It seems like we’re always in pursuit of perfect skin and trying new treatments and tips along the way.

From increasing our daily water consumption to altering our daily skincare routines, we take the matter of our skin very seriously.

But there’s one simple skin fix that we don’t talk about often enough: reducing our alcohol intake.

According to a 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 86.4 percent of people ages 18 or older reported that they drank alcohol at some point in their lifetime; 70.1 percent reported that they drank in the past year; 56.0 percent reported that they drank in the past month.

Basically, what this boils down to is: most people drink. Regularly.

And hey, I'm not here to judge! There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a favorite alcoholic beverage or two when you’re drinking responsibly.

But it’s worth noting the effect drinking alcohol has on our bodies.

And what’s the biggest organ in the body? The skin!

So, if you’ve had a few too many drinks recently, have no fear. You can combat the effects of alcohol on your skin.

Sit back, listen, and learn (I promise not to be too loud).

Alcohol + Your Skin

Here’s what an imbibing on an excess amount of alcohol causes in your skin:

• Dehydration
• Dullness
• Enlarged Pores
• Discoloration
• Sagging
• Fine Lines

Why? Because alcohol creates an inflammation throughout your entire body, including your skin.

Excess alcohol alters the blood flow to your skin, which can leave it looking less than ideal for up to a few days after drinking!

Blood vessels that are typically quite small can widen, which allows for more blood flow near the surface.

This is why when drinking, you often feel or look flushed - your facial capillaries may be broken.

Alcohol forces the water out of your body (it’s a diuretic) while making it harder to rehydrate quickly after drinking.

So, it’s basically like a double-edged sword for your body and skin.

Beyond all of this, alcohol also decreases your body’s level of vitamin A.

If you don’t know, vitamin A is a powerful natural antioxidant. Decreasing it can stunt cell renewal and cell turnover, which can make your skin appear dull and susceptible to free radicals.

So What Is Considered An ‘Excess’ Amount Of Alcohol?

If we’re talking about skin and body damage, it’s important to know what constitutes a full drink and what counts as way too much to drink.

According to the Center for Disease Control, a standard drink contains 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of pure alcohol is found in the following:

• 12 ounces of beer
• 8 ounces of malt liquor
• 5 ounces of wine
• 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor

Heavy drinking is defined as consuming:

• For women, 8 or more drinks per week.
• For men, 15 or more drinks per week.

The CDC does note that most people who drink excessively are not alcoholics or alcohol dependent.

What To Do When You’ve Overindulged

It happens to the best of us!

Drink lots of water as it will take longer to rehydrate, and you’ll need every last bit of it.

I personally recommend vitamin C too.

And choosing your liquor wisely! Vodka leaves your system faster and contains less sugar than dark liquors or wines, for example.

Now go take two aspirin!

Product Roundup

Perfect for a variety of skin types, especially dry, combo, and sensitive skin, Alana's Daily Vitamin C Moisturizer delivers hydrating, anti-aging, and rejuvenating results!

This formula is a wonderful option for:

• Rosacea
• Eczema
• Sensitive skin
• BONUS: It’s artificial fragrance- and paraben-free!

The Image Skincare Biomolecular Hydrating Recovery Mask is a next-generation sheet mask constructed from a unique, patented hydrogel technology.

It's derived from red algae and carob tree and is designed to increase the delivery of active ingredients into the skin for the ultimate hydrating recovery.

The breathable, 3-D design traps moisture, helping active ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin.

The mask infuses skin with a fusion of:

• Volcanic water
• Ginseng root extract
• Amino acids
• Antioxidants

Osmosis Skincare Harmonized Water Hangover is your new drinking buddy! It might sound strange, but it’s true!

This unique product balances the body after over-consumption of alcohol to prevent hangovers, headaches, and nausea associated with over-indulgence.

Working inside the body to correct the hangover before it starts, Osmosis Skincare Harmonized Water Hangover stimulates cell activity and restores healthy function so you don’t have to feel awful after having so much fun.

Take Osmosis Skincare Harmonized Water Hangover every time you drink, and reduce the effects of alcohol!

If dark shadows appear after your fun night out, smooth on this mineral-rich concealer that not only looks good but feels good for your eyes.

Bright, beautiful eyes are yours for the taking with Glo Minerals Concealer Under Eye. This concealer is filled with therapeutic and hydrating ingredients sure to pamper and treat the delicate skin under your eyes. This concealer contains:

• An antioxidant blend of vitamins A, C, E
• Green Tea Extract to soothe and comfort.

The talc-free, non-comedogenic formula protects the delicate skin from irritation as it corrects and treats hyperpigmentation and dark circles.

Final Thoughts

If you had a little too much fun this weekend, don't worry! There are skincare products that will definitely help you look and feel your best.

Beauties, what are your go-to products or recovery methods after a night out? Share with us in the comments!