Alcohol not only gives you headaches and hangovers, it has a significant impact on your skin.
According to LA Dermatologist Dr Lance; who counts Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham on his start studded client list, it can take anywhere from two to four weeks for your skin to regulate after a big night of drinking.
This is because of the hormonal jolt it creates in the body.
Often associated with bad diets, these jolts over stimulate the skins nerve endings, making the oil glands produce more oil. This can lead to breakouts and even acne.
Dehydration is also another symptom of drinking.
New York based Dermatologist Dr Ariel Ostad said:
‘Alcohol is a notorious dehydrator, and many hangover symptoms are a direct result to a lack of fluids, including your skin’s appearance. This dehydration associated with hangovers can make skin appear dull, dry and puffy.’
Here are some ways of protecting your skin against damaging hangovers:
Drink lots of water during and after drinking alcohol
Drinking water won’t prevent the hangover, however will keep your body stay well hydrated, which in the long run helps your skin. This means, drinking water before you head out, during the night out and definitely when you get home from the night out.
Eat a good meal
Make sure you eat a healthy meal before you head out. Filling your body with essential minerals and vitamins helps your body break down the alcohol. And with a full stomach you may be less inclined to drink as much.
Drink alcohol that has less congeners
Congeners are a chemical substance produced during the fermentation process of alcohol. Drinks like Rum, Red Wine, Whiskey and Brandy have a high count of congeners. These can create high dehydration in the body, which negatively affect your skins oil balance.
Drink less sugary drinks
Yes, that means Cocktails. We all know sugar is bad. And high consumption of sugar has been known to inflame skin, creating irritation and lead to blemishes or even acne. Stick to drinks low in sugar like Gin & Tonic, White Wine or Vodka.