increases the risk of skin damage and skin infections.

Can Alcohol Cause Acne?

Alcohol may not directly cause acne, but drinking can lead to pimples and skin damage. While this might not always be an immediate effect following one night of heavy drinking, it is a possibility that increases the more and the longer you drink.

How Alcohol Affects Your Skin

Alcohol is classified as a hepatotoxin, which is just a fancy way of saying it causes damage to the liver. When you’re drinking alcohol, you’re exposing your body to something that damages the cells responsible for detoxification throughout your body.

Why Alcohol May Lead to Breakouts

Acne may result from things that are out of your control, like your genetics, but environmental and lifestyle factors also influence whether or not you develop acne. Though more research is needed, multiple studies point to diet as a potential lifestyle factor in how likely you are to develop acne.

How About Sugar-Free Drinks?

Sugar is found in high levels in many types of alcohol, especially in sweet wines or beer. If you’re having mixed drinks, the sugar becomes even higher. Some types of alcohol, such as spirits, will not contain any sugar, and light beers contain low amounts of sugar.  Sugar in alcohol leads to inflammation throughout the body, which can impact skin quality.

Sugar is a key part of bacterial and fungal growth. Alcoholic drinks that are high in sugar may suppress the immune system and create the ideal situation for bacterial growth. These two factors coupled together may increase the risk of skin infections that could further damage the skin.

If you drink heavily and struggle to control your drinking despite negative consequences to your body, you may have an alcohol use disorder. You’re not alone: thousands of people seek help for their alcoholism each year. The Recovery Village’s experienced, compassionate staff can create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Contact us today to start your recovery towards a healthier, alcohol-free life.

• Sources

  Liu, Stephanie W.; Lien, Mary H.; & Fenske, Neil Alan. “The effects of alcohol and drug abuse on the skin.” Clinics in Dermatology, July 2010. Accessed August 6, 2021.

  Kruszelnicki, Karl S. “Why does drinking alcohol cause dehydration?” ABC Science, February 28, 2012. Accessed August 6, 2021.

  U.S. National Library of Medicine. “Dehydration.” MedlinePlus, April 15, 2016. Accessed August 6, 2021.

  Rachdaoui, Nadia & Sarkar, Dipak K. “Effects of Alcohol on the Endocrine System.” Endocrinology & Metabolism Clinics of North America, September 1, 2014. Accessed August 6, 2021.

  Sarkar, Dipak; Jung, M. Katherine; & Wang, H. Joe. “Alcohol and the Immune System.” Alcohol Research: Current Reviews, 2015. Accessed August 6, 2021.

  Shmerling, Robert. “Does diet really matter when it comes to adult acne?” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, August 19, 2020. Accessed August 6, 2021.

• Medical Disclaimer

  The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

  View our editorial policy or view our research.

How Drinking Alcohol Effects Your Skin & What Happens If You Quit

If you’re partial to a prosecco or need a glass of red with your dinner every night, the thought of no alcohol for an entire month probably seems impossible. Especially as we enter our third national lockdown. Hell, I’m craving a vino just from writing this sentence.

But if there was ever a time to give alcohol abstinence a crack, dry January is the ideal opportunity – especially as there is absolutely zero going on in the world right now. Indeed, Dry January is on the rise, with 4.2 million people taking part in 2019 and 38% of the population going sober at the start of 2020. Countless brands are jumping on the back of the nation’s thirst for sobriety, with the world’s largest drinks company, Diageo, buying out the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit, Seedlip (which I can attest is bloody delicious), and the likes of Heineken and Budweiser releasing low-alcohol iterations.

According to research by Alcohol Change UK, around 21% of drinkers increased the frequency of their drinking during the first lockdown, with 15% drinking more in a typical session, so January 2021 is the perfect time to cut that down and focus on your health – both mental and physical – by ditching the booze.

And if you need any more convincing to give up your favourite tipples this month, your lack of liquor will also see a huge improvement to your skin. We’ve grilled the best experts in the business to share all the ways alcohol effects your skin – and how not drinking will change that. I’ve suddenly gone off the thought of that Malbec.

The devastating effects drinking has on the skin

Alcohol is metabolised into an acetaldehyde compound by the body, which makes all the bodies blood vessels relax. Sounds idlylic, but it definitely doesn’t look it, according to Dr Imogen Bexfield, founder and medical director at White Swan Aesthetics.

“It causes the skin to flush red and also for the blood pressure to be unbalanced. The blood vessels can over-stretch and leave unsightly spider veins and also cause the face and body to be puffy.”

Oh lordy.

Chances are you’re already aware of the dehydrating effects alcohol, thanks to the desert-dry mouth that wakes you up at 3 am as you gasp and blindly reach for your water bottle. “This is because it is a diuretic, so you will lose more water than normal by going to the toilet more frequently. As a result, your skin will appear duller and fine lines and wrinkles will be more visible.”

And if that isn’t already enough to sway you to stop swigging from the bottle, Imogen says: “Alcohol also reduces your vitamin A levels, which is a powerful antioxidant and also has a key role in the production of collagen. As we age, we lose collagen and elastin, which causes the face to ‘sag’ and so alcohol is speeding up the ageing process of the skin.”

7 Drinks Ranked from Bad to Worst

Getty Images

We all know that alcohol isn’t great, sure, it’s all fun and games when you’re singing Beyonce to a captivated audience of night bus dwellers, but it’s not-so good for your skin…

“There’s no doubt alcohol takes it’s toll on the skin” says Sam Bunting, one of London’s leading skincare experts. “Over the long-term, heavy drinking can lead to persistent inflammation, fixed redness and broken capillaries appearing.”

The fun doesn’t stop there, “alcohol also dehydrates, leaving skin dry, tight and lacklustre. It’s also frequently ingested alongside salty nibbles, and this can lead to facial puffiness, especially in areas of the face that are naturally prone to retaining fluid and swelling, like the under-eye area.”

“Finally, alcoholic drinks frequently represent a sugar load, which causes insulin levels to spike, and this creates an environment that promotes skin inflammation – so common conditions like acne can flare up.”

With all that in mind, we asked Dr Sam to rank 7 of our favourite drinks in order of ‘bad to worst’ for your skin. Here’s what she thought…

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

1

7. Tequila – Not AS bad as you think

“Tequila has less sugar than most other alcoholic counterparts, so it’s less likely to trigger inflammation and breakouts.” Says Dr Sam Bunting.

“Skip the salt, and there’s less chance of a major hangover. This is because tequila is a high-purity spirit and doesn’t contain the congeners of darker spirits like whisky or rum.”

That being said, if you drink particularly high quantities of the stuff (aka, slamming tequila shots all night long), your skin and head will suffer. Take it from someone who knows.

2

6. Beer – Bad, but not horrific

“Whilst beer does contain some salt, it also has some redeeming qualities” says Dr Sam. “It contains antioxidants and other anti-ageing benefits.” Who knew?!

“Plus, beer has less alcohol in it than spirits and people tend to drink it slower so it will have a less dehydrating effect than other more potent forms.”

Cheers to that!

