Christmas work party? Family gatherings? ‘Friendmas’? The festive season will undoubtedly be merry. Maybe too merry. You may have woken up with a headache, an obscure food craving, puffy eyes, maybe even a couple of new blemishes - here’s why.
Skin dehydration
One of the primary reasons we may be waking up with dull, lacklustre looking skin after a night of drinking is due to dehydration. One study found that a minimum of two alcoholic drinks per day might be enough to damage the skin, as it dehydrates the body causing the skin to appear drier, feel less plump, and it can also make your fine lines more visible.
One of the primary reasons we may be waking up with dull, lacklustre looking skin after a night of drinking is due to dehydration.
In the long term, experts have documented a dramatic difference between someone who has been drinking heavily (which is consuming five or more drinks per week for men and four or more for women) for 20 to 30 years versus someone who hasn’t. The cause? Damage caused by dehydration.
To combat this, we recommend returning to the age old advice - one glass of water for every alcoholic drink. It works like a charm.
Inflammation
We’ve all been there, quickly popped to the bathroom at a drinks party, only to be met with the horror of a bright red face in the mirror. This redness is down to inflammation, as alcohol can create a histamine reaction.
Additionally, a couple of cocktails can also change the hormonal milieu in the skin which can worsen pre-existing inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and rosacea. With continuous consumption, the redness can become prominent and more different to ease.
A couple of cocktails can also change the hormonal milieu in the skin which can worsen pre-existing inflammatory skin conditions such as acne and rosacea.
Once again, the best quick fix is to drink plenty of water. Consider adding a superfood powder, such as Green Me Up™, as the power-packed dose of daily green, red and yellow superfoods will help to support a healthy gut balance and to support vitality and physical wellbeing - all while reducing that pesky redness.
Drink less
It’s not revolutionary, we know, but the best way to reduce the negative effects of alcohol is simply to consume less. If cutting alcohol completely isn't on the cards for you, the study recommends combatting the aftermath by staying on top of your skincare routine, and considering using products with beneficial components, like antioxidants, to negate the effects of alcohol on the skin.
What are the worst drinks for skin?
If your concern is acne and inflammatory skin conditions such as a rosacea, it’s best to avoid drinks with high sugar contents. This includes wine, cocktails and any mixers that are packed with sugar, as these excessive levels are likely to increase your chance of breakouts and inflammation.
As a general rule of thumb, the clearer the better.
As a general rule of thumb, the clearer the better. One study proved that spirits, such as vodka, gin, and tequila get out of your system quicker. If you’re prone to digestive problems, try vodka that doesn’t have a grain in it, like a potato vodka. You may find it’s a lot easier on the digestive system.
Conversely, some wines (particularly red wines) contain antioxidants like polyphenols and resveratrol, which have been proven to provide some health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Such as reducing your risk of cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases.
What to do the day after the night before:
Along with drinking alcohol in moderation when possible and sticking to a consistent skincare routine, eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and taking measures to de-stress are all integral to maintaining clear, healthy skin. But, for those days where all you need are a quick-fix, here are our go-to tips:
Combat puffiness with ice
Start your routine with these easy, at-home remedies to soothe puffy, hungover skin. You can either wrap a few ice cubes in a clean cloth and apply gently to the inflammation or dip your face into a bowl of cold, ice water. Either can bring relief and calm sensitive skin – and may even help to reduce a banging headache.
Vitamin C
Antioxidants play an important role in removing free radicals and protecting skin from damage. We recommend Superactive Capsules Pure Double Vitamin C & Vitamin E Serum, our capsules give a double dose of pure Vitamin C, and are boosted with Vitamin E Acetate. They help to visibly firm, smooth and brighten, minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone
Hyaluronic Acid
Anything with Hyaluronic Acid is going to be your best friend. It acts like a magnet for moisture, helping your cells retain as much of it as possible so that your skin feels and appears hydrated, plump and healthy.
Our Japanfusion Genius Lift Elixir is a concentrated lifting elixir that is like an instant shot of skin magic. Just add a few drops into toner or serum (or massage straight onto cleansed skin) and your complexion will look immediately more elastic, dewy and hydrated.
Bring out the face masks
A face mask is always the perfect antidote to those feeling a little worse-for-wear. Have a few Japanfusion 10-Minute-Miracle Sheet Masks on hand. These nano-emulsion, ultra-hydrating sheet masks work as the perfect pre-makeup base to erase the exhaustion from your face.
Eye gels to depuff
You’ve tried to ice them, and now a serum-soaked eye gels are the only answer. Our Depuffing Undereye Gel Patches are powered by Eyeliss™ (the most effective depuffing Lipopeptide Complex) Niacinamide and Arctic Algae - guarantee quick-fix.
Makeup tips that hide the evidence of the night before
Focus on the lip:
For when you want to draw attention away from the slightly sunken eyes, consider making your lips the statement. A bright, vivacious red or pop of lively pink will have all eyes on your lips and away from the evidence of excess.
White eyeliner:
Such a statement lip will only be elevated with the pop of white eyeliner to brighten your eyes. Add a swipe of nude or white eyeliner on your lashes and watch your eyes transform.
The all-in smokey eye
A smokey eye is the makeup equivalent to hair of the dog (plus, it’s recommended by celebrity makeup artist Pati Dubroff so it has to work). We recommend using the Beauty Pie X Pati Dubroff Deluxe Eyeshadow Quad in Smokey Eye, it creates a modern smoky eye in four simple steps.
And now you’re ready for round two (or twelve).
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