Women ditching wine to preserve appearance, survey reveals

Women are forsaking alcohol to maintain their appearance, results of a recent survey have revealed. According to a poll carried out by research organisation YouGov, 73% of women between the ages of 25 and 34 claim to drink less than the recommended limit of 14 units. Meanwhile, 75% of 35- to 44-year-olds and, more surprisingly, 18- to 24-year-olds have made the same claim.

Being “constantly aware” of their appearance and behaviour were the reasons cited by 75% for backing away from the bottle. Not only is this a good decision, as far as swerving beer goggles is concerned, but it will help skin to avoid bearing the aesthetic brunt of continuous nights on the tiles.

Nina Goad, a spokesperson for the British Association of Dermatologists, said: “One of the effects of alcohol is to dilate the small blood vessels in the skin, which can make the skin appear redder, giving that ‘flushed’ look that is often associated with drinking. People who are already prone to blushing and facial flushing may notice that this worsens after drinking alcohol, even if they are not regular drinkers. Repeated reddening in this manner can also lead to thread veins. Likewise, alcohol also causes the tiny blood vessels on the surface of the eye to widen, making them more visible and resulting in bloodshot eyes.

“Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it dehydrates the body by causing the kidneys to get rid of excess fluid in the form of urine. This dehydrates your body generally, including the skin, which is your body’s largest organ. This happens every time you drink alcohol. Alcohol is also thought to deprive the skin of certain vital vitamins and nutrients.”

11 Jun 2009
By Sara McCorquodale

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