I've been sober for 2 years. My face is less puffy and I get compliments on my glowy skin all the time.

• Megan Zuckerman, 30, went sober in February 2023 after trying Damp January.
• While she went sober for health reasons, she noticed a positive change in her skin, too.
• Her face is less puffy and not drinking also helps her stick to a nighttime routine.

When I wanted to cut down on drinking in 2023, I never thought I could go fully sober. I opted to try Damp January instead of Dry January, wanting to give myself the option of imbibing if I wanted to.

I only had two drinks that month, a change from my routine of socially drinking every weekend plus on a weeknight or two. Even without being officially sober, I felt a huge difference in my health that month: I slept better and had more energy.

After my almost-sober month, I had three glasses of champagne in one day and couldn't fall asleep. As I was lying in bed, I remembered how good I felt when I didn't drink. I decided to go fully sober this time.

While I was motivated to cut alcohol for health reasons, I noticed a positive perk a few months into sobriety: my skin looked better. The issues I was always struggling with, like falling asleep with my makeup on or feeling like my face looked puffy, went away.

Glowy skin is not the main reason I've stayed sober for two years; it's just one of the many upsides.

I was always self-conscious of my face shape

For years, I was very self-conscious of my face. My cheeks felt puffy, and I didn't like how round my jawline looked.

About six months into sobriety, my face shape changed. I never realized how connected alcohol is to puffiness, because it causes dehydration and dilates blood vessels.

Since going without booze — and drinking more water in its place — my face and skin look better than ever. A friend and I recently saw old Facebook photos of us from seven years ago. We both couldn't believe how much younger I look now, at 30, than at 23.

I stick to a routine now

While I've always had a skincare routine, my problem was staying consistent. On Mondays, I would try to start the week off on the best foot, making sure I cleansed my face and applied serum.

Deeper into the week, when I'd come home after drinking, I'd forego properly cleaning my face. Sometimes, I'd fall asleep without removing any of my makeup — usually on the nights I really went out and wore even heavier makeup. Then, Monday would roll around, and I would try (and fail) to keep up my routines. As a result, my skin felt duller and drier, especially in the winter.

Now that I don't drink, it's a lot easier to stick to a multi-step routine in the morning and at night. Even if I'm too exhausted to go through all the steps (like applying toner), I at least cleanse my face.

Because I sleep better too, it's made my morning routine more enjoyable. Instead of rushing to brush my teeth, I wake up earlier than I used to and do my full skincare routine before walking my dog. I now look forward to slower, calmer starts to the day.

Healthier habits improve my skin

My beauty regimen isn't the only positive habit I've been able to stick to. Back when I drank, I would often skip running because I'd feel hungover or tired.

Now that I'm more rested, I run more often and finished three half-marathons last year. Exercise benefits the skin, and I definitely feel more fresh-faced since I started working out more.

My relationship with food changed, too. When I was drinking or hungover, I'd get the munchies and crave super salty, dehydrating snacks. Eating a more balanced diet also improved my skin texture.

I'm not the only one who's noticed changes in my appearance. One friend recently complimented my skin and I told her how sobriety helped. She messaged me the other day to tell me she's been sober for almost two months now.

A few other friends are also sober-curious now and told me that my openness around sobriety is what inspired them. That always makes me very happy.