02/19/2026
That glass of wine often shows up on your face more than you realize, particularly as your skin begins to react differently once you are over forty. Alcohol functions by pulling water from your skin, which leaves your face looking flat and tired by morning and causes makeup to settle into fine lines that did not exist in previous years. This habit also dilates blood vessels, and over time, that repeated stretching can result in permanent broken capillaries. Furthermore, alcohol induces inflammation that breaks down collagen faster while increasing oxidative stress, a process that strains your cells and leads to accelerated aging. Because it also depletes the vitamins A and C required for collagen production, alcohol can silently undo the benefits of your exercise and nutrition routines. Understanding this connection is the first step toward making small changes that will actually show up on your face in a positive way.