3

5. Gin & Tonic OR Vodka Tonic – Not great, but not the worst

“Gin and vodka are both free of congeners (so less likely to produce the symptoms of a hangover). They are also relatively low in sugar and salt, provided you go for diet tonic, so all in all the spirits are less unkind to the skin than their cocktail counterparts.” Explains Dr Sam.

No wonder everyone is going crazy for Lidl’s £15.99 citrus gin…

4

4. White Wine – Things are getting bad

Most of us are all too familiar with the pounding headache brought on by a night on the white wine, and surprise surprise it won’t do any favours for your skin, either…

“White wine is high in sugar, which leads to systemic inflammation, this means that it ultimately contributes to cell damage and increased skin ageing” says Dr Sam.

“White wine has zero redeeming qualities, as there is nothing in it to offer the skin in terms of health benefits.”

5

3. Mojito – Preeeetty bad (especially for wrinkles)

“As we just covered, sugar anywhere in the diet, along with other excessive carbs, leads to systemic inflammation, which can lead to increased skin ageing. The less sugar you take in with your alcohol, the better for your long-term wrinkle risk. Unfortunately mojitos are loaded with sugar/sugar syrup, as are drinks mixed with Red Bull, fruit juices or Coca-Cola.” Explains Dr Sam.

And it’s not just wrinkles you have to worry about “sugar also causes acne by spiking your insulin levels, causing inflammation throughout the body.”

Greeeeat.

6

2. Margarita – One of the worst

“A margarita serves up a double whammy due to the dangerous duo of sugar AND salt.” Says Dr Sam. “This leads to the puffy faced look we associate with a hangover, not to mention the other potentially ageing effects of sugar long-term”.

There you have it… If life gives you limes, do not make margaritas.

7

1. Red wine – Nooooooo 💔

Yup, I hate to break it to you, but red wine is pretty much the worst drink for your skin…

“Alcohol is a vasodilator, meaning it promotes the opening of blood vessels in the skin, which is how it leads to increased redness. Red wine is one of the worst culprits, as it’s also a histamine releaser which again promotes redness and flushing.” Says Dr Sam.

“This makes it the worst drink, particularly if you’re prone to redness or with rosacea.”

Victoria Jowett
Digital Beauty Director
Vic is the Digital Beauty Director here at Cosmopolitan.com/UK.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

How to stop alcohol from wrecking your skin

The pubs open again this weekend! Here’s the ‘need to know’ on how alcohol affects your skin, and how you can minimise the damage

After months of no wine with dinner at our fave restaurant, no after-work drinks and definitely no pub gardens, we couldn’t be more excited about pubs and restaurants reopening their doors this weekend and we bet a fair few of us will be drinking more than usual – it’s a cause for celebration, after all.

If you are drinking more than you usually might, however, there’s no denying that a heightened consumption of booze has repercussions for your skin as well as your head. Luckily there are steps you can take to take the edge off of grey booze face and prevent long-term skin-jury. Captain hydration at your service.

Choose your sauce strategically

Serving size aside (we’ll come to that), the booze you choose can make a difference to the appearance of your skin. Dermatologist Dr Doris Day breaks down the bar menu:

“The effects of different drinks on your health, skin and hangover comes down to the type of alcohol and additional ingredients within it. Drinks containing lots of sugar, for example alcopops and sweet cocktails, give you a ‘sugar hangover’, in addition to any negative effects associated with alcohol intake. Drinks made with salt, on the other hand, contribute to bloating, puffiness and dehydration, while dark spirits such as whisky include by-products of the distillation process, called congeners, which are thought worsen your hangover.”

A filthy hangover tends to go hand in hand with lacklustre skin, and the more additives that your drinks contain, in general the more effort involved for your liver to metabolise your liquor, and the more pronounced after-effects such as dehydration, fine lines and breakouts. DELIGHTFUL. You can lessen your chances of blah skin by opting for certain tipples over others. Expert facialist Abigail James clears things up:

“Clear spirits are the safest bet for skin. My personal drink of choice would be a vodka cranberry, or better still a long cocktail that isn’t laden with sugar. Try a vodka soda water blend with refreshing rose, lavender or rosemary. It’s (almost) hydrating and means that you don’t have to compromise on any fun, but you shouldn’t wake up with any unpleasant surprises skin-wise.”

If you’re a Rioja or merlot fan, you’ll be pleased to know that quaffing a glass of red comes with the dermatologist seal of approval, at least from author of Future Proof Your Skin and Eudelo clinic founder Dr Stefanie Williams:

“In my opinion it is best not to have alcohol too regularly, and to always avoid overindulging. However, if you do have it, I recommend a dry red wine. It contains the anti-ageing “miracle” compound resveratrol and a number of polyphenic constituents, plus its carbohydrate content is low. I have to admit that I’m partial to the occasional glass of red myself.”

Emphasis on the singular glass and ‘occasional’ of course. As you already know, quantity matters as much as quality when it comes to the skin and wellbeing alcohol aftermath…

Two is the magic number

At least according to dermatologist Dr Harold Lancer MD:

“Alcoholic drinks dehydrate your skin and deplete it of vital nutrients, giving skin a dulled appearance. Repeated overindulgence can create permanently red, spidery veins, so to avoid this try to drink moderately- ideally no more than two drinks a day.”

Sometimes we’ll have a few more top-ups to our “two glasses”, and there’s nothing wrong with the odd night of debauchery, but those binge drinking warnings ring true for skin as well as our health on the whole, as Dr Stefanie affirms:

“Alcohol consumption has been shown to increase oxidative stress and the highly reactive metabolite acetaldehyde within it is the key driver for damage. Chronic alcohol consumption also leads to mitochondrial dysfunction (mitochondria are the powerhouses of our cells). Excess alcohol intake has also been shown to shorten telomeres (protective structures at the end of our chromosomes), accelerating ageing. Binge drinking seems to be particularly harmful- these episodes can age you unbelievably.”

The good news is that a more measured approach to alcohol isn’t anything to panic over, as Dr Doris Day assures:

“Moderation is key. Those who binge drink on the weekends are actually doing more harm than those who enjoy the odd glass of wine in the week during dinner. It’s also advisable to have at least two or three days without any alcohol at all and never to exceed more than the UK Medical Officer guidance of 14 units per week.”

Match wine with water

In addition to not going too gung-ho on the gin (while clear spirits are superior to sugary concoctions skin-wise, Dr Day warns that tequila et al can be dangerous in terms of inadvertently drinking too much), that old chestnut of alternating alcoholic drinks with straight-up h3O is still a good skin-surance policy. Dr Day lays down the law:

“Too much alcohol in your system can quickly dehydrate the skin, leading to issues such a sagging, discolouration and enlarged pores. To lessen your chances of dehydration, try to drink one glass of water for every unit of alcohol you consume. Also ensure that you drink plenty of water following a night out.”

If you want to switch it up and give plain old water a bit of a kick, Abigail advocates waking up with a zingy hot toddy of the non alcoholic variety:

“Whether I’ve been out the night before or not, I love to begin each day with a cup of hot water with lemon, turmeric and cayenne pepper or fresh ginger.”

