How Does Alcohol Affect My Skin?

Contrary to popular belief, alcohol is not harmful if it is consumed in moderation. In fact, recent studies have shown that moderate alcohol consumption offers numerous health benefits. However, women who consume more than one alcoholic beverage per day may be damaging their skin. Below are some of the ways that alcohol can affect the skin:

Increases your risk of developing rosacea

Alcohol causes the blood vessels to enlarge. If the blood vessels in the skin become too large, rosacea can develop. Rosacea is a condition that causes skin redness. Additionally, this condition can be irritated or worsened by excessive alcohol consumption.

Increases your risk of developing aging

Women who drink alcohol in excess have an increased risk of developing wrinkles. Moisture helps prevent wrinkles by keeping the skin firm and elastic. However, excessive alcohol consumption dehydrates the skin.

Depletes vitamin A

Vitamin A is one of the key nutrients that promotes skin health. Prolonged alcohol consumption can deplete the amount of vitamin A in the body. Skin dryness is a common sign of a vitamin A deficiency.

Can cause toxins to build up under the skin

The liver is the organ that is responsible for removing toxins from the body. Drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver. If the liver is damaged, it cannot remove toxins. Skin blotches can develop if toxins are not removed from the body.

Women who drink should not consume more than one alcoholic beverage per day. Roseacea, blotches, dryness and wrinkles are just a few of the many skin problems that can develop if a woman drinks too much alcohol.

Copyright 2012. As licensed to Dr. Hecht. All rights reserved