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1.

Alcohol is dehydrating. 

“Alcohol causes dehydration, and dehydration can cause the skin to look pale, dry, and more prone to wrinkling,” board-certified dermatologist and founder of MaeiMD Rebecca Marcus, M.D. tells mbg.

For those with already dry skin, this may be even more prevalent. In addition, dehydration could be one of the reasons your head is pounding after one too many cocktails. 

2.

It triggers inflammation.

“Alcohol triggers inflammation1, which may result in dilation of blood vessels in the face and subsequent flushing, which may become permanent if it happens repeatedly over long periods of time,” Marcus notes. 

This could look like broken capillaries and red patches that show up while you’re drinking or the day after. 

3.

It can influence stress and anxiety. 

Have you ever had hangxiety? You know, hangover anxiety that comes along the second you wake up after a night out? This could feel like party regret, haste to get your affairs in order, or stress surrounding your physical state (headache, stomach discomfort, etc.). 

This level of stress isn’t going to help your skin, either. In fact, stress can lead to an increase in sebum production2, thus raising the risk of post-party breakouts.

4.

It negatively impacts sleep. 

5.

Sugar can break down collagen.

“Sugar, and simple carbohydrates that are easily digested into sugar, can damage collagen in the skin in a process called glycation5, in which excess glucose in the skin adheres to collagen and elastin proteins,” Marcus says. 

“This process creates advanced glycation end products, which cause the collagen to become rigid and the skin to appear less supple,” she adds. So if you pair your alcohol of choice with a sugar-packed mixer, this effect will be even more substantial. 

6.

Water retention leads to puffiness. 

If you wake up with a puffy face or particularly bouncy under eyes, you’re not alone. “Alcohol can cause water retention and facial puffiness,” Marcus says, which may last throughout the next morning and even until midday. 

This isn’t exclusive to the face, though—you may see signs of water retention (as in puffiness) throughout your body. So if you wake up feeling or looking more bloated than usual, don’t be hard on yourself—it’s a direct result of alcohol consumption and it won’t last forever. 

7.

It exacerbates some skin conditions. 

“For some individuals who are rosacea-prone, alcohol can increase flushing, worsen redness and lead to potential flares,” board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, M.D., FAAD tells mbg.

“Additionally, one study showed that alcohol intake was associated with an increased risk of rosacea,” she adds. This is because alcohol can trigger inflammation and “peripheral vasodilation,” which can lead to redness, flushing, and bumps, Garshick explains. There have also been associations between worsened eczema and psoriasis when alcohol is consumed, she notes. 

8.

It can trigger dark circles. 

1. Drink water: The first thing you should do the morning after drinking is to get one large glass of water (or two) into your body. 
2. Depuff your face: Next, use an ice roller from the freezer and massage your skin. If you don’t have one on hand, you can also dunk your face in a bowl of ice water for 30 seconds at a time for the same effect. 
3. Use an enzyme cleanser or mask: You’ll want to exfoliate your skin the next morning, but ever-so-gently. One way to check this box is with an enzyme mask or enzyme cleanser. This will allow the following hydrating products to penetrate the skin even better and leave you with a bit of a glow. 
4. Apply hydrating + antioxidant serums: Next, apply a hyaluronic acid serum to damp skin and follow that up with a vitamin C serum. This combination will help plump the skin, replenish hydration, and protect your complexion from even more inflammation. 
5. Use a rich moisturizer + SPF: Finally, apply a rich moisturizer. Look for ingredients like shea butter or mango butter for a smoothing effect, ceramides, and botanical oils like squalane, grapeseed, jojoba, sunflower, and rosehip. Then, apply your favorite SPF to protect your skin from the sun (in hopes you make it outside post-hangover).

1.

Hydrate while drinking.

“Drinking water before, during, and after alcohol intake can help to reduce the effects of alcohol on the body,” Garshick notes. It might not be easy to remember this step, but it’s crucial for managing your hangover and skin troubles the next day. 

If you really want to level up, consider having an electrolyte replacement mixed in a glass of water right before you fall asleep—the Hydrating Electrolyte Mix packets from Cure are one A+ choice. 

This one is fairly obvious, but certainly worth a reminder: If drinking is negatively impacting your physical or mental health, consider limiting yourself to one or two beverages each time you go out.

In addition, you may want to reserve drinking alcohol for special occasions if it’s not a habit that aligns with how you want to feel, again, physically and mentally. Or, take a break altogether if you feel inclined. 

3.

Choose better beverages. 

• Wine, notably red wine, contains polyphenols
• Light liquors contain less sugar, and therefore are better for the skin
• Try and keep an eye on the mixers you use—skip processed juices or sugary sodas.
• For those who like their cocktails on the sweeter side, fresh fruit juices have more antioxidants

4.

Prepare for hangxiety. 

If you know hangxiety and a night out come in a package deal for you, then it’s a good idea to prepare for it. Do this by incorporating relaxing activities into your next morning—think yoga, breathwork, a walk outside, watching your favorite show, etc. 

In addition, CBD may help you beat the post-party jitters, so have a supplement on hand should you need it—here’s a list of our favorite CBD gummies if you’re in the market.