Do you like to indulge in the occasional glass of wine with dinner? Is a night out with the girls – and plenty of Cosmos – a regular occurrence? Good for you; it is important to let your hair down every once in awhile!
After all, some recent studies are suggesting that certain types of alcohol might improve heart heath and decrease the odds of cancer.
However, the key is…moderation. A hangover is the worse type of retribution alcohol can have on your physical well-being. Sure, after a few hours, your headache will go away and life will appear to return to normal. However, the alcohol you consumed is still wreaking havoc below the surface – the surface of your skin, that is.
Why is Alcohol Bad for my Skin?
Water is like an internal moisturizer for your skin. Each time you drink water, you’re boosting your skin’s health. Staying hydrated will smooth wrinkles, causing skin to appear healthier and more youthful.
Alcohol and caffeine have the opposite effect on your skin. You may find this surprising, but alcohol actually dehydrates your body. Dehydrated skin causes wrinkles and premature aging; no woman wants that! Additionally, when your skin is denied vital nutrients it begins to appear dull and unhealthy.
When we drink – especially during a night out on the town – we aren’t usually combining our alcoholic beverages with nutritious foods. Again, choosing high-calorie junk food over nutrient-rich foods is just one more way we limit our skin’s access to much-needed vitamins and minerals. Since our diet has a direct effect on establishing a healthy, youthful appearance, you can see why alcohol and junk food are such bad things!
Alcohol can make preexisting skin conditions – like rosacea and psoriasis – worse. Flare-ups are often common after alcohol consumption.
Does That Mean I Should Stop Drinking Altogether?
You are the only one who can decide if alcohol is a safe and healthy addition to your life. However, if you do indulge, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Remember moderation is best. At the beginning of the night, set a limit for yourself. When you reach that limit, stop. Switch to diet soda or water if your girlfriends continue to imbibe.
Also, consider following each alcoholic beverage with a glass of water. This will accomplish two things. First of all, if you fill up on water, you won’t be tempted to drink as much alcohol. Second, alternating between water and alcohol will counteract the dehydration the alcohol is causing.
Lastly, reach for healthy, nutrient-rich foods instead of greasy bar foods when you are drinking. Grab a handful of peanuts instead of a handful of French fries. Ask for a bag of popcorn as soon as it is done popping – and before they add salt and butter. If you are battling a hangover, avoid any “secret recipes†that involve unhealthy food choices.
Each time you reach for a specialty martini or your favorite white wine, remember the effect each sip has on your skin. Be smart about your alcohol consumption and do your best to stay hydrated.
Guest blogger Jessica Adams works for CustomCornToss.com, designing custom corn toss boards. She often helps the other guys in the office test their products’ quality – which inevitably leads to drinking! Luckily, Jessica is usually able to limit the rowdy group to just a few beverages each!