“Your skin can warn you”: here are the visible signs of excessive alcohol consumption, according to a dermatologist.
What are the visible signs that appear on the skin after excessive alcohol consumption?
According to Dr. Jafaar, the most common visible signs are “persistent facial redness, puffiness (especially around the eyes) , fine lines due to dryness, enlarged pores, and a dull, uneven complexion.” The skin can also become more difficult to treat and more unpredictable. Indeed, some people experience significant breakouts or slowed healing after excessive and repeated alcohol consumption. “Over time, the skin can appear tired and less resilient ,” the dermatologist continues. Even the best serums struggle to repair the damage if alcohol continues to weaken the skin from within.
What are the effects of these abuses on the skin?
Alcohol not only makes you look tired when you wake up, but it also has various short- and long-term effects on the skin. ” It has a diuretic effect, which means it increases fluid loss and can dry out the skin, making it dull and less plump,” explains the dermatologist.
The redness is due to a very specific mechanism. “Alcohol dilates blood vessels, which can lead to facial redness and, in the long term, capillary rupture,” warns Dr. Jafaar. At the same time, it increases inflammation and oxidative stress, two factors that damage the skin barrier.
Over time, the effects become increasingly visible. “Excessive and chronic alcohol consumption leads to a loss of elasticity and a persistent dull, uneven complexion ,” explains Dr. Jafaar. These repeated inflammations can also make the skin “more sensitive and reactive, and more prone to conditions like eczema or rosacea . ” Acne-prone skin is also affected: acne breakouts, hormonal imbalances, and excessive sebum production can worsen after alcohol consumption.
