Five ways your body will visibly change as a result of alcohol abuse

When it comes to regular drinking, most of us are aware of the damage we’re potentially causing to our insides. We know that excessive alcohol drinking affects our liver. We know that it can cause problems with our bowels. But often we’re far less aware of the changes it can make to our appearance.

And the truth is, it can cause significant changes to our physical appearance. In fact, visit any alcohol rehab and you’ll see people who do not look a picture of health, their skin having changed, hair, eyes and more.

So, if you are a regular drinker, but are conscious about the way you look and your physical health, here are five ways your body could have changed as a result of your alcohol intake. And what’s more, by reducing your drinking or giving up, here are five areas you could also look a lot healthier…

Premature Ageing of the Skin

One of the most noticeable effects of alcohol abuse is the premature ageing of the skin. Alcohol dehydrates the body, including the skin, which is why heavy drinkers often develop a dull, dry complexion. Dehydration reduces the skin’s natural elasticity, making fine lines and wrinkles more prominent. Over time, this can lead to the development of deeper wrinkles, sagging skin, and an overall aged appearance.

Additionally, alcohol can cause broken capillaries, especially on the face. These small blood vessels become damaged due to the increased blood pressure that alcohol triggers, leading to red, spidery veins—often on the nose and cheeks. Over time, this redness can become permanent. Alcohol also exacerbates conditions like rosacea, a skin disorder that causes facial redness and flushing, which is more common among those who drink excessively.

Weight Gain or Loss

Alcohol is high in calories and offers no nutritional value, often referred to as “empty calories”. A single pint of beer or glass of wine can contain as many calories as a small meal, and excessive drinking can lead to weight gain over time. People who regularly consume large amounts of alcohol are likely to gain weight, especially around the abdomen, leading to the common “beer belly” appearance. This type of weight gain is not only visible but also increases the risk of other health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

On the other hand, alcohol abuse can sometimes lead to weight loss, particularly when drinking replaces proper nutrition. Those who are dependent on alcohol often neglect their diets, either because they lose their appetite or because alcohol interferes with nutrient absorption. This can result in a gaunt, unhealthy appearance, where muscle mass is lost, and the body looks weak or malnourished.

Yellowing of the Eyes and Skin (Jaundice)

A visible sign of more severe alcohol abuse is jaundice, which causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to take on a yellowish tint. Jaundice is a direct result of liver damage, often seen in individuals who suffer from advanced alcoholic liver disease, such as cirrhosis. The liver is responsible for filtering toxins out of the blood, including the breakdown of alcohol. When the liver is overworked and damaged from excessive alcohol consumption, it can no longer process bilirubin, a yellow compound that builds up in the blood, leading to jaundice.

This yellowing of the eyes and skin is not just an aesthetic issue; it is a sign of serious liver damage. People who notice these changes should seek medical advice as soon as possible, as jaundice can indicate life-threatening conditions.

Brittle Hair and Nails

Alcohol abuse can have a damaging effect on your hair and nails, both of which require proper nutrients to stay healthy. Because alcohol disrupts the body’s ability to absorb essential vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, zinc, and folate, it can lead to brittle hair that is more prone to breakage. Hair may also become dry and lose its natural shine, giving it an overall unhealthy appearance.

Similarly, nails can become weak, brittle, and more likely to break or split. Chronic alcohol use also contributes to nail discolouration, as the body struggles to maintain healthy circulation and hydration levels. Over time, the lack of proper nutrients and hydration can leave your hair and nails looking dull and damaged, which can be a clear external sign of internal health struggles caused by alcohol abuse.

Puffiness and Dark Circles

One of the most common visible effects of alcohol abuse is puffiness, particularly around the face and eyes. Alcohol causes inflammation in the body, leading to fluid retention, which results in a puffy, bloated appearance. This is most noticeable in the face, giving the skin a swollen look that is often associated with heavy drinking. Puffiness is especially evident after a night of excessive drinking, but it can become a more permanent feature for those who regularly abuse alcohol.

In addition to puffiness, alcohol disrupts sleep patterns, contributing to the development of dark circles under the eyes. Poor sleep quality and dehydration combined lead to tired, dull-looking eyes, making individuals appear older and more fatigued. Dark circles can be difficult to hide and often signal the toll that alcohol abuse is taking on the body, both internally and externally.