Alcohol abuse can have a dramatic effect on the body, particularly after extended years of drinking, and the signs can be very visible in your skin. Alcohol is basically a hepatotoxin, meaning that it ultimately damages the liver. You only have to think about the sallow skin color of someone with liver disease to know that, over time, alcohol can wreak havoc on the skin’s complexion.
Other ingredients in alcohol are substances produced during fermentation, known as congeners. Congeners are the ingredient responsible for alcohol’s unique smell and taste, not to mention the hangovers suffered the morning after heavy drinking. The more congeners there are in your drink of choice, the worse your hangover is likely to be the day after, and the worse your skin will appear too. Alcohol is well-known for causing dehydration and that makes skin appear less plump and fresh, without a healthy natural glow.
Here we take a look at the different ways different drinks affect our skin:
Clear Shots: Vodka, Gin or Tequila
The problem with shots is that generally people end up drinking much more alcohol than they’re aware of or intended to, which is the biggest hazard to your skin. Clear shots are pure alcohol and don’t contain extra sugar or salt and so in moderation, an occasional shot wouldn’t be too bad on the skin—but unfortunately, the nature of shot drinks makes moderation extremely difficult!
Dark Shots: Whisky, Rum and Tequila
The difference between clear shots and dark shots is in the amount of congeners in them. Because of the longer fermentation process for dark shots, there are more congeners created and consequently, drinking too much can contribute to the aging process, making skin look tired and dull.
Mojitos & Other Cocktails
The biggest dangers to the skin with cocktails are the additives, including sugar, that are used to enhance the taste. Too much sugar in any diet can lead to systemic inflammation which destroys skins cells and can result in early signs of aging. Sugary alcoholic drinks that are mixed with Coke or Red Bull for example, can also cause acne as a result of spiked insulin levels.
Beer
Not many people know that beer contains salt, although it is not at dangerously high levels. Nevertheless, it’s not hard to figure that drinking salt over a prolonged period of time can lead to symptoms like dry skin and swollen eyes which is your body’s way of telling you it needs more water.
White Wine
White wine contains sugar and salt, which can lead to bloating and swollen skin. It also increases your appetite and can cause nutrition issues which are visible in your skin.
Red Wine
Although much is said about the health benefits of red wine due to it containing antioxidants that can counteract the skin’s aging process, it can also aggravate certain skin conditions like rosacea. Drinking red wine for prolonged periods can also lead to a flushed appearance as capillaries in the face burst over time and become visible on the skin, particularly on and around the nose.
When to Know if You Need Help With Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol abuse is a serious issue that can have a significant impact on an individual’s physical, emotional, and mental health. It’s essential to know when to seek help if you’re struggling with alcohol abuse. Some signs that you may need help include having difficulty controlling your alcohol consumption, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop drinking, feeling the need to drink every day, and neglecting your responsibilities and relationships because of alcohol use. If you find that alcohol is starting to interfere with your daily life and responsibilities, it’s time to seek help.
Another important indicator that you may need help with alcohol abuse is if you’re experiencing negative consequences as a result of your drinking. This could include legal problems, financial issues, or problems in your personal relationships. If you find that your drinking is causing problems in any aspect of your life, it’s time to reach out for help. Seeking help for alcohol abuse can be challenging, but it’s essential to remember that you’re not alone. There are many resources available, such as support groups, counseling, and treatment programs, that can help you overcome your alcohol addiction and live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Contact Casa Recovery Southern California for Addiction Treatment in San Juan Capistrano, CA
Casa Recovery offers a wide range of addiction recovery programs and holistic treatments for both alcohol and drug addiction at our rehabilitation center. We can create personalized drug and alcohol addiction treatment program to best meet your individual needs. If you’re seeking drug addiction treatment in Orange County CA, contact us in confidence to find out about how we can help you on your journey to a life of sobriety.