Effects of alcohol intake on the skin physiology

Abstract

Background: Alcohol intake induces complex changes in the human body. However, there has not been much investigation on the interaction between alcohol and human skin. Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of alcohol intake on the skin's physiology. Methods: A total 16 Korean males was enrolled in this study and they were divided into two groups (group A and group B). Each group included 8 people. Group A drank alcohol (20.1%, 360 ml) for 90 min and Group B drank 360 ml of normal saline. The body temperature, the skin erythema index, the transepidermal water loss (TEWL), the skin hydration, the skin pH and skin sebum were measured before and 30 min and 120 min after alcohol intake. Results: In group A, the skin erythema index, TEWL, skin hydration and skin pH significantly increased 30 min after alcohol intake, while the body temperature and sebum decreased. All the measurements except sebum recovered 120 min after alcohol intake. However, in group B, all the measurements were not significantly changed. Conclusion: Alcohol intake affects thermoregulation, the skin barrier function and the skin pH. This study showing that physiologic changes are induced by alcohol intake may help investigate the interaction between alcohol and skin disease.