Alcohol consumption may increase sunburn risk, new study says

Source: https://wpde.com/

by Caroline Balchunas

July 16th 2019

Here’s another reason to lather on the sunscreen-a new study suggests there’s a link between alcohol consumption and skin cancer.

It comes from a small study of healthy men in Germany. The research found the amount of UV light it takes to burn the skin is significantly less after consuming a few drinks. Two other studies showed similar findings.

It’s not an entirely new concept, but the findings suggest the reason is beyond behavioral.

“We always thought it was from lack of judgment since alcohol affects judgment,” said Charleston dermatologist Dr. Marguerite Germain. “So, maybe you spend some extra time in the sun, maybe you don’t use sunscreen, maybe you don’t reapply and we thought that was the reason, but now we know that alcohol affects your antioxidant levels in your body.”

Germain was not affiliated with the study but said it makes sense, given alcohol’s inflammatory properties.

“It’s a toxin to our body and so what it does, it actually decreases the number of antioxidants that we have in our body,” she said.

Germain said antioxidants are important for the skin and can act as the body’s natural sunblock. She recommends anyone who plans on drinking alcohol in the sun to bump up the SPF among other things.

“Be moderate about your alcohol consumption,” said Germain. “Be safe about your sun safety habits, apply sunscreen, seek the shade when you can, wear sun-protective clothing when you can. Have fun in the sun, but be smart about it.”