I’m 16 and I’ve said I will never drink alcohol. Nothing about being drunk seems appealing to me. I plan to stick to it.

5 months sober... not just improvement in my skin, but my anxiety/depression, overall energy and happiness have greatly benefitted. Thanks for addressing this one!

I've been sober for the last 16 months. Best thing I've ever done and my skin has definitely improved. It's actually pretty disturbing when you look into how pervasive drinking is in western culture.

Most people associate alcohol with liver disease but it can affect virtually any organ in your body

I’m so glad I never really got into alcohol. It ages you and your body.

This isn't the tea I wanted, but it was the tea I needed. -_-

Its just funny to see people freak out from parabens and polyethylene glycols in skincare(usually less than 1% used lol and topical application of them won’t cause any health issue ) but they dont seem to be that scared of acetealdehyde( group 1 carcinogen) metabolized from alcohol consumption.😂😅

In societies where drinking alcohol is the norm, people always wanna know WHY you don't drink and they sometimes become quite intrusive. Maybe I'll start telling them it's for my skin and they'll leave me alone..?

I haven't had an alcoholic drink in almost 3 years and I'm very happy with my decision to stop. I didn't realize how much alcohol was contributing to my depression and anxiety until I stopped drinking.

Unrelated but the most annoying question anyone can ask when someone doesn’t want to drink alcohol is “Why?” 😐

5 years sober in October! Alcohol is poison!

As an addictions counselor I really appreciate this video. Of all the substances of abuse that patients enter treatment for those who are alcoholics have the most aged appearance. They usually look much older then they are.

Makes me so happy seeing all the "x days, months, or years sober" comments! You're all doing amazing and i'm proud of you. ♥

I live in a small town in Ontario, and binge drinking is considered the “norm”. To get excessively drunk every weekend - it’s just the way of life here. I grew up into this culture. However, I’ve been challenging it lately and trying to cut back on drinking mainly due to the affects it has on my mental health. Especially the followings days after consumption.

I'm Muslim sooo i never drank alcohool all of my life and never will i drink it so knowing that it's bad for skin too i'm so thankful . Love you dr dray ♥️ you saved my skin ✨

I recently stopped drinking. I have almost 3 weeks booze free and I feel so much better. if anyone is struggling, I highly recommend Annie Grace's book The Naked Mind. It changed how I view alcohol and the culture surrounding it. I feel a freedom that I haven't since I began drinking. The book was truly life changing. Thank you Dr.Dray for continuing to put out the truth around alcohol and not giving it a pass because it's legal.

I have, like, 1 beer a month. I know none is better, but I try to minimize while not depriving myself entirely.

Me, sat here with my glass of wine 👁👄👁

Great video. At 66, I haven't had alcohol in years. I was never a big drinker-one glass of wine on the weekend. My husband doesn't drink so it's never in the house. So many women are puzzled by their aging appearances, yet, they consume glasses of wine and cocktails. We all age but alcohol definitely speeds up the process. So glad you covered this, Dr. Dray.

True true. Alcohol is far worse than fragrance people. I’m alcohol free AND fragrance free 👍🏻

11:27 and 11:59 “Skin being in good health is a reflection of your total body health and what’s going on inside” Love this, thanks! I’m going to write this down for myself to remember

I started drinking heavily when I turned 19 and it really made me age a little bit

This month marks 18 months sober for me. Hands down, the most important decision I’ve made in my life. I cannot speak to the affects on my skin, but I’m sure I look younger than I would’ve if I had kept the bottle to my lips. Nothing is sexier than keeping your wits about you when everyone around you is behaving sloppily. 😂

Absolutely! I avoid alcohol because I don't need it for anything, but it's nice to know that it will also help me age gracefully.

I hate what alcohol has done to me emotionally. Luckily I haven't had much damage to my skin from it, but it has damaged me emotionally.

Sober for 2 years this past July! ❤️❤️

So what you're saying is a 6 pack of beers a night isn't making me any cuter

Dr Dray nooooo always with the truth I don't wanna hear lol

I am sitting in my patio, in the shade, watching this and enjoying a drink. I drink in moderation, I have for decades, I am unlikely to change. My life’s motto is “all things in moderation”, that being said I wouldn’t smoke - even in moderation. To each their own. Sidebar, most older people don’t sleep well (I am 69), I sleep like a rock.

