Drug Addiction – Substance misuse may wreak havoc on a person’s complexion and drastically alter their look.
For example, Methamphetamine has a significant impact on the skin, causing illness and premature aging owing to meth mites and other difficulties. Many addicts who receive addiction treatment have skin issues that last for years.
We realize how tough it may be to cope with any physical damage caused by drug addiction when you are undergoing the drug detoxification treatment by Ocean Recovery; yet, taking care of your skin after drug addiction is doable.
Many stimulants and opiates, such as heroin and pain medications, can induce nutritional issues. Malnutrition can occur due to a patient’s failure to eat regular meals and nutrients in the later stages of addiction, which is far more crucial than skin conditions.
But, malnutrition can also impact your skin when you are undergoing addiction, so let’s learn about the impact of drugs on your skin and how you can take care of them.
Table of Contents
What Are The Addiction Effects On Your Skin?
Addiction can leave a lasting impact on your skin, even if you don’t notice it at first. We have discussed some of those effects here.
Let’s have a look:
(i). Hyperpigmentation
Additional traces emerge on your skin when you take more drugs. Hyperpigmentation is a disorder in which the skin darkens in various areas, particularly at the injection site. After a lengthy time of substance misuse, the skin of the face may appear grey, pallid, or washed-out.
(ii). Chapped Lips And Gums
The skin of the lips and gums might become irritated, swollen, cracked, and dry. Drug addiction can also lead to dental deterioration and, in some cases, tooth loss. Drugs are detrimental to the body, and methamphetamine, in particular, can result in meth mouth.
(iii). Itching And Redness
Redness, irritation, and itching are common side effects of drugs, especially at the injection site. Irritation can be caused by a combination of drugs as well as the overuse of prescribed or illicit substances.
(iv). Acne
If you already have acne, substance abuse will aggravate it. If someone who has never had acne before becomes hooked on drugs, they may develop severe acne. This might be connected to a higher proclivity to touch one’s face while under the influence of drugs.
(v). Dry Skin
Dry skin can be a symptom of dehydration. Many drugs make it more difficult for the body to rid itself of toxins, resulting in dry, flaky skin. Illicit substance smoking can cause flaking and dryness. Dry skin is more prone to blemishes, wounds, and delayed healing.
(vi). Dark Spots
Dark spots are frequently linked with aging, although they can also be caused by stress or poor nutrition in young individuals. Poor circulation, which is frequently a side effect of medication usage, can produce bruising and long-lasting skin markings.
(vii). Skin Allergy
Smoking, poor oral hygiene, and the use of acidic drugs can cause chapped lips. Dry lips are a common indication of dehydration.
An allergic response, a serious medical condition, or a pharmacological reaction can all cause rashes. Scaly or itchy skin can be caused by irritation or a communicable illness. Any skin rash should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.
Skin wrinkles can be induced by abrupt weight loss, smoking, or other contaminants in the environment. Long-term medication usage can cause premature skin wrinkling.
How To Take Care Of Your Skin After Addiction?
If you’re hungry, weary, or dehydrated, you could see color changes in a drug addict’s skin, such as patches and creases that weren’t there before. Now, if you want healthier and brighter skin, you must take some measures to protect your skin, such as:
1: Talk To A Dermatologist
Making an appointment with your dermatologist is the first step you should take if you’re concerned about how to care for your skin after substance misuse.
These are specialists who are certified to treat skin problems, so always speak with your dermatologist before doing anything at home to confirm the procedure is suited for your skin.
2: Take Supplements
Vitamins are dietary supplements that can help to improve skin health organically.
Many recovering addicts are deficient in vitamins and minerals; supplements such as vitamins B, C, and D can assist restore not just the skin but also other physiological functions.
Remember that any supplement you take, natural or not, must first be approved by your dermatologist.
3: Eat Healthily
A nutritious diet rich in whole foods and healthy fats can aid in the healing of your skin from the inside out.
Diet plays an important role in skin health; consuming foods that are good for your body will help you get rid of any unhealthy or unpleasant conditions on your skin.
Nutritionists who have been trained and qualified can assist you in developing a diet plan that is tailored to your specific needs.
4: Stay Hydrated
You may have heard this a lot as a child, but the importance of water for skin health cannot be overstated. Water removes toxins from your body that might otherwise cause skin issues, including drug-induced acne.
Healing your skin from the inside is one of the finest methods to care for it after an addiction.
Teas containing natural herbs such as milk thistle, lavender, dandelion, and calendula can aid to decrease inflammation, redness, irritation, and toxins in the body.
5: Follow A Skincare Routine
While there are many skincare firms that promise miracles with their products, natural solutions are generally the best option.
After a drug addiction, it’s important to acquire healthy behaviors in order to take care of your skin. A superb skin care regimen for recovering addicts is made up of a combination of these strategies.
Get Glowing!
Now that you have understood how drug addiction impacts your skin, it’s time you imply our solutions and take care of your skin.
You must remember that taking care of your skin after addiction is tough.
Hence, you must have patience and follow these practices for at least 1-2 weeks to get the desired result.
If you need more help from us, don’t shy away from posting your questions in the comment box.