Another one

We have once again found ourselves in lockdown, and with little routine, dark evenings and all New Year resolutions pushed firmly aside. And the bottle is looking forever a tempting way to pass the time, however how much to we really know about the effects of drinking on our appearance, both long and short term?

But at what cost?

According to research by the DryJan charity around 78% of Brits drink more than they want or intend to. And, whilst we are aware that alcohol can leave us feeling a little groggy, what affect does it have on our skin?

We are all aware that alcohol is dehydrating, however drinking in excess also makes it harder for our bodies rehydrate afterwards, leaving us with dull, dry skin. Dehydrated skin can also mean that fine line and wrinkles become more prominent, due to the lack of fluid, and if you have dermal fillers being dehydrated can be detrimental to their longevity.

In fact, drinking excessively for a prolonged period of time (years) can add up to 10 years onto your appearance in later life. Alcohol can also add inflammation and redness to the skin, and if you’re drinking something with a high sugar content watch out for the breakouts.

Alcohol can also be detrimental to our immune systems, as it interferes with the microbes and bacteria within our guts, all in all the risks of heavy drinking come hard and fast.

Ready for a change?

Revesring the affects of drinking takes three days for your liver to cleanse your system and dispose oft he toxins form the alcohol. If you do give it up, the good thing is that your skin, like any other organ, has the ability to regenerate. Regeneration will start pretty quickly, but that can depend on the damage done.

What can we do to help?

Drink water.

Now this seems obvious, but drink water - lots of it - before and after drinking alcohol. This will help the body recover quickly, get rid of toxins and replenish dyhydrated skin, saving it from dulling.

Products & Routine.

As easy as it is to fall into bed after a night of drinking, or perhaps you have had a late one on zoom catching up with your friends and family, if you have made the effort to put on make up - take it off again! This sounds so simple but many of us neglect our skin and avoid routine on drinking nights.

I always recommend using the Obagi product ranges, such as the vitamin c serum - this penetrates deeper into the skin and immediately helps to replenish, rehydrate and brighten the skin, it also stimulates collagen, helping reduce the appearance of fine lines made more prominent from drinking.

I also recommend using the NuDerm system at home at a time when you can not come to the clinic for other treatments, this is prescription only skin care and can be ordered through me, just send me a DM and I will have the kit posted to you within a couple of days, ready for you to start a healthy habit over this lockdown.

You also have the option of buying products individually if you are finding money tight, my top 3 would be:

• SPF 50 matte

• Hydrate moisturiser

• Vitamin C serum

In clinic Treatments at Update Aesthetics:

Lastly, when we can see your lovely faces again, myself and my team of Nurses offer a range of treatments that will help make you feel rejuvenated, whether your skin needs a pick me up or you just need some TLC.

• Profhilo:

  Profhilo is a pure hyaluronic acid which treats skin laxity and improves skin health. Profhilo hydrates the skin and triggers collagen and elastin production. It results in the bio-remodelling of the skin and dramatically improves the quality of the skin. It boosts the natural production of four different types of collagen and elastin from within the skin.

• Gentle Skin Peel:

  A gentle peel perfect for those looking to refresh and rejuvenate their skin. We offer Obagi’s blue radiance peel. This is a non invasive peel with no downtime, that can be done within a half hour time slot for those with busy schedules.

• Light therapy treatment:

  . This treatment stimulates blood circulation and hydration to energise the cellular function and stimulate cellular processes. We are lucky to have our skin therapist Jai, who can tailor a treatment plan to your wants and needs, check out her Instagram @jai_skin_laser_beauty_truro.
  
  I hope you find a way to make time for your self care this lockdown, if you want an online consultation for skin care, or some friendly advice, I’m always available on the Update Aesthetics pages, just drop me a message!

  Love,

  Nina x