Long, sunny days and warm nights are the perfect recipe for social gatherings, and with them come some of summer's greatest pleasures: frosty cocktails, sweet ice cream, and smoky BBQ. While these indulgences are part of what makes the season special, they can sometimes leave a calling card on our skin in the form of redness, puffiness, and unexpected breakouts.
If you've ever wondered why your skin looks less than its best after a weekend of fun, you're not alone. There is a direct connection between what we consume and how our skin behaves. Let's break down the science behind how two common culprits, alcohol and sugar, affect your glow and what you can do about it.
The Sugar Effect: Glycation and Inflammation
That extra scoop of ice cream or the sweet BBQ sauce on your ribs contains high amounts of sugar. When you consume excess sugar, it can lead to a process called glycation. In simple terms, the sugar molecules attach to proteins in your body, including the collagen and elastin that keep your skin firm and youthful. This process creates harmful molecules that weaken your collagen, leading to premature aging and fine lines. Furthermore, high-sugar diets are pro-inflammatory, which can trigger redness and worsen conditions like acne and rosacea.
The Alcohol Effect: Dehydration and Flushing
A refreshing margarita might feel hydrating, but alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes your body to lose water. This leads to dehydrated skin, which can look dull, dry, and show fine lines more prominently. Alcohol also causes your blood vessels to dilate, which is why you might experience temporary flushing or redness. For those with sensitive or rosacea-prone skin, this can trigger a more prolonged inflammatory response.
Your "Damage Control" Skincare Routine
While the best defense is moderation, you can support your skin topically with a routine focused on calming, hydrating, and de-puffing.
To Calm Redness & Inflammation
After a night of indulgence, your skin needs to be soothed. Our Gentle Probiotic Calming Lotion is rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients and balancing probiotics that help to reduce visible redness and calm a stressed complexion.
To Address Puffiness
Both sugar and alcohol can lead to fluid retention, which often shows up as puffiness around the eyes. Our Soothing + Revitalizing Eye Cream helps to de-puff the delicate eye area, leaving you looking more rested and refreshed.
To Rehydrate and Restore Radiance
To counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol, drench your skin in moisture. The HydraGlow Illuminating Serum provides a powerful dose of Hyaluronic Acid to replenish lost hydration, while its light-reflecting minerals help to instantly restore a healthy, vibrant glow.
Interested in how diet impacts breakouts specifically? Read our guide on The Acne and Diet Connection.
Enjoying the tastes of summer is part of a balanced life. And with the right skincare recovery plan, you can support your skin so it stays as happy and healthy as you are.