Whatever floats your boat. To up the hydration ante, aesthetic doctor Dr David Jack suggests mixing up a turbo-powered skin elixir for extra recovery benefits:

“Rehydration after alcohol is one of the major ways to combat the negative effects that booze can have on skin. Although drinking plenty of water is important, it is often a good idea to add supplementary electrolytes and vitamins to help boost your skin’s hydration and nutrient uptake even further, particularly considering that skin is at its most vulnerable in terms of moisture loss, plus inflammation is high directly after drinking. Supplements such as my own SkInfusion, £65, (which can be taken during exercise too if you feel like it) are perfect for this, as they contain a high concentration of antioxidants and micronutrients. If you want something simple, even a couple of Berocca can help the morning after.”

The importance of SOS rehydration also increases with age, as Dr Lancer explains:

“Alcohol is a diuretic that dehydrates the entire body, as is evidenced by the intense thirst of a hangover. When your skin is dehydrated, it becomes scaly and taut with superficial lines. Dehydration becomes more prevalent with age, and can also lead to premature ageing.”

More happy happy joy joy, but give yourself a helping hand in the hydration stakes and you’ll negate the parched effects. This should also help to calm the alcohol induced inflammation that can lead to facial flushing and rosacea and acne flare-ups. The better hydrated you are, the more soundly you’ll sleep too…

Bed down

It’s hard to settle down when your mouth feels like sandpaper and your head is throbbing, so aim to stop drinking at least a few hours before bed, mainline water, and a balanced meal before hitting the wine will not only slow down the metabolization of alcohol, but also ensure you a) don’t go to bed ravenous, or b) wolf down a kebab at the witching hour and then feel too uncomfortable to sleep. As befits the often bandied around concept of ‘beauty sleep’, poor kip will worsen any alcohol-related skin gripes, as Dr Day underlines:

“Alcohol also affects your sleep, which is the most important time and process for your skin to rejuvenate. As such, disturbed and restless sleep only adds to the damage from alcohol intake and in time, will show as premature ageing.”

The less sleep we get, the less cellular turnover occurs, thus skin looks duller and suffers more damage over the long term. Fabulous I know, but a little skincare intervention can help you to maximise the skin benefits from the sleep you manage to snatch…

Stage a skintervention

A tipsy face wipe whip-round in bed isn’t cutting it with Abigail:

“When we get to bed after a late night, it is all too easy to retire with only a face wipe in hand. Resist! The dreaded wipes won’t actually cleanse your face and tend to leave a pore clogging film on the skin. I recommend an all-in-one cleansing balm or oil to quickly massage over the whole face. Cleansing balms and oils remove everything, including your brow makeup and waterproof mascara. This is a super quick solution before bed and really effective. I promise you’ll thank yourself in the morning.”

Actually, you’ll be reaping the rewards beyond the next day if you stick to an established skincare routine, as Dr Day illustrates:

“In terms of skincare and lifestyle, I can’t recommend enough the importance of a dedicated skincare routine. To look your best at any age, incorporate a skincare regime for both day and night. It is key to prioritise a good night’s sleep, to ensure you regularly drink plenty of water and use an SPF moisturizer daily – I recommend Olay Total Effects Day Moisturiser with SPF 15, £9.99- even when you’re not going outside.”

“Interestingly, Olay’s largest ever clinical study, known as the ‘Multi-decade and Ethnicity study’ (MDE) was commissioned to discover the reasons why some fortunate women (known as ‘exceptional skin agers’) have younger-looking skin. Working with personal genetics company 23&Me to analyse the data of 150,000 women, they looked at whether younger-looking skin is down to genetics or how you treat your skin. They revealed that whilst some 8 per cent of us are lucky enough to be ‘exceptional skin agers’ (with a skin age of at least ten years or younger than their actual age), this is not primarily down to the genes that we are born with and doesn’t mean that with the right care and lifestyle choices, others can’t have “ageless” skin.”

For now, a little TLC post-drinking will set you on the right track:

“Ensure you apply a night cream to give your skin a boost – I recommend Olay Regenerist 3 Point Age-defying Night Cream, £14.99, which intensively hydrates skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Its unique skin energising technology helps to renews the skin’s youthful look while you sleep.”

If you’re at the troubleshooting stage, Abigail reckons rubbing an ice cube around the whole eye area can help to brighten and tighten skin, plus is costs nada. If all else fails, your choice of makeup could help you out if nightcaps get the better of you according to Dr Jack:

“A common issue with drinking is that often people forget to cleanse and remove makeup before sleeping – it’s an important step not to forget. If you know that you are likely to skip cleansing and all of the other good stuff, using non-comedogenic, oxygenating makeup can minimise overnight damage. I like Oxygenetix makeup- the formula is preferable to allow the skin to “breathe” and it reduces bacteria levels on the skin. Basically, if you’re going to sleep in your makeup, this is the only stuff I’d do it in.”

The rise of the Sunday facial and the ‘spa at home’ products we’re using

90,000 Face alcoholism: how alcohol affects the skin

Everyone knows that alcohol abuse is not good for your health. In addition, it has a detrimental effect on the appearance of a person, especially on the condition of the skin of the face. The most striking feature is the deepening of the nasolabial folds and the overhanging of the eyelids.

Alcohol also greatly dehydrates, because the mechanism of its work of alcohol is as follows: when a person relaxes under the influence of alcohol, his liver tries to destroy ethanol.But for this, the body needs water, which it successfully takes from the body, the kidneys work faster.

Why does the skin change after drinking alcohol?

We will tell you about the causes of each of the symptoms.

• Dry skin. As we have already said, due to alcohol, the body becomes dehydrated. And first of all, it is the skin that loses water. Therefore, peeling and dryness is a frequent companion of those who rest with a glass in hand.
• Puffiness. This is the reverse process. If a person drinks frequently, the skin adjusts to it.She does not want to lose moisture and for this she retains fluid in the intercellular space. The more often you drink, the more difficult it will be to get rid of the swelling.
• Loose skin. Ethanol from alcoholic beverages reduces the reserves of collagen, a protein that is responsible for the elasticity of the skin. Therefore, alcoholics often have flabby and saggy skin.
• Rough skin, deep pores, rash. With the regular use of alcohol, hormonal connections are disrupted. Therefore, in women, the amount of male hormones may increase, and this leads to such troubles as enlarged pores, acne, and rough skin.
• Red face. After you have drunk, the blood rushes to the face and the vessels dilate. From frequent use, the face can become covered with a vascular mesh: rosacea loves places such as the chin, cheeks, and wings of the nose.

How to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol?

• Try to drink alcohol no more than once a week, replace strong drinks with low-alcoholic or non-alcoholic ones.
• Remember to drink water if you drink alcohol.
• To avoid edema, do not combine alcohol with salty foods.
• Do not eat fatty alcoholic drinks: the load on the liver increases. It is better to opt for light salads, vegetables and fruits.
• Women should definitely wash off their makeup before going to bed. And the morning mask will tone the skin.

Track the amount of alcohol consumed: it is important to observe the measure not only for the skin, but also for the health of the whole organism. If you notice an increased craving for alcohol in yourself or your loved ones, you may need treatment for alcoholism.

Take care of yourself, and then your skin will always look attractive!

