Although cumulative sun exposure causes 90% of skin aging, the other 10% comes from a number of different sources. It turns out alcohol (along with smoking and environmental pollutants) is a major culprit. A recent study published in the Journal of Pharmacological and Biophysical Research showed that consuming alcohol, even in moderation, caused levels of antioxidants in the skin to decrease in as little as 8 minutes. Other major findings of this study were that, of the 6 healthy patients tested, all of them experienced an increased susceptibility to sunburns when exposed to UV light.
The researchers also found that eating antioxidant-rich foods (such as oranges) while drinking alcohol counteracted the decrease in antioxidant levels. Specifically, the powerful antioxidants of the carotenoid family were affected the most. It is theorized that a synergistic effect between alcohol and sun exposure overwhelmed the natural protective mechanisms of the skin. Carotenoids serve as important coenzymes and cofactors in protecting the skin against harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). Since ROS are key players in causing skin aging, a decrease in the levels of skin carotenoids can lead to accelerated signs of skin aging, such as fine wrinkles, brown spots, and a rough texture.
If you are going to imbibe at your next beach party, Dana Point Dermatology recommends a few things. First, apply a micro-sized zinc-oxide-based SPF 30 sunscreen throughout the day. Zinc oxide is broad spectrum, meaning that it protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (skin cancer) rays. Studies have shown that a key advantage of zinc oxide is that it protects against the UVA-1 rays better than titanium dioxide. This is key because UVA-1 penetrates to the deepest levels of the skin and is responsible for most of the photoaging (ie: skin aging caused by cumulative sun exposure).
Zinc oxide is also FDA-approved and is the best “physical blocking” sunscreen on the market, meaning that it literally reflects light off the skin. This product must still be reapplied every 2-3 hours for maximal protection, however. Wearing a cool, wide brimmed hat and aviator sunglasses will also provide extra protection and keep you from turning lobster-red. Second, try to consume some fruit (like berries, oranges or pineapple) during your time in the sun. The study mentioned above showed that the antioxidants in fruit can counteract the ability of the sun and alcohol to deplete the skin of its anti-aging carotenoids.
Dana Point Dermatology’s Bottom Line: Yes, alcohol combined with the sun can accelerate skin aging. Protect yourself accordingly.
