It's that time of the year again. Summer festivities are nearly upon us, bringing along warmer temperatures and extended time outdoors. From al fresco dining with a cocktail in hand to a cold beer on the beach while playing cornhole, drinking alcohol in the sun might feel relaxing. But here’s something you might not expect: that refreshing cocktail could actually be putting your skin at greater risk for sunburn.
Surprised? You’re not alone. While most of us know the importance of sunscreen, fewer are aware that alcohol can impact how your body handles sun exposure. Read on for how alcohol can make you more prone to sunburn.
While we know the importance of prioritizing sun safety year-round, the summer months disproportionately elevate the risk of sunburn. This is because we naturally flock outside in the warmer months and wear fewer pieces of clothing to beat the heat. More exposed skin means more opportunity for harmful UV rays to damage our skin.
Add to this equation alcohol consumption, and it becomes a recipe for more harm than good.
How Alcohol Affects Your Skin’s Reaction to the Sun
Studies have found a connection between alcohol consumption and increased sun sensitivity. A clinical trial from 2012 suggested that even moderate alcohol intake could lower the body’s natural antioxidant defenses, increasing the likelihood of UV damage.
There are several ways alcohol affects your skin's reaction to the sun:
- Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it causes your body to lose more water through urine. Dehydrated skin is more vulnerable to sun damage and less efficient at healing.
- Reduced judgment: After a drink or two, you may forget to reapply sunscreen, seek shade, or wear a hat, leaving you exposed for longer.
- Impaired thermoregulation: Alcohol can mess with your internal temperature regulation. You might not feel the heat of the sun as intensely, meaning you stay out longer than you should.
- Increased inflammation: Alcohol can intensify your body’s inflammatory response to sun damage, potentially making any sunburn more painful and severe.
There is also a reaction called "Margarita burn," or phytophotodermatitis, which occurs when citrus juice gets on your skin and is then exposed to sunlight, causing a specific type of sunburn.
Ways to Stay Sun-Safe While Drinking Alcohol
You shouldn't have to compromise between sun safety and enjoying your favorite outdoor activities. Thankfully, there are so many great ways to stay sun-safe.
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Seek shade: Seeking shade is an easy way to reduce your risk of sunburns. For long days at the beach, we love the Shibumi Shade. The Shibumi Shade features a UPF 50+ canopy and a lightweight and portable design that is easy to carry and set up. The best part? It works with wind to keep you sun safe.
- Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is key to staying sun safe. The Brita Filtering Water Bottle is the best for on-the-go hydration. Plus, it reduces the need for single-use plastics and keeps your water cold.
- Drink Electrolytes: This goes hand-in-hand with staying hydrated, but drinking electrolytes is especially important in the summer months for helping to regular fluids. There are classic options like Gatorade and coconut water, or on-the-go alternatives like Liquid I.V. and LMNT.
- Reapply SPF: Reapplying sunscreen is important, especially while enjoying time outdoors. One of our favorite sun-safety tips is to set a timer for every two hours as a reminder to reapply, sooner if you plan to go swimming.
Sunburn & Alcohol Myths vs. Facts
Myth: A drink or two won’t make a difference when it comes to sunburn.
Fact: Even moderate alcohol intake has been shown to reduce the skin’s ability to defend itself against UV damage, increasing your chances of getting burned.
Myth: Tanning while drinking is safe as long as you use sunscreen.
Fact: We never encourage tanning, even with proper sunscreen application.
Myth: Only fair-skinned individuals need to worry.
Fact: People of all skin tones can experience sunburn and UV damage. While melanin offers some protection, no one is immune to the harmful effects of the sun.
Final Thoughts
Sipping a margarita under the sun might feel like the perfect summer moment, but it’s important to remember that alcohol and sun exposure don’t mix well. Dehydration, reduced judgment, and heightened sensitivity to UV rays increase your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
But the good news? With a little awareness and a few smart habits, you can enjoy every sun-soaked moment safely.