We’re the third week into dry January, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to start. Although Dry January officially started on the 1^st, you can start your alcohol free month whenever it’s suitable for you-so long as you stick to it (within reason)!

Dry January officially started to fundraise for the charity Alcohol Concern, and whilst it is great if you can contribute to the cause, it’s also a great way for you to develop a more healthy relationship with alcohol. It is theorised that it takes 21 days to break a habit, and so if you are a regular drinker, you can expect to start seeing the health benefits after this time period. The idea is that you rethink your relationship with alcohol and start living a healthier lifestyle.

Last year 2 million people took part in the challenge, but why is everyone so intrigued in taking part?

How does Dry January benefit you?

Going alcohol free has immense health benefits including:

-Weight loss: alcohol inhibits your ability to burn fat as easily, and it also increases your appetite and your craving to eat unhealthy food the next day on a hangover.

-More money: the less you spend on alcohol, the more money you can spend on other things you like and enjoy such as: travel and experiences, and most importantly-luxury skincare!

-A sense of detoxification: cutting back on alcohol will give you a healthier liver function by decreasing your liver fat and chances of liver damage and disease.

-Improved mood: even though you may feel great on a night out, alcohol is a depressant. The next day you may be feeling a little low and so stopping drinking will elevate your mood.

-More time and energy: consuming too much alcohol can make you feel very ill. If you avoid alcohol altogether you can avoid wasting away the next day in bed.

What does Dry January do for your skin?

Going alcohol free gives you a better night’s sleep. If you have a better night’s sleep, then the positive effects of this will show on your skin. A lack of sleep can lead to a build-up in the stress hormone cortisol. The more cortisol there is in the body, the more your skin will suffer with things like breakouts, oiliness and worry lines.

Avoiding alcohol will also help to stop your skin becoming dehydrated. Alcohol strips the moisture from your skin leaving it dry and crepey. If your skin is lacking moisture in general due to the colder weather, you may also want to boost your skin’s moisture levels by applying the Nocturnal Eclipse Recovery Moisturiser at night.