Thanks to the announcement of another crucial national lockdown, it might seem like the best thing to do to throw in the towel of your New Year’s resolutions – but we’re here to help you make it through.
If, like many people, you’ve committed to Dry January, then think of all the benefits that await you should you manage to abstain from alcohol for the entire month ahead (or even longer!). With past participants citing an improvement in their mental and physical wellbeing as a result of this booze-free initiative, you might be surprised to learn about one of Dry January’s more undermentioned upsides: a positive change to the condition and appearance of the skin.
Learn more about this below!
The negative impact of alcohol on the skin
It’s no secret that alcohol is one of life’s most alluring vices, and most people are aware of just how much of a negative impact regular consumption of this substance can have on our overall health. This is no different in terms of how it can affect the skin.
- The appearance of spider veins – Upon entry the body, alcohol is transformed into an acetaldehyde compound and this can cause our blood vessels to run into difficulties. When they become over-stretched, this can lead to the emergence of spider veins all over the body, something made even worse by a noticeable upturn in puffiness and skin flushing.
- The encouragement of acne – Whilst alcohol can not be said to be the cause of acne, its consumption certainly doesn’t help matters. As it can weaken the strength of the immune system, alcohol can make the body more vulnerable to attack from bacteria, of which p.acnes (the acne-causing bacteria) is one such example. Furthermore, because alcohol has the potential to increase our hormone levels, this can result in the overproduction of sebum, a natural oil that is responsible for the formation of acne should it appear on the skin in abundance.
- Dehydration – The side effects of drinking alcohol quite often include things such as dry mouth and frequent urination – the former of these is an example of dehydration whilst the latter is one of the many things responsible for this uncomfortable phenomenon. In addition to the inevitable craving for water, dehydration can be made evident on the skin in the form of dullness and an increase in fine lines and wrinkles.
- A reduction in Vitamin A – Vitamin A is essential to the proper functioning of the immune system and its presence in the body can ensure that many of our vital organs are working as well as they should be. This micronutrient also has a major role in the body’s ability to produce collagen, the protein that keeps our skin smooth, taut and supple. And we all know what reduced collagen results in… yes – creases, folds, lines and wrinkles – all of those unwanted signs of ageing!
Go alcohol-free for January and beyond!
If you manage to go all of January alcohol-free, why not see if you can make it to the end of 2021 without touching another drop? This is sure to result in fresher-looking, more radiant skin all year round and could well be the best possible way to begin your journey to a happier and healthier you!
To find out how we can help you with any other cosmetic or aesthetic concern you may have, contact us here or call us on 0121 794 2369 today.
