A glass of wine after work, a cocktail with friends, a glass of champagne to celebrate: these little rituals punctuate the week without us really thinking about it. However, every evening, your face experiences a series of micro-shocks invisible at first glance. The skin does not forget them.
For dermatologists, the effects of alcohol on the face are among the everyday factors that quickly leave a mark on the complexion: redness, dehydration, imperfections and accelerated aging can be seen on the skin. The idea here is to decode, in a simple way, what each glass really triggers on the face.
Immediate effects of alcohol on the face
In the hour following a drink, ethanol causes vasodilation of the small vessels of the face: a rush of blood, hot cheeks, a pink nose. On sensitive skin, these flushes are more intense. explains Dr Derrick Phillips, dermatologist, to the British version of the media Marie Claire.
At the same time, alcohol acts as a powerful diuretic and increases water loss from the surface of the epidermis. Dehydration makes the skin less supple, less luminous, with more visible fine lines and a feeling of discomfort. Once metabolized, ethanol also generates free radicals and inflammation which worsen acne and rosacea.
When alcohol leaves a lasting mark on facial skin
The impact doesn’t stop at the end of the evening. Alcohol weakens the quality of deep sleep, when the skin should be repairing itself, resulting in waking up with a duller complexion, marked dark circles, bags under the eyes and drawn features.
When consumption becomes regular, the consequences become more profound. Excess alcohol damages collagen and elastin, the pillars of skin support, and very sugary drinks accelerate fiber glycation: continues Dr Derrick Phillips. The skin barrier becomes weakened, hydration escapes more easily and the skin texture becomes irregular.
Beauty gesture to limit the effects of alcohol on the skin
To cushion these effects, everything is as much at stake in the glass as in the bathroom. It is better to limit very sugary drinks and space out the glasses, systematically interspersing water.
That same evening, the priority remains to repair the skin barrier. advises Dr. Derrick Phillips. Choosing a formula rich in ceramides helps the skin recover faster, while moderation does the rest.
What are the immediate effects of alcohol on the face?
Very quickly, vasodilation leads to redness, heat, dull complexion and the beginning of dehydration.
Does alcohol make rosacea and chronic redness worse?
Alcohol does not create rosacea but triggers more intense flushes and maintains chronic redness.
How to protect your facial skin when drinking alcohol?
Drink water between each glass, remove makeup, then apply moisturizing serum and cream rich in ceramides.
