How Alcohol Affects Your Skin While Tanning

You’re lounging by the pool, the sun beating down, and maybe you have a drink in hand. It seems like a perfect summer day, but while you’re busy relaxing, alcohol might be doing more than just giving you a buzz: it could be sabotaging your skin.

From dehydration to increased sensitivity, alcohol’s effects can turn your tanning session into a recipe for damage. Let’s explore how quitting or cutting back on alcohol can lead to better skin and a healthier glow.

The Science Behind Tanning

Tanning is our body’s natural response to ultraviolet (UV) exposure. UV rays from the sun penetrate the outer layers of our skin, triggering cells called melanocytes. 

Melanocytes produce melanin, which is the pigment responsible for giving our skin its color. So, we might think we’re just getting a sun-kissed glow from tanning, but it’s actually our body’s way of protecting itself from further damage.

Excessive exposure to UV rays damages skin cells, accelerates aging, and increases the risk of skin cancer. So, although we might be seeking that golden glow or that sun-kissed radiance that says “I just came back from vacation,” it’s important that we understand the long-term effect tanning can have on our skin’s health. 

Alcohol and Suntanning: A Sun-Kissed Hazard

Alcohol and suntanning can be a dangerous combo. This is because of the different ways alcohol affects our skin:

• It increases UV sensitivity. UV rays damage our skin to begin with, and alcohol only makes it worse. One study showed that alcohol consumption and UV exposure together resulted in greater skin damage, impaired melanin response (the response that the skin uses to protect against UV rays), fewer antioxidants, immune system impairment, and DNA damage. Adding alcohol to our tanning routine makes our skin more susceptible to sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer.
• It dries out our skin. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it promotes excess water loss, leading to dehydration. This sucks the moisture out of our skin, leading to dry, flaky skin that’s more prone to sunburn and damage from UV rays. The combination of dehydration and a weakened immune response makes our skin more sensitive to UV rays.
• It impairs our judgment. Drinking dulls our sense of caution and awareness, making us less likely to use or reapply sunscreen, seek shade, or limit our time in the sun, increasing our risk of overexposure to harmful UV radiation. 
• It impairs recovery. Alcohol interferes with our body’s natural healing processes. This means that if we do get sunburned, our skin takes longer to recover and repair itself, prolonging discomfort. 

Drinking in the sun amplifies the risks of sun damage, leading to long-term skin issues that go far beyond a temporary tan. But there’s even more!

Other Risks of Drinking In the Sun

Beyond the increased risk of skin damage, drinking in the sun can lead to a host of other complications. Be mindful of these risks:

• Increased dehydration. As we’ve discussed, alcohol exacerbates dehydration, which affects more than just our skin. Dehydration can leave us feeling weak and lightheaded, impacting our comfort and safety. 
• Risk of heat exhaustion. Alcohol can disrupt our body’s ability to regulate temperature properly. When combined with sun exposure, the risk of heat exhaustion, which causes symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and a rapid heartbeat, is heightened.
• Reduced physical coordination. Drinking impairs coordination, which can be further compromised by the sun’s effects. This increases the risk of falls and accidents, especially when we’re engaging in outdoor activities. 
• Greater fatigue. Alcohol and sun exposure are a recipe for heightened fatigue. Drinking can disrupt our sleep patterns and hydration levels, while the sun’s heat can drain our energy, leaving us feeling even more tired and sluggish.
• More severe sunburns. Alcohol and sunburns don’t mix well. Alcohol actually increases the risk of sunburns because it decreases the protective effects of the skin’s antioxidant network, which helps neutralize free radicals from UV exposure.

By recognizing the potential dangers and taking proactive steps, we can enjoy our time outdoors while minimizing these health hazards.

Prioritize Health While Having Fun in the Sun

To keep us feeling our best and minimize the risks associated with alcohol and sun exposure, it’s essential to implement mindful habits. Here are some things we can do:

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after a day in the sun. This helps counteract dehydration caused by both alcohol and the sun. 
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect us against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Go for sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply every two hours. 
• Cover up. Wear a hat, sunglasses, or light clothing to shield your skin and eyes from direct sunlight.
• Seek shade during peak hours. Try to limit direct sun exposure during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Opt for an umbrella or stay covered up with clothing.
• Avoid alcohol. Opt for alcohol-free alternatives or hydrating beverages to curb dehydration, help prevent heat exhaustion, and lower risk of skin damage. 
• Stay moisturized. Applying moisturizer after sun exposure helps replenish hydration in our skin. 

We can still enjoy time in the sun by taking these precautions to maintain our health and well-being. 

A Healthier Glow

As we chase that sun-kissed glow, it’s clear that alcohol and suntanning are a risky combination. The mix of dehydration, increased UV sensitivity, and impaired recovery creates a perfect storm for skin damage and long-term health issues. Instead of risking our skin for a fleeting tan, stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and steer clear of alcohol to enjoy a healthier, more radiant glow. Let’s raise a glass (of water or a refreshing mocktail) to keep our fun in the sun risk-free!