Would love to cut down on alcohol. During the quarantine I became a bit too attached to wine, my only vice. I guess we all have weaknesses...but learning to enjoy exercise again since gyms have reopened in the UK 💪 ❤️

I live in the UK and binge drinking culture is so pervasive here. I was never a really big drinker but I've massively cut down in the last 5 or so years to the point where I only drink occasionally. I did it for physical health reasons but I also noticed it really improved my mental health and social interactions. I know I'm very much in the minority though lol

I only drank wine, but gave it up and my skin definitely improved. So did lots of other things!

I’ve never drank alcohol and I never will, so for me it’s easy to say “just don’t do it” I hope people who watch this can see the benefits and choose to let go!

Thanks for spreading the word Dr. Dray. As with everything that we consume, moderation is key.

This is so caring of you, as always. There's great information that people probably didn't know or reflect on. Thank you.

Everyone: red wine is good for the antioxidants. Me: grapes have antioxidants and don't generate free radicals and are cheaper

Thank goodness I’ve never been interested in drinking alcohol nor intend on drinking it at any point in my life - same goes for things such as smoking, tanning at the beach, etc. Thnx for the video & hope you’ve been doing well! :)

I can't remember the last time I had alcohol and I don't miss it at all and neither does my body. Thank you for the awesome video as always!

The more I educate myself about skin care the more I appreciate that I was such a weird socially awkward teenager lol. Never went outside, always avoided the sun, stayed inside playing video games instead, never drank alcohol, never smoke, never used makeup, never got a tan (allll the girls my age went to the tanning studio every week), got lots of sleep and my favourite drink was water... Yea sounds like someone who got bullied a lot and that's exactly what happened lol. I wear much more makeup now and I actually enjoy the sun, so I have to be more careful. But most of the habits stuck (no alcohol, no smoking, no desire to get a tan, I still drink lots of water...) and when I look at the girls I went to school with, they all look way older than me already. It's a small pay-off for my lonely teenage years but at least it's something I guess

I had to stop all beer and wine when Covid 19 hit because I always experience some degree of anxiety the next day ALWAYS. I just felt I couldn’t handle any added anxiety. I haven’t really looked back. I thought I would miss it but actually I haven’t. Thanks dr dray this was enlightening.

I love your holistic approach, and looking at our skin as a reflection of our overall health 💖

As someone who never really drinks and bare the social pressure of being judged “boring” or “weird”, I honestly can’t find any reason to back up the benefits of drinking, this is again driving me farther away from drinking.

Thank you Dr. Dray! I have been sober for several years. I know people are struggling right now, and I appreciate you acknowledging that and encouraging people to look at their drinking and it's effects. Your video may be exactly what someone needs to get them into recovery.❤️

You explain things so well from a medical standpoint instead of making us feel naughty or guilty. Giving us pros vs cons. Good job. 🌸👍💜

❤️ Respect to you for providing resources for those struggling with excessive alcohol consumption, although we all want nice glowing skin, it’s important to acknowledge the greater damage that alcohol can cause to a person in their lives. Many fall into the trap of drinking to silence other negative feelings and emotions, and it is very understandable and also unfortunate. My heart goes out to anyone struggling and I wish you all the best.

This is so true when I worked at the hospital I saw so many patients with alcohol related problems resulting in an older physiological age than their chronological age even up to 30 or 40 years more, the worst case was a lady in her 40s who looked in her 80s 🙄🙏

Thank you Dr. Dray for answering my question and making it into a video! I appreciate you very much ❣❣❣

Me encanta que te tomas el tiempo para explicarnos todo desde la parte bioquímica ❤ No hay nadie como tu en KZfaq. Gracias! Saludos desde México

Can you talk about how cannabis consumption affects skin? Thanks❤️

You should make a video how "crying ages your face" - I guess I would be less emotional :D

Happy Tuesday! ❤️I love how I just told myself Im stopping alcohol and this video came out!

Dr. Dray I could totally see you as a professor! ❤ As always thank you for educating us 😊

This is a much needed video this year for so many people. Thank you Dr Dray!

Nice video, I really liked the idea that the skin is a reflection of what is going on internally.

Thanks for mentioning the connection between lifestyle and alcohol. I have a long time friend , six years younger than I, who smokes and drinks, poor pro-inflammatory diet high in sugars, her skin easily looks 10 years older than mine. Although my lifestyle seems a little boring, I don't smoke, rarely drink, eats responsibility, I feel better and that's the payoff for me. At 53, I'm not willing to suffer a bad night's sleep and looking poorly.

I'm guilty here, been drinking so much since I'm 17 and now I'm 25! Now I drink way less, maybe one drink per week. I know it's still a lot but I'm planning to minimize it even more! Thanks Dr Dray!

