I hate to be the bearer of bad news, especially when it involves my evening glass of wine.

As a millennial, I thoroughly enjoy winding down with a glass of wine. And girls’ nights? Give me good company and a fun new spritzer concoction, and I’m happy!

So believe me when I say this newsletter pains me to write.

Unfortunately, the more I learn about cellular aging, the harder it becomes to ignore what alcohol is actually doing beneath the surface of our skin.

And spoiler alert: it’s not doing us any favors.

Alcohol, Inflammation & Aging

If you’ve been following my newsletters, you know I talk a LOT about inflammation and its role in aging.

Inflammation is a natural and necessary part of our body’s healing process. But when it becomes chronic, it can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin—the proteins responsible for keeping our skin firm, smooth, and youthful.

Here’s where alcohol comes in.

When we drink, our bodies metabolize alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic compound that contributes to oxidative stress. Alcohol consumption, particularly when frequent or excessive, can also trigger inflammatory pathways throughout the body.

Over time, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress can contribute to collagen degradation, fine lines, and loss of skin elasticity.

In other words, that evening glass of wine may be working against some of the very things we’re trying to accomplish with our skincare routines.

Why You Wake Up Puffy, Dry & Dull

Ever wake up after a fun night and wonder why your face looks a little different?

Alcohol can act as a diuretic, increasing fluid loss and contributing to dehydration. When our skin is dehydrated, fine lines may become more noticeable, and our complexion can appear dull and less plump.

But here’s the confusing part: you can be dehydrated and puffy at the same time!

Alcohol-related sleep disruption, salty foods, and changes in fluid balance can all contribute to that dreaded morning puffiness.

And speaking of sleep, alcohol may help you fall asleep faster, but it can disrupt the quality of your sleep later in the night.

Since sleep is essential for healthy skin recovery, that’s another strike against our beloved cocktails.

But Is Alcohol Really Making Us Look Older?

Interestingly, a 2019 study involving more than 3,200 women found that heavier alcohol consumption was associated with more pronounced facial lines, under-eye puffiness, and midface volume loss.

While this doesn’t prove alcohol directly caused those changes, it supports the connection between drinking habits and visible signs of aging.

And when you consider alcohol’s effects on inflammation, oxidative stress, hydration, and sleep, the relationship becomes easier to understand.

What About Red Wine? Aren’t There Antioxidants?

I know. I was hoping we could use this argument too.

Red wine contains polyphenols, including resveratrol, which have been studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Sounds promising, right?

Here’s the catch.

The amounts found in wine are relatively small, and the potential benefits of these compounds do not cancel out the health risks associated with consuming alcohol.

You can also obtain beneficial polyphenols from foods such as grapes, berries, and other plant-based sources—without the alcohol.

So unfortunately, we can’t really classify our evening glass of red wine as an anti-aging treatment.

Trust me, I wish we could.

So…Do We Have to Give Up Wine?

Listen, I’m not suggesting we abandon girls’ night or never enjoy another glass of wine.

But I do think it’s important to recognize that healthy skin isn’t just about the products we use or the treatments we invest in. It’s also about what we’re doing internally.

Drinking less frequently, staying hydrated, prioritizing quality sleep, and occasionally swapping that cocktail for a mocktail are all reasonable places to start.

And while water can help with hydration, it doesn’t erase alcohol’s other effects on the body.

The bottom line?

You can invest in all the collagen-stimulating treatments and regenerative skincare products you want, but your lifestyle still matters.

As for me? I’ll still enjoy a glass of wine now and then. I might just think twice before pouring that second one.

Cheers to making informed choices, aging gracefully, and finding a little balance along the way!

-Lanae

GloWild Regenerative Skin Studio

875 Feinberg Ct. Suite 100
Cary, Illinois 60013, United States