90,000 The first signs of alcoholism are named – RIA Novosti, 04/30/2021

https://ria.ru/20210430/alkogolizm-1730788384.html

The first signs of alcoholism are named

The first signs of alcoholism are named – RIA Novosti, 04/30/2021

Named the first signs of alcoholism

Leading therapist at the British clinic Numan Luke Pratsides and general practitioner from London Sanjay Mehta told the Daily Mail what signals it can… RIA Novosti, 30.04.2021

2021-04-30T23: 47

2021-04-30T23: 47

2021-04-30T23: 58

society

great britain

health – society

/ html / head / meta [@ name = ‘og: title’] / @ content

/ html / head / meta [@ name = ‘og: description’] / @ content

https: //cdnn21.img.ria. ru / images / 155325/38 / 1553253850_0: 160: 3072: 1888_1920x0_80_0_0_52512ecf0325c87536ea7432c4a9f118.jpg

MOSCOW, April 30 – RIA Novosti. Luke Pratsides, a leading therapist at the British clinic Numan, and Sanjay Mehta, a general practitioner from London, told the Daily Mail what signals the body can send in the early stages of alcoholism.According to doctors, alcohol abuse is expressed in skin changes: it becomes drier, and the area under the eyes darkens due to dehydration. Bruising on the body can also be a sign that a person is drinking too much, which doctors attribute to the damage that alcohol causes to the liver. Mehta noted that numbness or tingling in the legs or arms, among other things, indicate alcohol dependence. Pratsides also pointed out that in the early stages of alcoholism, people can gain weight because alcohol is high in calories.In addition, excessive alcohol consumption often causes heartburn, which later becomes the cause of stomach ulcers.

https://ria.ru/20210319/alkogol-1601908517.html

Great Britain

RIA Novosti

[email protected]

7 495 645-6601

FSUE MIA “Russia Today”

https: //xn--c1acbl2abdlkab1og.xn--p1ai/awards/

2021

RIA Novosti

[email protected]

7 495 645-6601

FSUE MIA “Russia Today”

https : // xn – c1acbl2abdlkab1og.xn – p1ai / awards /

News

ru-RU

https://ria.ru/docs/about/copyright.html

https: //xn--c1acbl2abdlkab1og.xn--p1ai/

RIA Novosti

[email protected]

7 495 645-6601

FSUE MIA Rossiya Segodnya

https: //xn--c1acbl2abdlkab1og.xn--p1ai/awards/

https: // cdnn21 .img.ria.ru / images / 155325/38 / 1553253850_171: 0: 2902: 2048_1920x0_80_0_0_8d542a1321dc23e3a4deb60025c0ace2.jpg

RIA Novosti

[email protected]

7 495 645-6601

FSUE MIA Rossiya Segodnya

https: //xn--c1acbl2abdlkab1og.xn--p1ai/awards/

RIA Novosti

[email protected]

7 495 645-6601

FSUE MIA “Russia Today”

https: //xn--c1acbl2abdlkab1og.xn--p1ai/awards/

society, great britain, health – society

MOSCOW, April 30 – RIA Novosti. Luke Pratsides, a leading therapist at Numan Clinic in Britain, and Sanjay Mehta, a general practitioner in London, told the Daily Mail what signals the body can send in the early stages of alcoholism.

According to doctors, alcohol abuse is expressed in skin changes: it becomes drier, and the area under the eyes darkens due to dehydration. Also, a sign that a person is drinking too much may be the appearance of bruises on the body.

March 19, 02:08

The doctor spoke about the most harmful way to drink alcohol

Doctors associate this with the damage that alcohol causes to the liver.

Mehta noted that, among other things, numbness or tingling in the legs or hands indicates alcohol dependence.

“Excessive alcohol in the body damages certain types of nerves, which leads to decreased sensitivity in the hands and feet, as well as stiffness in the legs,” he explained.

Pratsides also pointed out that in the early stages of alcoholism, people can gain weight because alcohol is high in calories. In addition, excessive alcohol consumption often causes heartburn, which later becomes the cause of stomach ulcers.

Alcohol in human life

Alcohol for many is an integral part of holidays, parties, business and friendly meetings. The line separating from alcoholism is being erased gradually, so it is extremely important to recognize in time the initial stage of addiction to strong drinks.

On the dangers of drunkenness: the negative impact of alcohol

Alcohol negatively affects both appearance and health (psychological and physiological). Since ethyl alcohol causes severe intoxication of the body, it begins to try to remove toxins, working for wear and tear.The situation is aggravated by dehydration – without a sufficient amount of water and trace elements, all organs, in particular, the brain and heart, suffer.

Beer harm

Beer is not even considered by many to be alcohol. However, excessive consumption of a foamy drink can lead to sad consequences – cirrhosis of the liver, deterioration of the condition of the stomach, liver and kidneys, death of brain cells, impotence, hormonal imbalance, etc. In addition, you can usually drink much more beer than hard liquor, hence the severe hangover and nausea.Harmful chemical additives and improper storage make the situation worse.

The harm of vodka

Vodka is a strong drink, therefore, if abused, the body experiences severe poisoning. A safe dose for humans is 30 grams (women) to 50 grams (men) per day. Regular consumption of vodka in large quantities causes damage to the liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract, disruption of the heart and brain.

How alcohol affects the body

Alcohol causes severe intoxication of the body.If you drink it constantly, toxins are practically not removed from the internal organs, which has a destructive effect on them. The appearance also suffers – the alcoholic can always be distinguished among the crowd of people.

Alcohol and appearance

One of the characteristic signs of alcoholism is hand tremors and a puffy face with a bluish tinge. Alcohol, due to inhibition of the kidneys and heart, causes edema. Shaking limbs are the result of a malfunctioning brain and nervous system. Constant fumes are another sign of a drunkard.

As the disease progresses, the person gradually becomes more repulsive and untidy. The alcoholic practically ceases to monitor the hygiene and cleanliness of his clothes, this is especially noticeable in women. Alcohol affects the beauty of hair, nails and teeth. The skin can become dry and wrinkled.

Why alcohol is dangerous for the psyche

Since alcohol poisoning literally destroys brain cells, the behavior of a drunk person often becomes inadequate.Alcohol is especially dangerous for those who are prone to depression or are in a difficult life situation – alcohol only initially causes relaxation and euphoria. The larger the dose and the more regular it is taken, the more detrimental it is to the emotional state. While drunk, suicides or crimes of a domestic nature are very often committed (beating family members, murder during a quarrel, etc.)

Alcohol and kidneys

The kidneys are one of the filtering organs, through which the alcohol breakdown product, acetaldehyde, passes.Since it is much more toxic than ethanol itself, the urinary system is under tremendous stress. In addition, along with toxins, the main part of the trace elements necessary for the normal functioning of the kidneys is flushed out.

Alcohol and liver

The liver takes the brunt of alcohol processing. This organ practically does not manifest itself in any way until cirrhosis occurs. The situation is aggravated by the lack of normal nutrition and drinking regime.

Alcohol and the destruction of the nervous system

A constant effect on the nervous system leads to its depression.It manifests itself in all different ways – insomnia, irritability, bouts of aggression and panic attacks.

Excessive dramatization of any, even the most common everyday problem is another feature of drunkenness. A broken nail, escaped milk, disagreements with your wife (husband) – all this can be a reason to drink.

