06/05/2026
More than a million skin cancer cases are diagnosed each year. While UV exposure is the primary risk factor, alcohol may also play a role. https://see.nf/sunalcohol
In a study of 300,000 Americans, excessive alcohol consumption was associated with higher rates of sunburn. This may be partly behavioral, but there’s also a biological explanation: Metabolizing alcohol generates free radicals that can deplete the antioxidants in our skin, leaving it more vulnerable to UV damage.
On the flip side, diets rich in antioxidant-packed plant foods—like fruits, vegetables, and even tomato paste—can help strengthen our skin’s defenses and reduce UV-induced damage over time.
The takeaway: What you drink may influence how your skin responds to the sun, both immediately and long-term.