You really are such a blessing for so many regarding skin. I started my channel in March, and I am so shocked at what I see other channels recommending and the advice they give. Love watching you and after over 33 years as a Master Esthetician, I still love learning and learning from you. 🍑Lisa Peaches Skin Care

I'm neither a dermatologist nor a physician ... I luv biology though and I 'm an accountant ... I've always been laughed at and made fun of when I tell people I do not drink alcoholic beverages and never smoked.. Though they ask me how come I have great health and glowing, healthy, and clear skin... DUH I've already answered the question but some people are just so deaf LOL :)

Dr. Dray, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you. You are amazing! I hope you have a lot of satisfaction and joy knowing that you’ve helped so many people through your channel. I’ve been suffering from acne, acne scaring and hyperpigmentation, and lichen planus for 15 years. I recently had microneedling done on my face and it is triggering a lichen planus outbreak which I’m devastated about. I didn’t know that I was at risk for this side effect; but, I keep remembering that, even still, I chose to have an elective procedure performed and need to just move forward in dealing with the active outbreak and the resulting discoloration. The wealth of knowledge that your channel provides to someone like me is priceless! I am working on rebuilding my skin barrier with cetaphil and cerave products that I learned about from your channel! I’ve learned about the benefits of licorice root and johoba oil which have both been helping. And now about the skin damaging effects of alcohol. I have seen many dermatologists and other skin care professionals and I have never met anyone like you! Not only are you clearly extremely intelligent and knowledgeable in your field; but, you also have excellent communication skills and just a passion for skin beauty and health. Please keep doing what you’re doing. Thank you thank you thank you!

Love the video, especially the message at the end.

This is so informative!! Thank you for being a voice of reason, always :)

Sobriety is the spice of life.

love you Dr. Dray and I watch your videos daily in between my classes. I'm a first year medical student and extremely busy as you know, but I make sure never to miss your videos. You are such an inspiration.

i just love your videos so much I watch them every single day every morning I wake up and check your channel

Thank you for covering this topic. I've noticed that the negative aspects of alcohol unrelated to addiction rarely get discussed. Western culture is convinced that handling one's whiskey well is considered a strength instead of the functional alcoholism it is. I've noticed periods of binge drinking would lead to puffiness and breakouts, as well as days of mental fog and forgetfulness. I am well aware that I won't live forever and certain physical and mental aging is inevitable, so a glass of wine from time to time is alright in my book. However, I don't see a need to speed up the process. Thank you Dr Dray for all your wisdom and honesty! I wouldn't be my current sunscreen obsessed self if it wasn't for you!

I am a social drinker & enjoy a drink or 2 when I am with friends. After I finish a drink I try to balance it out with water & drink a glass of water afterward. Alcohol really dehydrates me, I can get digestive issues the next day if I get really drunk.

That is such an excellent point. Skin is a reflection of what is going on inside.

Another great discussion, Doc. And timely too (for me anyway). I recently did a deep dive into how alcohol is produced. I was a huge wine drinker until I learned how much sugar is used. I was completely blown away knowing full well, that sugar is the biggest inflammation marker. Anyone who cares about the care of their skin should realize how much sugar they are consuming when they drink. And I'm glad you dedicated some time here to discuss this.

I stopped drinking because I would get seizures due to the state my body was in during a hangover. It's such a massive toll on the body. I do not miss it.

I needed this Ive been drinking almost everyday since quarantine my depression is so bad .Time to take a break .

Amazing video. You hit exactly the issues. I have been preaching to a close friend. Thank you for this insight. Your knowledge and insight was totally helpful. Hope I can finally convince my friend 👍

Loved this vid! More clinical chem related to skin videos please!

I just want to hang out with Dr dray and have celery juice together, listening to her talking about skincare all day everyday ☺️

I am a 22 year old girl and I haven't had an alcoholic drink for over a year now (not for any particular reason), and to be honest, I haven't missed out on ANYTHING. I love being my completely conscious and normal self. I have found myself asking why we need or want to drink alcohol at all? This is even before taking into account the nasty things it does to your whole body... why do we do it?

Listen to her guys she knows what she’s talking about. I turned 21 a little while ago, I broke out the next day and was very cranky. It took about a week and a half for my complexion to return to normal. I wasn’t sure if it was the drinks but stayed away from them anyway and now I know thanks to Dr. Dray. Thank you so much for clarifying what was going on. Been much more with alcohol since!

This is important for younger people to hear, it's the voice of reason to balance peer pressure and media promotion of alcohol.