Alcohol and stomach

Alcohol irritates the mucous membrane of the stomach, intestines and other organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Alcohol is especially dangerous if a person has an ulcer. The myth that the disease is treated with a couple of glasses of vodka has killed many people – under the influence of alcohol, stomach bleeding very often occurs, which leads to death.

The effect of alcohol on the brain

As mentioned above, alcoholic beverages gradually destroy brain cells. The result is periodic memory loss, inability to adequately assess what is happening, lack of a sense of self-preservation, aggressiveness. The final stage is delirium tremens, in which the alcoholic is dangerous both for himself and for others.

Alcohol and depression

During the period of life’s difficulties or depression, drinking alcohol is dangerous.Alcohol only aggravates these phenomena. Most often, increased depression and stress occurs during a hangover, which increases the risk of binge drinking.

Social consequences for the alcoholic

Alcohol also affects the social sphere of life. Gradually, alcohol supplants all interests, a person begins to have problems at work and in school. The alcoholic becomes nervous, reacts inadequately to the slightest criticism, blames anyone for all his failures, but not himself. And of course, only drinking companions are interested in communicating with the drinker.

As the situation worsens, a person ceases to be afraid of dismissal, expulsion, loss of property due to debts, late payments on loans, utilities, etc. Of course, family life also suffers because of this. At the same time, only 5 percent of drinkers call themselves alcoholics – the rest believe that they drink in moderation.

The effects of alcohol on the male body

In addition to the harmful effects on health in general, alcohol has a detrimental effect on the male reproductive system.Impotence is the most frequent “friend” of alcoholics. Those who are overly addicted to beer constantly receive large amounts of female hormones. The result is female obesity, impotence, hair loss. It should be noted that men are much more aggressive when drunk. Hence the frequent fights and scandals that arise from scratch.

The effects of alcohol on the female body

The female body is much less resistant to alcohol. Alcoholism in the weaker sex progresses faster, in addition, a devastating blow to the reproductive sphere is dealt.Drinking alcohol during pregnancy and breastfeeding leads to a host of health problems in the baby. There is no safe dose of alcohol for pregnant and lactating women.

Consequences of alcohol for the adolescent body Since the body of the younger generation is just being formed, any dose of vodka, beer or other “degree” drink inflicts a tangible blow on the internal organs. During this period, alcohol dependence also develops faster.

Uncontrolled intake of alcohol almost always leads to alcoholism.Treatment of alcoholism is quite complicated and long – it is not enough to remove physiological cravings. It is also necessary to solve the psychological problems that lead to this problem. It is best to contact a professional immediately.

90,000 Smoking and alcohol: contributing to skin aging

Alcohol is certainly known for its immediate effects, from a mild hangover the next morning to severe intoxication that can only be dealt with in a hospital setting.

But what actually happens inside after you drink your first glass? How does alcohol affect our body, brain and beauty?

Free Anti-Aging Medicine Webinars

Learn about the features of the International School of Anti-Age Expert, as well as opportunities to improve medical practice day after day.The webinar program also includes fascinating reviews of innovations in anti-aging medicine and analyzes of the most difficult clinical cases with recommendations that really work.

Learn more

How alcohol affects the body

Alcohol is able to get into almost all systems of the human body. It can process an average of about 30 grams of alcohol every hour, depending on age, gender, weight, and other factors.

That is, it is 1-2 servings of alcoholic drink per hour, but not more. When a person drinks at this rate, they feel aroused, relaxed, and more socially at ease. These effects usually subside quickly when the alcohol leaves the body.

However, drinking large amounts of alcohol can overwhelm your body. Alcohol affects all parts of the body in different ways, but it is unambiguously toxic to cells and their normal functioning.

Some damage can happen in just one time, while other harmful effects can manifest themselves months or years later.

Alcohol begins to act on the brain within 5-10 minutes, releasing dopamine and other feel-good chemicals. These initial positive effects may encourage you to keep drinking. However, too much alcohol also starts to slow down the brain due to changes in other neurotransmitters.

Alcohol mimics the action of GABA, a neurotransmitter that slows down or calms the central nervous system. At the same time, it also blocks the action of glutamate, which stimulates the nervous system. This leads to some of the common signs of intoxication: confusion, blurred vision, slurred speech, and staggering gait.

These effects may persist even the day after the alcohol has left your body.Some people vaguely remember the evening before, or even forget entire periods of time. This is because alcohol interferes with the formation of memories in the hippocampus when you drink.

In people who abuse alcohol for a long period of time, alcohol can cause permanent changes in neurotransmitters in the brain. This can cause the nervous system to be in a state of constant stimulation, leading to withdrawal symptoms if the person suddenly stops drinking.

Binge drinking can also lead to a decrease in brain size, increasing the risk of developing dementia. And in severe cases, years of thiamine deficiency can lead to a debilitating brain disorder known as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome.

The liver takes over most of the alcohol metabolism, producing toxic chemicals such as free radicals and acetaldehyde in the process. She usually displays small amounts of them safely.But if you overdo it, your liver will be at the mercy of these harmful byproducts.

In the early stages of liver damage from alcohol consumption, there are often no outward signs. But even short-term drinking can damage cells and cause fat to accumulate in the liver.

Alcoholic liver disease has three stages:

1. Fatty liver disease: rarely symptomatic and is usually reversible with abstinence.

2. Alcoholic hepatitis: Cell damage and severe inflammation that can lead to life-threatening complications.

3. Alcoholic cirrhosis: permanent scarring of the liver. Abstinence can help manage symptoms, but many people require a liver transplant.

Alcohol irritates the stomach lining, increasing the production of acid and bacteria.This can be the cause of unpleasant symptoms such as heartburn or nausea. And the more you drink, the more likely you are to have other problems, such as severe vomiting and dehydration. Both of these problems, in turn, can aggravate hangover symptoms.

Usually the stomach recovers from libations. But chronic alcohol use puts you at risk for long-term complications, including alcoholic gastritis, intestinal bleeding, and stomach cancer.

Like the stomach, the pancreas can aid in the metabolism of alcohol and can also be affected by alcohol consumption.

The pancreas helps regulate blood sugar levels by secreting insulin. As alcohol builds up a lot of carbohydrates in the body, it can activate the pancreas, causing spikes in blood glucose levels. In the long term, there is a link between excessive alcohol consumption and diabetes.

Alcohol can also cause an overproduction of digestive enzymes. This can damage the cells of the pancreas and block the ducts to painful swelling and inflammation, also known as pancreatitis.It can only last for a few days or become a chronic condition.

The kidneys act as a filtration system, maintaining the balance of fluids and electrolytes in the body. They also help flush out toxins, including alcohol.

When a person drinks, he goes to the toilet more often. And this can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, overloading the kidneys.

Long-term alcohol consumption can make it difficult for the kidneys to regulate this balance.And if liver damage occurs, the kidneys are forced to work even harder to filter toxins from the body. This can lead to chronic kidney disease, often requiring dialysis or transplantation.

Some studies show that drinking alcohol in moderation is even good for the heart. However, if it is more than one or two glasses a day, there is no need to talk about positive effects.

