What is Dry January?

Dry January is a voluntary pledge to abstain from drinking alcohol for the month of January, following the excessive indulgences over the holiday season. 

Every year, Dry January attracts a greater audience, largely due to the media coverage surrounding the potential health benefits of cutting back on booze for a month. 

It’s no secret that drinking is associated with a long list of negative health consequences over the short- and long-term; including the appearance of your skin. Even if your only a low-to-moderate drinker, taking a brief hiatus from alcohol can revitalize your complexion. 

The impact of alcohol on skin

DEHYDRATION

Most (if not all) of us already know the dehydrating effects of alcohol. 

Ever woken up at 4am after a long night of drinking and feel like your mouth is full of sand and you’ve been stranded in the Sahara for a month? Thats dehydration. Alcohol acts as a diuretic and literally drains the moisture from our body and skin. 

In the beauty world, it is well know that dehydration/dryness is one of the most prominent factors in aging skin. Keeping your skin hydrated helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving you a more youthful look.

INFLAMATION

To our bodies, alcohol is a toxin. Drinking causes a systematic inflammation and a histamine reaction which results in redness and puffiness on the skin. Many people think this is no big deal. However, the more years you drink, the more prominent that redness will become and it becomes much harder to get rid of. 

Small changes can go a long way

There is no shortage of expensive creams, serums, treatments and rituals that promise to give you the plump, glowy skin of your dreams. While skincare products are important, your wellness habits play a significant role as well.  Making a few changes can make a huge difference in your complexion – especially as the harsh elements of the winter season set in. 

Making a few changes can make a huge difference in your complexion – especially as the harsh elements of the winter season set in. 

One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to improve your skin is to eliminate (or cut back on) drinking this January.

Owner & Esthetician of Flash Lab Skin & Laser, Kelly Rheel, explains that, “Dry January isn’t just about not drinking! (Although eliminating booze is a great way to improve dehydrated skin.) Lower humidity means higher TEWL (trans epidermal water loss) causing a dull, dry appearance where fine lines and wrinkles become more noticeable. “

January is the perfect opportunity to get your skin healthy and hydrated so you can look and feel your best as we kick off the New Year. Implementing the right moisturizing measures and wellness habits can heal your dry winter skin and keep your complexion glowing all season long.

Interested in going dry this January to revitalize your skin?  Use these simple tips, habits and treatments that will set you up for success. 

LIMIT ALCOHOL

Most of us are already well-versed on the dehydrating effects of alcohol. 

Ever woken up at 4am after a heavy night of drinking desperately reaching for water because your mouth feels like you’ve been stranded in the Sahara for a month? 

Thats called dehydration. 

Dehydrated skin is one of the most well known causes of aging and makes fine lines and wrinkles more prominent.

Additionally, alcohol causes unsightly inflammation/puffiness and redness, which can lead to broken capillaries that are difficult to get rid of. Also, alcohol reduces your body’s Vitamin A, a key player in cell renewal and aging. 

HUMIDIFY

Turning up the heat indoors dries out your skin. A humidifier can serve as a simple solution to add moisture back into the air, and into your skin.

DRINK MORE WATER

Water is vital to flushing toxins from your body and delivering essential nutrients to your skin. During the coldest months, drinking more water can help you combat TEWL.

AVOID HOT BATHS/SHOWERS

Unfortunately, hot water can cause dry, flaky, irritable skin. It is recommended to keep water temperature right above room temperature.

MAKE A SKIN-VESTMENT

Small changes to your daily habits can have a major impact on your skin.  In the winter, your skin can benefit from even more TLC to prevent moisture loss and help you achieve more dramatic results.  To achieve your best skin, consider investing in clinical treatments and services that address your needs.

“Besides drinking tons of water, I would recommend regular Jet Peel treatments which infuse ultra hydrating serums deep into the dermal layers of your skin leaving you plumped up and glowy all over,” says Rheel.  

At Flash Lab, clients often opt for a personalized combination program that starts with a resurfacing treatment (like Microneedling or Clear & Brilliant) and follows with a Jet Peel for optimal results.

Take advantage of Flash Lab’s Dry January Specials available now through January 31, 2022!