When talking about smoking being bad for your skin-is this specific to nicotine? What about marijuana?

I'm forwarding this video every time I experience peer pressure! Thx Doc for doing all the work for me in this short video! 😊

Great video! The hang over is also a result of those byproducts of oxidation of ethanol

Thank you for making this video. I needed to hear this right now!

Hi Dr Dray! I've been a follower for many years, you have taught me so much about skin health. Thank you! Quick question For the past few moths Iv''e had white discoloration around my mouth, I've never had it before. No pain or swelling just a white glow/discoloration around the perimeter of my mouth. Do you have any thoughts ideas of what it may be? My guess was maybe from exfoliaing, retin a, toothpaste??? Thanks Dr. Dray!

Also coffee. Caffeine makes you feel alert and awake but also leads to a heightened stress response in the body. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, may increase the amount of oil produced by your sebaceous glands, meaning you can be more prone to breakouts.

Thank you for covering this topic. Love your videos.

Thank you Dr.Dray. I love writing down 📝 notes from you I am learning alot.

Can you do an update skincare routine cause your skin looks so much better now, you probably changed some products

I’m a Houstonian, my husband and daughter enjoyed spotting you and your mother at Jason’s deli, back when salad bars were a thing. I use running and working out as a stress reliever. I definitely have sagging skin and have lost some fullness in the face at 45. Is high impact exercise bad for facial skin? Perhaps breaking up collagen bonds or something, promoting sagging?

Great video! I've been sober for close to two years and this makes me happy I made that choice

Valuable information, Dr Dray! I did some drinking when I was much younger but I never enjoyed the way it made me feel and the hangover the next day was awful. I will occasionally have a glass of wine or a beer during the holidays but that's it. More to be social because I don't like the taste. Thanks for speaking on this topic. I hope you have a relaxing evening. 💜

I've been a HEAVY drinker for all of my adult life: 26 years. There is something I've known all along but decided not to share until now. It did effect my beauty but not that much, and here is why. I was unemployed and slept 12 hours a night most every night. You see people with busy schedules cannot drink for it will prematurely age them. For you to not become damaged by alcohol you need to receive adequate sleep first to detoxify the body of the drink then to engage in regenerative rest, which takes approximately 12 hours. But people did look at me and saw I was still nice looking but drank very heavy and they may have wrongfully assumed that alcohol wasn't as bad as people thought. It's hard on the body, especially now as the alcohol has been tampered with and of poorer quality. But the only reason why I didn't look like a bag of crap was because I was still able to maintain a fairly good diet and I slept it off each and every night. Mind you I am poor due to not working, but not as ugly as I could have been. I will never give it up completely because I drank alcohol because it actually makes me happy. I cannot become angry when I am drunk. But I have given it up, save for a few special occasions. And I don't suggest, as a woman, that you drink it nightly, as I did. Never believe in "it's five o'clock somewhere".

Being pregnant I’ve obviously stopped drinking and through this sober period it’s really made me realize how much I don’t need alcohol:)

Excellent video, thank you. One thing that sort of surprised me was when I went to the liquor store last summer and mentioned to the guy behind the counter that I was glad his store was open during the pandemic, despite restaurants being closed. He told me that liquor stores had been designated as an essential business. It really got me to thinking about how ingrained the consumption of alcohol is in our society, to the point that supposedly we can't live without it. FWIW, I abandoned drinking alcohol because it affected my energy level. I can't stand not being productive.

This is one of the best videos on You Tube. Also if you have allergies, wine has histamines which can cause inflamation.

So you’re saying drinking on the beach is like the worst thing you can do. Why is everything fun bad for us 😭

Okay serious question: what about marijuana?? *for legal reasons, I live in CA*

This may very well be one of your best videos. 👏

I just opened my KZfaq and see your video. My, you look so pretty, dr dray. And your skin looks healthy!

For religious reasons, I’ve never consumed alcohol. It’s never appealed to me anyways, but I’m glad to know I’m saving my skin!

Luckily I'm Italian and our drinking culture is very healthy and controlled. Granted I think we drink too much anyway but at least we do not encourage binge drinking or consuming lots of super alcoholic beverages outside of our meals. Drink responsibly people, a nice quality cocktail, a glass of Japanese whiskey or a glass of French wine are nice but do not over indulge yourself.

Thank you for this helpful video!! I have been struggling with urticaria and unexplained hives at the moment and while it makes sense that alcohol would not be helpful for this condition I did not know this specifically!

This video was so good and thorough 🙂 Loved it!!!