In fact, just one episode of binge can raise blood pressure and cause tachycardia.And long-term consumption of too much alcohol contributes to the occurrence of problems such as:

It can also damage and weaken the heart muscle.

Alcoholic drinks suppress the immune system. Occasional and moderate alcohol consumption is unlikely to cause serious harm. But chronic alcohol use and binge drinking can make a person more vulnerable to infections.

The harmful effects of alcohol on the gastrointestinal tract play a role in this.Excessive alcohol consumption upsets the balance of positive and negative bacteria in the gut, weakening the immune response. It can also cause intestinal permeability, allowing more harmful bacteria and other toxins to enter the bloodstream.

Finally, alcohol abuse can slow down your recovery from illness or injury. For the strongest immune system, it is best to drink in moderation or not drink at all.

First, intoxication can disrupt thinking and body functions, leading to physical injuries such as fractures.But beyond these immediate risks, alcohol can also have negative effects on bone health in the long term.

Excessive alcohol consumption can reduce the absorption of calcium and vitamin D and even make it difficult to repair bones. It can also impair bone growth in adolescents.

Online training
Anti-Age Medicine

Learn the ins and outs of anti-aging medicine from anywhere in the world.For the convenience of doctors, we have created an online training platform Anti-Age Expert: Here the lectures of our educational programs are sequentially laid out, to which access is open 24/7. Doctors can study the materials as many times as necessary, ask questions and discuss interesting clinical cases with colleagues in special chats

Learn more

How alcohol affects facial skin

While most people know that drinking alcohol can affect many organs, including the liver, heart, and brain, relatively few people know that alcohol can also have detrimental effects on the body’s largest organ, the skin.

Excessive alcohol consumption affects the body’s ability to absorb water by reducing the production of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which is responsible for regulating the amount of water in the blood.

Less amounts of this vital hormone in the body causes more frequent urination, which results in more fluid loss than usual. Basically, this means you are more prone to dehydration, which will definitely affect your skin.

Results of the effects of alcohol on the skin:

• Puffy face. This is very common and is usually the result of dehydration. Alcohol causes bloating because it is a diuretic. This, in turn, causes the body to try to retain the remaining water. The puffy face is the physical manifestation of this water retention. And, as a rule, it goes away if you abstain from drinking alcohol for several days.

• Dry skin. This effect of alcohol on the skin is due to its strong dehydrating properties. Alcohol can also rob your body of vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in the creation of healthy skin cells.

Dehydration from alcohol can cause your skin to become more sensitive than usual, impairing its ability to regenerate quickly.Dehydrated skin is much more likely to wrinkle, and it also looks dull and prone to flaking.

• Red face. Another very common side effect of alcohol consumption is facial flushing. Many people turn pink after just a few sips. This phenomenon is caused by the main breakdown product of alcohol, acetaldehyde, which causes the release of histamine and provokes redness. In frequent drinkers, the face takes on a persistent red tint, which is often especially pronounced on the cheeks and chest.

Long-term drinking can affect how the brain and heart control blood flow in the body. Over time, this can lead to dilated blood vessels and rupture of capillaries, as well as persistent red spots on the skin.

Another side effect of alcohol is triggering or exacerbating existing skin conditions. For example, people living with rosacea and psoriasis may find that their condition worsens after drinking alcohol.

For many, even one drink is enough to trigger an aggravation. In addition, some psoriasis treatments do not work well with alcohol and can have unexpected results.

All of these effects, individually or in combination, can lead to early aging of the facial skin.

Why does the skin of the face age from smoking

It has long been proven that smoking harms the heart and lungs.But one of the lesser known consequences of this habit is the negative impact on your skin.

Smoking narrows blood flow to the skin, deprives the skin of essential oxygen and nutrients, and creates harmful free radicals and pollutants that cause further skin damage.

In addition, tobacco smoke reduces immune responses and causes damage to collagen and elastin, which in turn reduces the integrity and elasticity of the skin.

How does smoking harm the largest organ – the skin?

• Premature aging. Smoking speeds up the aging process as cigarette smoke induces oxidative stress or free radicals. These processes reduce the production of collagen, and more of it is broken down.

Smoking also makes the skin more sensitive to UV radiation, slows down blood flow, and decreases elastin production.The decrease in the amount of collagen and elastin leads to the fact that the skin looks more flabby.

• The appearance of wrinkles. Nicotine leads to constriction of blood vessels and therefore a deficiency of oxygen and nutrients for the skin. This results in more rapid appearance of visible fine lines and wrinkles.

Smokers are especially prone to wrinkles around the mouth, aptly referred to as “purse-string wrinkles.”This is because people who smoke use the muscles around their mouth when they inhale. These repetitive movements in perspective don’t add to their beauty.

• Scars and pigmentation. Since blood does not circulate properly due to vasoconstriction, the skin is more susceptible to damage to the capillaries and veins, leading to discoloration, hyperpigmentation, and scarring.

• Darkening of the lips.Continuous exposure to the heat from smoking can lead to darkening and pigmentation of the lips, which can also become darker as well as dry and rough.

• Poor healing damage. Deficiencies in blood flow, oxygen and nutrients result in the skin taking much longer to recover or heal from injury, surgery, or other medical procedures. Ulcers can last longer, and the risk of wound infection and scarring is greatly increased.

• Increased risk of skin cancer. Smokers are more at risk of skin cancer than non-smokers. Ultraviolet radiation is more harmful to the skin when combined with smoking.

• Dry skin. Cigarette smoke reduces skin moisture, so smokers tend to have drier skin than nonsmokers.

In addition, smoking habits can exacerbate other skin conditions such as psoriasis.In general, smoking can contribute to general dryness and roughness of the skin.

Seminars on Anti-Aging Medicine

Get knowledge based on evidence-based medicine from the first mouth of the world’s leading experts. Within the framework of the Anti-Age Expert Modular School, two-day face-to-face seminars are held every month, where the intricacies of anti-age medicine are revealed for doctors of more than 25 specialties

Learn more

List of used literature

• Millard, L.A.C., et al. (2019) MR-pheWAS with stratification and interaction: Searching for the causal effects of smoking heaviness identified an effect on facial aging. PLOS Genetics. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1008353.

Doctors named the inconspicuous signs of alcoholism: Phenomena: Values: Lenta.ru

Doctors named imperceptible, at first glance, physiological signs that indicate excessive alcohol consumption. The relevant material is published by the Daily Mail.

According to the publication, the British began to drink more alcohol during the self-isolation regime introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is clarified that on average they consumed 14 units of alcohol (the amount of pure alcohol in milliliters, which is used to indicate safe portions of alcoholic beverages – approx. “Lenta.ru” ) per week, which is five units more than before quarantine.

In this regard, doctors revealed to reporters several implicit symptoms that indicate too frequent drinking of alcoholic beverages.Dr. Luke Pratsides stated that alcohol weakens the immune system, which ultimately leads to skin infections. In addition, the color of the skin changes as a result of liver damage.

“On the body of alcoholics also form huge bruises from relatively small blows,” – added the doctor. In addition, according to Pracides, excessive alcohol consumption negatively affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, which is why patients often develop ulcers.

