Alcohol face bloat; it's visible effects on our skin (and health)

WRITTEN BY Devanshi Garg Sareen
Alcohol face bloat; it's visible effects on our skin (and health)

What do Bella Hadid, Anne Hathaway, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Blake Lively, Eva Mendez and Tyra Banks all have in common - that they are gorgeous with chiseled faces and features - sure. But also that they do not drink alcohol.

 

With the recent U.S. Surgeon General call to put cancer warnings on alcohol, we are seeing an increasing amount of health and longevity research point to an undeniable truth - the consumption of alcohol accelerates the biological aging of our cells, our skin and our bodies.

 

 

Alcohol consumption affects the skin in many ways. Instantly, it leads to puffiness, redness and dryness of the face. It has been found to disrupt the production of collagen. It worsens skin conditions such as acne, rosacea and psoriasis and overuse can even cause conditions such as liver disease which can manifest with the yellowing of the skin. And at a cellular level, it has been found to cause the shortening of telomeres and DNA damage.

 

How to spot an “alcohol face”

 

All things equal, a person who drinks more, will look older than a person who drinks less because excessive consumption of alcohol causes premature aging. One might notice a paler or more pigmented skin tone, dark and tired undereyes, dry or rough skin texture, visible facial flushing or redness, loss of skin tone resulting in increased crepiness or sagging skin, an earlier onset of fine lines and an exacerbation or onset of skin concerns such as rosacea, psoriasis and acne. All visible signs that your skin barrier is potentially damaged

The focus of this article is to explore alcohol’s most immediate and visible inflammatory, diuretic and dehydrating effects, a.k.a. “alcohol face bloat”.

 

Continued and excessive alcohol consumption over time can cause alcohol face bloat i.e. less facial definition and a more rounded facial shape. 

 

What is "alcohol face bloat"?


Alcohol is a known inflammatory substance and its consumption triggers inflammation throughout the body - including the skin and the gut. It disrupts the body’s natural fluid balance and equilibrium. This imbalance leads to the accumulation of water in facial tissues, making the face appear swollen, bloated and less sculpted. This phenomenon is commonly known as "hangover face", "alcohol face bloat," or "alcohol-bloated face" and is primarily caused by the following -  

 

Alcohol face bloat - by inflammation

Alcohol's inflammatory properties trigger the body's immune response resulting in fluid retention and swelling, especially on the face. 

The skin tells a story of what is going on inside the body. Alcohol consumption also produces ROS (reactive oxygen species) and damages DNA. It disrupts the gut by altering the composition and function of micro biota, increasing permeability of the intestinal lining. And gut health and skin health are inextricably linked.

 

Alcohol face bloat - by dehydration

Alcohol has a diuretic effect triggering water loss through urine output thereby dehydrating the body and negatively impacting the body’s hydration levels. Dehydration can cause the skin to lose its softness and suppleness leaving the face dry, dull and fatigued. It weakens the skin's protective barrier, reduces collagen production, and makes the skin more prone to infections. Together, these effects speed up skin aging and worsen skin problems.

 

Alcohol face bloat - by vasodilation

Alcohol causes a dilation of blood vessels close to the skin’s surface, temporarily lowering blood pressure and increasing blood flow to the face (Peripheral Vasodilation). This may result in redness, swelling and flushing of the face. It is perhaps one of the reasons why occasional drinking was associated with a lowered risk of developing heart disease which has been debunked. As with even moderate drinking, blood pressure has been found to rebound. Heavier alcohol use can cause broken capillaries in the skin and exacerbate acne.


While the best way to avoid alcohol face bloat is to avoid consuming alcohol altogether, ideally, even an occasional glass of bubbles, there are some proactive measures to control and reduce its negative effects.

 

How to avoid an “Alcohol Face”

 

 

  1. Hydration. Hydration. Hydration.
    One of the most effective ways to counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol is to drink lots of water - before drinking, while drinking and after drinking. This allows the body time to metabolize alcohol effectively. 

  2. Just sweat it! 
    Any form of exercise is a great way to increase blood flow and flush out toxins. A visit to a steam or sauna, a HIIT class or even a brisk walk the morning after, improves blood circulation, prevents water retention and reduces inflammation, counteracting the harmful effects of the alcohol. 

  3. Sleep on it - 
    Adequate sleep is crucial for mitigating the negative effects of alcohol, particularly in reducing alcohol related swelling and puffiness. However the consumption of alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to get quality sleep. Sleep and rest facilitate repair processes, combat inflammation and reduce the oxidative stress caused by alcohol allowing the body to regulate its hydration levels more effectively. 

  4. Beauty Inside Out - 
    The consumption of alcohol often triggers bad choices, including the desire to smoke and eat junk food late at night, all of which can exacerbate an alcohol related face puffiness and swelling. Being mindful about consuming probiotics, nutrient-dense vegetables, antioxidant-rich fruits and high quality proteins fuel skin repair and rejuvenation. Limiting salt intake can also help with water retention and bloating making the skin appear less puffy and tired.

  5. A strong skincare regimen - 
    A skincare regimen consisting of facial massage that induces lymphatic drainage and high-quality, non-irritating, clinically backed products can significantly reduce the face swelling and puffiness caused by alcohol. 

Motif’s Abundance Plumping PhytoCeramide Cleanser contains luffa fruit fibers that gently and instantly stimulate the surface of the skin, boosting circulation and lymphatic system reducing puffiness and swelling of the face.


Motif’s products also contain high-performing actives that function at a cellular level, protecting the skin against inflammation and oxidative stress. 
 

Conclusion

 

Understanding the impact of alcohol on your skin is crucial for maintaining optimum health. Visible signs like an alcohol bloated face indicate deeper internal effects that can be managed with adequate hydration, a consistent skincare routine, and targeted skincare products. 

Incorporating the practices and products mentioned above can help minimize alcohol’s negative impact on your skin, ensuring a radiant complexion despite occasional indulgences.

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