Alcohol and the Skin: Effects, Redness, Broken Capillaries and How to Repair Damage

Alcohol can have a significant impact on skin health. From dehydration and dullness to redness, breakouts and visible red spider veins around the nose, regular alcohol consumption affects the skin at multiple levels.

Understanding how alcohol affects the skin - and how to repair and protect it - helps minimise long-term damage and maintain a clearer, healthier-looking complexion.

Skin Secrets Summary: Alcohol and Skin Health

What it is	Alcohol affects the skin by increasing dehydration, inflammation and blood vessel dilation, contributing to redness and premature ageing.
Best for	All skin types, particularly those prone to redness, dehydration or broken capillaries.
Ideal if	You experience flushed skin, dryness, dullness, breakouts or red spider veins around the nose after alcohol.
Not ideal if	Skin conditions such as rosacea or severe inflammation require medical supervision.
Key benefits	Improves hydration; reduces redness; strengthens the skin barrier; supports repair; protects against premature ageing.
Key ingredients	Antioxidants, niacinamide, peptides, hyaluronic acid, soothing lipids.

How does alcohol affect the skin?

Alcohol affects the skin both immediately and over time. It acts as a diuretic, increases inflammation and dilates blood vessels, all of which can compromise skin health.

Key effects include dehydration, redness, congestion and accelerated skin ageing.

Alcohol and skin dehydration

Alcohol increases fluid loss and reduces the skin’s ability to retain moisture. This can result in:

• Dryness and tightness
• Loss of glow
• Fine lines appearing more pronounced
• Slower overnight skin repair

Dehydrated skin is also more vulnerable to irritation and barrier damage.

Alcohol, inflammation and skin redness

Alcohol triggers vasodilation - widening of the blood vessels - which causes flushing and redness. Repeated exposure increases inflammation and weakens capillary walls, making redness more persistent over time.

This is particularly noticeable on the cheeks and around the nose.

Red spider veins around the nose and alcohol

One of the most common long-term skin effects of alcohol is the appearance of red spider veins (broken capillaries), particularly around the nose. Repeated alcohol-induced vasodilation weakens capillary walls, causing them to rupture and remain permanently visible on the skin.

While skincare can help calm redness and strengthen the skin barrier, established broken capillaries cannot be removed with topical products alone.

In clinic, red spider veins around the nose are effectively treated with Nd:YAG laser therapy. This laser targets haemoglobin within the visible blood vessel, causing it to collapse and gradually be reabsorbed by the body, while protecting surrounding skin. Nd:YAG laser treatment is especially effective for deeper or more stubborn vessels commonly found in the nasal area.

For best results, laser treatment can be supported with anti-inflammatory, barrier-strengthening skincare to help calm redness and reduce future vascular stress.

Alcohol and breakouts

Alcohol can worsen breakouts by:

• Increasing oil production
• Disrupting hormone balance
• Slowing cell turnover
• Triggering inflammation

This can lead to congestion, enlarged pores and inflammatory blemishes, particularly on the nose, chin and jawline.

Alcohol and premature skin ageing

Regular alcohol consumption accelerates skin ageing by:

• Increasing oxidative stress
• Reducing collagen and elastin
• Weakening the skin barrier
• Slowing cellular repair

Over time, skin may appear thinner, duller and less resilient.

How to repair alcohol-related skin damage

An effective recovery routine should focus on:

• Rehydrating the skin
• Reducing inflammation
• Supporting overnight repair
• Strengthening the skin barrier

Dr Sebagh skincare for alcohol-affected skin

When skin is stressed by alcohol, the priority is to calm inflammation, restore hydration and support the skin barrier. Anti-inflammatory, soothing formulas help reduce redness, discomfort and visible fatigue while promoting recovery.

Rose de Vie Range

A calming, antioxidant-rich range designed to comfort stressed and sensitised skin.

Benefits:

• Helps reduce redness and irritation
• Supports the skin barrier
• Provides nourishing hydration
• Protects against environmental stressors

Ideal for skin that feels flushed, reactive or depleted after alcohol.

Serum Repair

A deeply hydrating serum formulated to replenish moisture levels and support barrier recovery.

Benefits:

• Restores hydration to dehydrated skin
• Improves skin softness and comfort
• Helps reduce the appearance of dehydration lines
• Supports overall skin resilience

Especially beneficial when alcohol-related dehydration leaves skin tight or dull.

Exo C Booster

A powerful antioxidant booster designed to help counteract oxidative stress and inflammation.

Benefits:

• Helps neutralise free-radical damage
• Supports brighter, more even-looking skin
• Strengthens skin’s defence against environmental stress
• Enhances recovery following inflammation

Ideal for offsetting the oxidative impact of alcohol on the skin.

De-Puff Eye Cream

A targeted eye treatment formulated to reduce swelling and signs of fatigue.

Benefits:

• Helps reduce puffiness
• Improves hydration in the delicate eye area
• Refreshes tired-looking eyes
• Supports microcirculation

Particularly effective after alcohol-related fluid retention.

Instant Fix Eye Lift Gel

An immediate-action eye treatment for visible signs of fatigue.

Benefits:

• Provides an instant smoothing and tightening effect
• Helps reduce the appearance of puffiness
• Brightens the under-eye area
• Ideal for mornings after alcohol consumption

Best used as a quick, visible refresh when eyes appear tired or swollen.

In-clinic treatment for broken capillaries

While skincare can improve redness and skin resilience, laser treatment is the most effective solution for red spider veins around the nose.

Laser technology targets visible blood vessels, helping reduce redness safely and effectively. A professional consultation ensures the treatment is appropriate for your skin type and concerns.

How to reduce alcohol’s impact on the skin

• Drink water alongside alcohol
• Avoid harsh cleansing after drinking
• Use barrier-supporting skincare
• Prioritise sleep and recovery
• Limit fragrance and strong actives when skin is flushed

Conclusion

Alcohol affects the skin by increasing dehydration, inflammation and vascular stress. Over time, this can lead to redness, dullness, breakouts, visible red spider veins around the nose and premature ageing.

By supporting skin recovery with hydration, antioxidants and targeted night care, many of alcohol’s visible effects can be minimised. For persistent redness and broken capillaries, professional laser treatment offers the most effective solution.

A balanced approach combining lifestyle awareness, expert skincare and in-clinic treatments helps maintain clearer, calmer and healthier-looking skin long term

Discover more about rosacea and broken capillaries on the Dr Sebagh Youtube channel