London therapist Sanjay Mehta, in turn, revealed another problem caused by alcohol: the so-called alcoholic neuropathy manifests itself in numbness or tingling in the patient’s extremities.In addition, the physician emphasizes that alcohol is also often the main cause of heartburn.

In conclusion, doctors drew the attention of readers to the fact that another sign of too frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages is weight loss or gain. It is noted that alcoholics eat less food and do not get enough of the necessary nutrients.

In April, Russian nutritionist Olga Shmeleva named the least harmful alcohol. The doctor said that the most low-calorie alcohol is considered to be red and white dry wines.They can also contribute to the increase in life expectancy.

treatment, stages, signs and prevention

Therapist, gastroenterologist, general practitioner. Member of the Russian Gastroenterological Association, Member of the Scientific Society of Gastroenterologists of Russia, Member of the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL – eur ass study liver)

Sharhun

Olga Olegovna

Experience 23 years

General practitioner, associate professor, candidate of medical sciences, member of the European Professional Association for Liver Disease

Make an appointment

Despite the many times proven harm that alcoholic beverages bring to humans, the share of their consumers is declining extremely slowly.Quite a large number of people are at risk of developing alcoholism – a mental illness, which is based on an uncontrollable craving for alcohol. A person loses interest in all aspects of life that are not related to the use of strong drinks. As a result, he is destroyed as a person, acquires numerous serious illnesses, breaks social ties and literally falls to the bottom. However, modern medicine has the means that can bring the alcoholic back to normal life.

General information

Drinking beverages containing ethyl alcohol adversely affects a person’s physical health.In the CIS countries, there are up to 14% of adults who abuse alcohol, and about 80% of the population drink in moderation, from time to time. At the same time, liver damage caused by alcohol consumption is present in at least two million Russians. One third of all deaths in men under the age of 60 are attributed to cardiac arrest associated with alcohol abuse. The problem of alcoholism in our country is still extremely serious, although it has somewhat softened over the past decade.

Disease development

Doctors distinguish three main stages of alcoholism, each of which is characterized by a set of certain signs and characteristics.

1. Formed psychological dependence, addiction to drinking. There are no visible physical pathologies, the person looks quite healthy, maintains social ties, is able to maintain his material well-being. At the same time, he cannot refuse an offer to drink, even if this is fraught with certain problems.At the end of the first stage, the “dose collapse” syndrome is observed, when a repeated dose of alcohol causes a sharp and deep intoxication. However, at this stage, a person can still overcome addiction on their own.
2. An obsessive craving for alcohol appears, a person loses the ability to concentrate on work, to enjoy communicating with family and friends without drinking. Control over the amount drunk is lost, alcohol ceases to bring pleasure and becomes a vital need.There are signs of damage to the body, a hangover (withdrawal) syndrome develops. Many days of binges begin, when trying to independently refuse alcohol, various complications develop, including metal-alcoholic psychosis.
3. Social connections and interest in anything other than alcohol are completely lost. Damage to the nervous system and internal organs is irreversible. The patient consumes alcohol every day, in the absence of drinking, metal-alcohol psychosis develops rapidly, forced sobering up can lead to death.In 95% of cases, the third stage ends with the death of an alcoholic from a heart attack or cerebral hemorrhage.

The listed stages of alcoholism and their manifestations are typical for all people who abuse alcohol.

How to Recognize the Dangerous Border

Distinctive symptoms of alcoholism are:

• lack of control over the amount of alcohol consumed, inability to stop;
• absence of a negative reaction of the body when drinking alcohol in large doses;
• blackouts after drinking;
• the presence of a hangover syndrome;
• binge periods, i.e.e. drinking alcohol for two or more days in a row;
• the appearance of external signs of alcoholism – rapid aging of the skin, protruding veins and small bruises resulting from rupture of skin capillaries.

Health disorders characteristic of alcoholism also signal trouble:

• of the heart and blood vessels, since the metabolism of potassium and magnesium salts is disturbed, which impairs the contractility of the myocardium, arrhythmias, pain in the heart appear, blood pressure rises, heart attacks and strokes are frequent;
• digestion, since alcohol causes burns to the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, destroys the cellular structures of the digestive tract, provokes increased secretion of gastric juice, which leads to the development of gastritis and ulcerative lesions;
• kidneys, since alcohol and its metabolites destroy the renal tubules and parenchyma, which leads to the development of pyelonephritis and glomerulonephritis;
• liver, whose cells are destroyed by the action of ethanol, due to which alcoholics develop hepatitis and cirrhosis;
• of the nervous system, since under the influence of ethanol and its metabolites, peripheral nerve fibers are destroyed, alcoholic polyneuropathy develops.

Alcoholism is a serious illness that inevitably leads to a painful death. It is necessary to start treatment as early as possible to give the patient a chance to return to a fulfilling life.

Features of the diagnosis

The diagnosis of alcoholism is based on clinical symptoms, which are supported by the results of laboratory tests. There are standard questionnaires that make it possible to identify alcohol dependence in a patient with almost one hundred percent reliability.Laboratory tests of urine and blood reveal markers of chronic binge drinking. The doctor may prescribe an enzyme test that detects the level of activity of the enzyme complex in relation to alcohol intoxication, as well as tests for the level of the hormones testosterone and prolactin.

If necessary, hardware studies aimed at diagnosing the state of internal organs can be prescribed: ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, CT of the liver and spleen, ECG, endoscopy of the digestive tract, study of nerve conduction, etc.etc.

How to get rid of drunkenness

Alcoholism treatment is a complex process that includes:

• aversive therapy, the purpose of which is to develop aversion to alcohol with the help of certain drugs;
• psychotherapy, the effectiveness of which reaches 80%, but only on condition that the patient himself strives for recovery;
• detoxification of the body, the methodology of which is similar to a set of measures for any food or non-food poisoning;
• social adaptation, which allows the patient to refrain from drinking alcohol at the end of the course of treatment.

To return a patient to a normal life, enormous efforts and long-term painstaking work of many specialists are required. Therefore, prevention of alcoholism is of great importance – measures aimed at preventing the development of alcohol dependence in healthy people. But if trouble has already happened to you or your loved one, you need to contact a specialist as soon as possible, because the further the process of alcoholization goes, the more difficult the way back to health will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the causes of alcoholism in men and women?

There are a number of reasons for alcoholism – psychological, biological and social.

• Psychological. This includes loneliness, lack of confidence in oneself and one’s strengths, low self-esteem, lack of opportunities for self-realization, etc.
• Biological. Metabolic abnormalities are inherited or formed during the development of the body and determine a high susceptibility to alcohol.A negative effect is exerted by a deficiency in the body of certain enzymes involved in the breakdown of ethyl alcohol, as well as some features of the nervous system and the presence of neuropsychiatric diseases.
• Social. The cultural environment in which a person lives forms his attitude to alcohol: in countries where alcohol is not taboo, the level of alcoholism is much higher than where drunkenness is strongly condemned by society. Personal level of development and education, opportunities for social growth, and the presence of strong social ties are also important.

Which doctor should I see for the treatment of alcoholism?

Alcoholism develops as a result of damage to the body by a chemical substance – ethyl alcohol, therefore, it is necessary to consult a narcologist about the diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Subsequently, other specialized specialists will work with the patient.

