Preventing Skin Cancer from the Inside Out

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with UV exposure from the sun being the leading risk factor. But did you know that alcohol consumption might also play a role in increasing your risk?

Most alcohol-related cancers affect areas it comes into direct contact with—like the mouth, throat, stomach, liver, and colon. But studies now suggest a surprising connection between alcohol and skin cancer as well.

The Alcohol-Sunburn Connection

One large study found that heavy drinkers had higher rates of sunburn. This could be because drinking lowers inhibitions and risk awareness, but there’s also a biological explanation: when alcohol is broken down in the body, it produces free radicals—unstable molecules that damage cells and deplete the antioxidants that normally protect your skin from sun damage.

In contrast, fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants that help defend your skin. Think of them as nature’s pharmacy—plant foods actually help build up internal protection against sun damage.

Food as Internal Sunscreen?

A fascinating study tested this idea by giving one group of women three tablespoons of tomato paste a day for three months. The result? After being exposed to UV light, they experienced significantly less DNA damage in their skin than those who didn’t eat the tomatoes. Their sunburn response dropped by 40%. While this doesn’t replace sunscreen, it shows that your diet can boost your skin’s resilience to UV rays—especially when you're not actively wearing protection.

Alcohol Wipes Out Skin Defenses—Fast

Unfortunately, it works the other way, too. After consuming just three shots of vodka, the skin's antioxidant levels drop within minutes. If you mix the alcohol with orange juice, the effect is less dramatic—but still present.

In tests, people exposed to UV light after drinking burned significantly faster than when sober. Even what you drink—vodka vs. a cocktail with antioxidant-rich juice—can affect how quickly your skin gets damaged in the sun.

And in the antioxidant game, berries beat oranges, and oranges beat bananas—so if you're going to indulge, a strawberry daiquiri might be better than a straight shot when it comes to your skin health.

The Bottom Line

Drinking alcohol in the sun doesn’t just impair judgment—it directly weakens your skin’s ability to defend itself, increasing your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage, including cancer. If you’re going to drink, make sure you’re also:

• Wearing sunscreen

• Staying in the shade

• Eating a diet rich in antioxidant-packed foods (think tomatoes, berries, leafy greens)

Because what you put on your plate—and in your glass—can have a lasting impact on your skin.