Wine and Skin:
How Your Favorite Drink Affects Your Complexion
Wine is fascinating. It has been around for thousands of years and plays a role in nearly every country and culture. Skin is equally fascinating. As the largest organ on our bodies, it is usually the first to reveal when something is out of balance. Have you ever wondered about wine’s effects on your skin while sipping a glass of it. I have too. Today we explore the interaction between wine and your complexion.
Wine and Its Components
Wine’s primary biologically active component is alcohol. Alcohol acts as a depressant. It mimics the neurotransmitter GABA in your body and slows things down in a very literal way. It is also effectively a toxin. In excess, it can cause everything from a loss of consciousness to vomiting to even death. In moderate doses, alcohol has a hormetic effect. Your body’s response to small amounts of alcohol, especially combined with the beneficial ingredients in wine, can offer positive health benefits.
Before we go too far, note that a lot of wine’s benefits come from components other than alcohol. Some of the ingredients include resveratrol which is a phenol found in grape skins, raspberries, blueberries, and dark fruits. Research is ongoing, but resveratrol appears to have many beneficial effects on the body. Wine also contains flavanols and flavonols which are compounds found in fruits and vegetables including grapes. They have antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. Antioxidants as a whole help resist oxidation in the body. Free radicals are a damaging byproduct of oxidation and antioxidants often block their harmful effects.
How Wine Affects the Skin
Free radicals are believed to accelerate aging. The antioxidant activity in wine whether from resveratrol, flavanols, flavonols, or other compounds may help counter some of those effects. Red wine contains a high concentration of proanthocyanidins which are well known for reducing heart disease risk, and recent research also shows they may support your body’s collagen. If this holds up, we may one day talk about how red wine helps fight wrinkles and improves skin elasticity.
Wine also contains tartaric acid which includes alpha hydroxy acids. AHAs offer many beneficial skin effects. They can help as a peeling agent or even aid in treating acne. AHAs are commonly used topically so you do not need to ask your dermatologist for a wine prescription just yet. Red wine in particular seems to have the right composition to help fight acne, support collagen, and keep your skin clear. We may soon learn more about whether AHAs in wine offer proven skin benefits.
The Negative Skin Effects of Wine
Unfortunately, the same drink that offers benefits also carries downsides. Wine is still alcohol and alcohol brings risks for the skin.
Dehydration and Skin Dullness
Alcohol is a mild diuretic and leads to dehydration when consumed in excess. Your skin reflects dehydration quickly. Even mild dehydration can cause dark circles under your eyes known as periorbital hyperpigmentation. Your skin may look dull. Your eyes may appear puffy or sunken and fine lines become more visible. These are all excellent reasons to reconsider a third glass.
Poor Sleep and Its Impact on Skin
Moderate drinking can help you fall asleep faster because alcohol decreases sleep latency. Wine even contains melatonin which helps regulate sleep. Excess alcohol however disrupts sleep quality and can be dangerous. Sleep apnea risk increases with alcohol consumption. Even mild cases can leave you exhausted the next day. Alcohol also suppresses deep sleep including REM and restorative slow wave sleep. All of these disruptions lead to dull skin, dark circles, and a fatigued appearance.
Long Term Skin Concerns
Chronic alcohol use creates even more challenges. Some studies show that wine especially white wine may influence the development of skin cancers. Scientists found higher melanoma rates among drinkers compared to non drinkers. The American Academy of Dermatology also notes that women with sensitive skin concerns should be cautious with wine. It can contribute to rosacea, flushing, redness on the face and neck, and capillary damage around the cheeks and nose. Chronic drinking can lead to eczema, psoriasis, infections, acne, and liver related jaundice which shows up as yellowed skin and eyes.
How to Prepare for a Night of Drinking
Alcohol affects the skin in many ways. If you want to enjoy wine yet preserve your complexion, focus on four key habits.
1. Stay Hydrated
Since dehydration causes many of wine’s negative effects, plan ahead. Drink plenty of water and eat enough during the day. Do not begin the night already dehydrated. The classic rule of one glass of water for each alcoholic drink works well. It is always easier to prevent dehydration than to fix it.
2. Drink in Moderation
Many negative effects increase with dosage. If you decide not to be the designated driver, stay moderate. Sip slowly. Swap your second glass for a mocktail or club soda with lemon. If you set a limit, honor it. Your skin and your body will be grateful.
3. Prioritize Sleep and Recovery
Try to arrange your night so you can sleep seven to nine hours. Even if alcohol disrupts the first part of your sleep, your body will metabolize it overnight and your later sleep may be more restorative. This helps prevent dark circles and tired eyes. If you forgot to hydrate earlier, drink water before bed.
4. Be Mindful of Food Pairings and Histamines
Wine contains histamines which influence your body’s response to stress. Too many histamines can cause flushed skin, congestion, headaches, and harsher hangovers. Foods paired with wine often contain additional histamines or carbohydrates that make everything worse. Aged cheeses, crackers, spaghetti, and other wine pairings can amplify your skin issues even if you only had one drink.
The saying everything in moderation is absolutely true with wine. Red wine in particular carries many potentially beneficial components for skin health, but too much of it can quickly create the opposite effect. If you plan a night out, be moderate, eat a nutritious meal beforehand, hydrate consistently, and get a full night of sleep. These habits will protect your skin and you may thank yourself the next morning.
Gerard Paul writes about food and drink at ManyEats. He has had a few nights where moderation did not go as planned. He will attempt to follow his own advice in the future.
