The detrimental effects of alcohol and smoking on skin health
We all know that drinking and smoking may be harmful to our general health and wellbeing. You may not be aware, however, that it may also harm our skin.
Dehydration brought on by excessive alcohol usage might result in dry, dull-looking skin. Inflammation brought on by it may also result in puffiness and redness. Alcohol may also cause the skin to produce more oil, which can worsen skin disorders like acne.
On the other hand, smoking may accelerate the ageing process and lead to wrinkles. When nicotine in cigarettes narrows blood vessels, less oxygen and nutrients reach the skin. This may result in crow's feet, age spots, and a lifeless complexion.
In addition to its cosmetic impacts, smoking and drinking have also been linked to a higher risk of skin cancer. In fact, squamous cell carcinoma, a kind of skin cancer, is more common among smokers than non-smokers by a factor of two, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Limit your alcohol intake and give up smoking if you want to keep your skin looking healthy and young. In addition, having good skin requires that you keep hydrated, eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, and manage your stress.
References:
"Alcohol and the Skin" by M. L. Kalk, in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2010)
"Smoking and the skin" by A. V. Rawlings, in British Journal of Dermatology (2011)
"The detrimental effects of alcohol and smoking on the skin" by A. R. M. Williams, in Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine (2007)