Alcohol and your Skin
Alcohol dehydrates the skin and robs it of vital nutrients, causing premature ageing,
dry, flaky skin and the fine lines. It can increase the damage to skin by free radicals (toxic
molecules in the skin stimulated by air pollution, smoking and sun damage).
Alcohol dilates blood vessels and can starve the skin of oxygen. This in turn can cause some
skin damage such as broken veins and a reddened, blotchy appearance.
Compared with men, women have more fat than muscle and their bodies have less of the
enzyme that breaks down alcohol. This makes women more susceptible to its negative
effects. Moderation is the key - perhaps a maximum glass or two of wine a day.
