Easy hacks to prevent hungover skin after a night of excessive drinking

When the day after a night of unrestrained alcohol and little sleep calls for a fresh face, it takes some work. We speak with two skincare experts to understand—and avoid— hungover skin

Ever since our lives have somewhat gone back to what they were before the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020, it seems like there isn’t a dedicated party season as such—celebrations and social events are plentiful, no matter the month. With parties come bottomless cocktails and flutes of bubbly; all fun in the moment, not so much the next day. Whether it’s December’s back-to-back festivities or a multi-day wedding you’re at, when the day after a night of debauchery calls for a fresh face, it takes a little bit of work. We roped in two skin experts to help us understand—and avoid—hungover skin. 

What is hungover skin?

If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’ve experienced a hangover or two (or more) in your life. This also means you’ve woken up the next day with skin that doesn’t feel as good as it otherwise does. Dryness, dullness, dehydration, excessive oiliness, possible acne bumps, pronounced signs of ageing and enhanced dark circles, are all signs of hungover skin. Dr Jaishree Sharad, celebrity dermatologist and medical director, Skinfiniti Aesthetic & Laser Clinic, details it out for us. “Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it dehydrates your skin. Sugar in certain alcoholic drinks enables a process called glycation which leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibres causing fine lines and dilated pores. Sugar can also cause a spike in the androgen hormones and sebum secretion resulting in pimples. Additionally, alcohol results in inflammation of the skin and aggravates conditions like rosacea and psoriasis. As a pro-inflammatory, it contributes to puffiness, redness and flushing.” The effects of excessive drinking don’t stop here—think dark circles and decreased natural melatonin production, thanks to skimping on sleep.

Nursing your skin back to health

While you may not feel like committing to a long skincare routine, especially when you’re not feeling your most energetic, a few hacks can help bring your skin to life. Here’s what the experts recommend:

- “Supplements of Vitamin C or citrus fruits, pure lemon shots and antioxidant supplements such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase help to neutralise the free radicals that accumulate due to consumption of alcohol,” says Dr Sharad. Dr Geetika Mittal Gupta, aesthetic physician and founder, ISAAC Luxe (International Skin & Anti-Aging Centre), recommends taking to steam or even charcoal supplements to detoxify your body. She also suggests eating a hearty breakfast that features eggs and complex carbohydrates. The L-Cysteine in eggs helps break down and release toxins.

- Puffiness tends to be the most prominent concern when your skin is hungover. Dr Mittal Gupta recommends combating it by icing your skin or incorporating a face massage. “Use a face tool like the gua sha to improve lymphatic drainage. The Biologique Recherche Cryo Sticks can significantly reduce inflammation and puffiness.”

- Dr Sharad shares the products to use, based on the hangover signs you’re experiencing. “Use hyaluronic acid serums to hydrate the skin. Try ceramide-based moisturisers to repair your skin. Medicated creams such as oxymetazoline, tacrolimus or pimecrolimus are prescribed when there is excessive redness. Use a salicylic acid or an azelaic acid-based serum if you have breakouts. Lastly, consume probiotics to cleanse your gut.” Dr Mittal Gupta recommends hydrating face masks to give your skin a moisture boost and revive it.

Can you avoid hungover skin?

Even when you’re partying into the night, there is a way to reduce its detrimental effects the morning after. Dr Mittal Gupta recommends consuming high protein and fibre-rich snacks while you drink to slow down the absorption of alcohol. Dr Sharad reiterates what we’ve always been told: “Drink water intermittently between alcoholic drinks and avoid soda or aerated drinks with your alcohol.” She also suggests avoiding drinking on an empty stomach. Instead, load up on fresh fruits like berries and vegetables like spinach and avocado before you head out since they are potent antioxidants.

Post-party season care

Once the festivities have come to an end and you’ve got a few weeks of comparatively easy nights, it’s time to give your skin some TLC to allow it time to recover. Dr Sharad advises: “Have a lot of bright-coloured fruits such as berries, pomegranates and dark grapes which are rich in antioxidants. You can also take antioxidant supplements. Exfoliate your skin and unclog pores by using a scrub once a week. A Vitamin C serum is a good active ingredient to neutralise the free radicals which accumulate due to skin abuse. Using an AHA or BHA serum thrice a week will also help in mild chemical exfoliation and remove dead skin. Regular exercise and sweating helps to excrete toxins from the skin. Lastly, sleep it out—your body needs time to recover and sleep does its magic for recovery.

Also Read: Why the air conditioner in your office could silently be damaging your skin

Also Read: How can you tell whether your skin is dehydrated?

Also Read: 8 hydrating serums that’ll give you the dewy skin of your dreams