Hangover City. The Effects of Alcohol on Your Skin

What alcohol does to your skin and how to find relief.

Holidays, summer fun and the heat mixed with celebratory drinks can cause a wicked hangover the next day if we don’t pace ourselves. We might not give it much thought as we’re having fun, but the next day’s hangover can be a doozy if we’re not aware of how much we’re consuming.

What’s the limit?

According to Canada’s Low-Risk Drinking Guidelines, the recommended limit of alcoholic beverages for men is 15 per week which equals three standard drinks on most days and four on special occasions. For women, the recommended maximum is 10 per week equaling, two standard drinks per day and three on special occasions.

What does alcohol do to the body?

Everyone metabolizes alcohol differently depending on stress, hunger, age, health, weight, stress, and other genetic factors. As a result, hangovers vary in severity after a night of spiked punch. Although we may enjoy a few alcoholic pops, our body identifies this as a toxic substance, and the liver will work to metabolize alcohol for up to three days. So yes, a hangover can last up to 72 hours.

Here are some of the general ways that alcohol interferes with normal body function:

• Dysregulated body temperature and hormone production, resulting in disrupted sleep.
• Impairment of cognitive clarity and can leave one feeling extreme lows or mild depression in the following days.
• Increase inflammation in muscles, tissue and cells.
• Dehydration, general fatigue, sweats, nausea and headaches.
• Interferes with absorption of vitamins and minerals for good health.

The regular consumption of alcohol can irritate the stomach lining and cause more acid production, resulting in stomach and intestinal ulcers. On the other hand, healthy gut flora has proven effective for healthy skin and prevents inflammatory skin disorders like acne and rosacea.

What happens to the skin after too much alcohol?

Heavy alcohol consumption increases premature skin ageing by generating free radicals affecting the skin’s structure. Dehydration and inflammation are the two most common side effects of overconsumption of alcohol and advance the development of fine lines on the skin.

Drinking alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate, bringing more blood to the surface. For those who suffer from rosacea, alcohol exacerbates the condition, increasing the likelihood of symptoms such as flushed cheeks, inflammation and irritation.

Some of the long-term effects of drinking can damage the skin by breaking down collagen, broken blood vessels, sagginess, and deep wrinkles. Alcohol affects all of our organs, and the skin is a tell-tale sign of what is happening inside.

Even the occasional night out can cause a hangover, and the day after, tell-tale signs are dull, red and puffy skin. Along with a pounding headache, you don’t even look like your natural glowing self.

So, how do you get that glow back?

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Alcohol is a diuretic and can leave you feeling parched and lethargic. Having a glass of water for every drink you consume is ideal for hydrating and preventing a massive hangover, but we know that isn’t always the case.

Upon waking, down a few glasses of water and add some electrolytes for better hydration.

Skincare the doctor ordered

Cleanse

It’s always best if you can remember to wash your face before crawling into bed, or at the very least, use micellar water or a wipe to remove as much dirt and makeup as possible. Sleeping with makeup on can cause pores to clog and leave you with an unsightly and tender pimple.

Wash with a calming cleanser to maintain moisture and keep inflammation at bay.

Doctor Babor Calming RX Soothing Cleanser Leaves the skin's natural moisture barrier intact. Skin is properly hydrated, helping it resist the effects of dryness.


Mask it

Applying a mask with hyaluronic acid can get some much-needed moisture into your skin. Hyaluronic acid’s function is to help retain water in the skin and aid in wound healing. It increases plumping and also reduces inflammation.

Doctor Babor Hydro Face Mask and 3D Hydro Gel Eye Pads is a synergistic blend of hyaluronic acid, hexapeptide-8 and second skin technology for dry skin. Thanks to hydro-gel, the mask provides a cooling and refreshing experience for the skin, even during application. After 10-15 minutes, the skin's surface feels refreshed and has a more radiant, hydrated and plumped-up appearance.

Amp it up

Getting that instant glow is possible, and no one will even know you had one glass too many. Radiate with applying hydrating and light-reflecting concentrated serums for that immediate boost.



Babor Perfect Glow Ampoules is an Active concentrate for dull skin lacking in radiance. Thoroughly hydrates the skin, while light-reflecting luminizing pigments create a youthful-looking glow and help to even out skin tone. With regular use, PerfectionPeptide P3 helps promote natural skin rejuvenation.



Moisturize

The final drink for thirsty skin is to moisturize for that refreshed, radiant and hydrated appearance.



Doctor Babor Hyaluron Cream has a light, pleasant texture and a multidimensional moisturizing effect: HY-3 peptides help to improve the skin's ability to store moisture; triple strength hyaluronic acid help to improve moisture levels in the skin; natural biopolymers help to increase the skin's moisture content for hydrated and smooth-looking skin.


The bottom line in preventing hangovers is always drink in moderation, avoid dark and sugary cocktails, have a snack with your spirits and always stay hydrated. Your skin will love you for it.