Which people are most at risk of becoming an alcoholic?

An irresistible craving for alcohol most often develops in people:

• infantile, not formed as a person;

90,011 suggestible;

90,011 unsure of themselves and their strengths;

90,011 addicted;

90,011 single, with an unmet need for psychological closeness;

• with increased anxiety;
• with an anti-social psychological attitude.

Alcohol creates in them a false sense of security, peace and psychological comfort, i.e. performs the functions of loved ones or family.

90,000 how to recognize danger and help in time

Gavrilina Anfisa Aleksandrovna, Candidate of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Counseling Psychology and Health Psychology, psychotherapist of the St. Petersburg Institute of Psychology and Social Work.

What is addiction?

Addiction is dependence, attachment to something, which gives a person the opportunity to feel satisfied without making any effort.

What types of addiction exist?

The types of addiction are: chemical (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, etc.), game, food, informational, emotional, workaholism and others.

What leads to addiction?

The predisposing factors for the development of addiction can be social, biological (genetics, head injuries, CNS diseases) and psychological. It should be noted that men are 5 times more likely than women to suffer from drug addiction.Children and relatives of alcoholics and drug addicts are 4-6 times more likely to get sick than children of healthy parents. Psychological prerequisites for addiction can be a situational reaction (frustration, reaction to stress), in which a person resorts to the use of psychoactive substances to alleviate his condition, and there can also be a dependent personality type formed as a result of upbringing.

Dependent personality type: how can parents avoid a fatal mistake?

How dependent personality type is formed
As a child grows, it goes through stages of development from complete dependence on parents to almost complete self-sufficiency.Development is a constant balance between learning new things and sensible constraints for safety reasons. Conditions for maintaining the child’s dependence: lack of adult support in the child’s movement into the world, the child’s fencing from the world. As a result, the child develops dependence on the mother, which does not decrease over time, and later this habit of dependence is gradually transferred to other people.
The dependent personality type is formed as a result of a violation of upbringing. The forms of upbringing disorders leading to the formation of addiction include: overprotection, neglect of the child by the parents, and domestic violence.What is the mechanism of the influence of overprotection on addiction? The mother meets all the needs of the child, solves all his problems. In turn, the child does not know how to solve his problems himself, since he simply does not need to do this, he has no experience. But he cannot control other people in the same way as his mother, demand from them to satisfy their needs. To solve problems and relieve stress, the child begins to use various means, including psychoactive substances. Ignoring the child (denial of attention, neglect of his needs), as well as violence (emotional, psychological, physical, sexual) causes panic, shame, horror, and a feeling of powerlessness in children.

Why do children start using hazardous substances?

In order to get rid of these emotions, relieve stress, children also tend to resort to the use of psychoactive substances (PAS). In addictive behavior, the use of various means is in the form of “consolation”. For the formation of dependence, there are macrosocial prerequisites (government policy regarding the use of psychoactive substances) and microsocial (a child observes in adults the effect of improving mood from taking psychoactive substances).When status persons – actors, musicians – are addicted, it is considered that “surfactants are cool.” He begins to use surfactants to become a member of the reference group.

Child and computer: how not to miss the moment of addiction development?

Hygienic requirements for the work of schoolchildren using technical (digital) teaching aids

Anna Vasilievna Suvorova, Ph.D.I.I. Mechnikov.

The modern period of the development of society is characterized by the global computerization of all spheres of human activity. A child of 3-5 years old looks at the TV screen, computer, mobile phone for about 28 hours a week. The computer employment of a student increases from class to class. The older the student, the more he communicates with various technical means. The digital environment surrounds children in everyday life – e-books, tablets, etc. Compliance with hygienic requirements when working with technical teaching aids is the moment for the prevention of computer addiction.

Risk factors for the use of digital teaching aids for health are the intensification of the load, the formalization of information, an increase in visual load, a forced posture, inactivity, the formation of dependence, electromagnetic radiation, an increase in neuropsychic load.

If we talk about the ranking of technical training aids in terms of their aggressiveness to vision, then in the first place are personal computers with a cathode-ray tube, in the second – personal computers with a liquid crystal monitor, in the third – tablets, in the fourth – readers and in the fifth – traditional “paper” textbooks.Paper is the most comfortable medium for the human visual system.

Prevention of drug addiction among minors

Valentina Vladimirovna Yakovenko, specialist of the institution “Children’s Psychiatry named after Mnukhin “.

Urgency of the problem: 56% of boys and 28% of girls under 17 have already tried surfactants. Behavioral problems are predisposing factors for the use of psychoactive substances. A feature of adolescent drug addiction is that addiction is formed very quickly – with one or two tricks.

The reasons for adolescent drug addiction are the availability of drugs, personal immaturity, weak will, lack of life guidelines, the desire for pleasure and the inability to resist their desires, the inability to assess the possible consequences of decisions made, the desire to get what you want immediately, without regard to risk. If we talk about the social prerequisites of drug addiction among adolescents, then these are boredom and idleness, family problems (overprotection, inadequate parenting style), virtual friends and the influence of the inner circle.

It should be remembered that for modern teenagers, virtual life is more important than real! The Internet advertises surfactants and promotes their use.

Stages of development of adolescent drug addiction

There are 4 stages in the development of adolescent drug addiction. The first is the absence of the promised pleasure, negative somatic consequences, the formation of an idea of ​​the safety of psychoactive substances, the removal of internal barriers to obtaining forbidden pleasures. The second is the first idea of ​​euphoria, removal of the phenomena of intoxication, an increase in the frequency of admission, the appearance of cravings.The third stage is the active formation of psychological dependence and the fourth is the formation of physical dependence. Common signs of substance use include behavioral changes, loss of interest in learning, decreased academic performance, distance from old friends, constant and unreasonable mood swings, withdrawal from adult submission, fidgety activity, slovenly dress, and decreased personal hygiene requirements. On the health side, pale skin with a gray tint, dry brittle hair, a change in appetite or lack of it, constant thirst, a change in the pace and coherence of speech, vocabulary, the appearance of somatic disorders that cannot be explained by the disease, such as lacrimation, nausea, vomiting, runny nose.

Which preventive measures are effective?

Preventive work with children does not give a high return. There should be an attitude towards a healthy lifestyle, the formation of reasonable interests, the exclusion of dubious contacts, the cultivation of receiving pleasure from constructive pursuits. Such work should be carried out from 5-6 years old, in the elementary grades of the school.

Prevention of alcohol dependence in adolescents

Olga Borisovna Romanchuk, psychiatrist-narcologist, psychotherapist at the National Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Neurology named after V.I.V.M. Bekhterev, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

The mechanisms of alcohol dependence formation are similar to the mechanism of drug dependence. In many ways, her speech echoed the previous speaker. In a medical sense, addiction is an obsessive need to use habitual stimuli, accompanied by increased tolerance and psychological symptoms. An increase in tolerance is an addiction to an increasing magnitude of a stimulus.

Stages of alcohol dependence

Stages of alcohol dependence: prodromal (domestic drunkenness), the first is the initial signs of alcoholism, the second is the pronounced signs of alcoholism, the third is the degradation of the patient’s personality with irreversible mental changes.