If you have red spots under eyes alcohol may or may not be the culprit. Alcohol can cause certain skin reactions in sensitive people. The effects of drinking alcohol on the skin are usually seen with heavy long-term drinking, but may happen to people who drink large amounts on occasion known as “binge drinking.” This article will tell you if alcohol use can cause red spots under the eye area, how to fade the spots, and other effects of alcohol on the skin. Read further for more information.
Can Alcohol Cause Red Spots Under Eyes?
Yes. Alcohol can cause red spots under the eyes. Research shows that broken blood vessels near the eye are in fact directly related to alcohol use.The eye receives its blood supply from tiny blood vessels that are connected to the opthalmic artery. Drinking alcohol can raise the blood pressure to these tiny vessels and cause them to burst open. Not only will this cause red spots under the eyes, but it can also break open blood vessels inside the white of the eye making them appear “bloodshot.”
How to Make the Red Spots Disappear
If you drink and notice red spots under eyes alcohol use may need to be reduced or avoided. This may be a sign that alcohol is raising your blood pressure and damaging your blood vessels. In addition, you can try these tricks to help fade them:
1. Honey
Try rubbing a little honey onto the area and allow it to sit around 30 minutes. Wash your face with some gentle soap and water. Pat dry. It is also helpful to make a paste with honey and oatmeal. Rub this on your face and allow to sit for 3 minutes, then wash off.
2. Toner
Use some plain witch hazel as a toner to help firm your skin and improve circulation to the area. Wash your face with a gentle soap and pat dry. Dip a cotton ball in witch hazel and dab on the area. Follow with a good moisturizing cream. You can do this twice daily.
3. Use Eye Drops
Try some eye drops designed to remove redness. The medication in these over-the-counter drops is designed to help shrink broken blood vessels, and help clear things up. You can also try some regular saline eye drops to help moisturize your eyes. Since medicated drops are anti-inflammatory in nature, this may also help reduce redness below the eye area.
4. Apply An Ice Pack
Bleeding under the skin can be controlled using something cold on the area. Ice helps to relieve inflammation and prevent the tiny blood vessels from bleeding more into the skin. Using ice just after drinking alcohol may even prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Just take some ice cubes and place them in a bag. Make sure you wrap them in a towel to prevent cold burns. Place on your skin for up to 10 minutes at a time. You can also wrap a freezer cold pack in a towel, or even use some frozen vegetables.
5. Grated Potato
Potatoes have anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. They can also help heal spots on the face. Grab a regular potato and grate it with a cheese grater. Pat it onto the red spots and allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash your face and pat dry. The spots should begin to disappear quickly.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used since ancient times to heal and soothe the skin. It has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Take a piece of an aloe vera plant and dot the gel directly on the skin. You can also use commercial aloe vera gel preparations that are made for the face, but the fresh plants work the best.
7. Cucumber
Cucumber is one of the most soothing facial treatments, and very popular in spas. They have a naturally cooling ability, help reduce inflammation, and clear the skin. Take a cucumber and slice thickly. Allow them to soak in cold water in the fridge. For even better effects, add some Himalayan sea salt to the soak water. When they are cold, take them out and apply under the eye area. Allow them to sit until they get warm, then replace with cool slices. Keep doing this until the spots begin to fade.
8. Tea Bags
The tannins in tea help reduce inflammation and soothe the eye areas. Take a black tea bag and soak it in some warm water. Place over the eye and leave in place for 10 minutes. You can do this a few times a day until the spots begin to fade.
More Damage of Alcohol to Your Skin
Not only does it cause red spots under eyes alcohol can wreak havoc all over your skin. Here are some other things you may notice after drinking:
1. Dry Skin
If you drink alcohol excessively, you may notice that your skin is very dry. Alcohol is very dehydrating and because of this, your skin suffers. Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after a night of drinking.
2. Bags Under Eyes
You may notice dark circles and bags under your eyes after drinking. The dark circles may be caused by staying up too late at a party, while excessive drinking can lead to puffiness in the eye area.
3. Dullness
In addition to red spots under eyes alcohol can leave your skin looking dull and flat. You may even look more pale, or even grey. This is largely due to the dehydrating properties, and circulation issues that alcohol can cause. You may even notice the appearance of lines and wrinkles in your skin.
4. Sagging Skin
Drinking alcohol may cause your skin to sag, and your eyes may appear “droopy.” It may also cause the corners of your mouth to begin to slope downward, and the skin on your neck may loosen.