Beer Baths With Hops and Barley: Does It Really Work for Anti-Aging, Youthful Glow?

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In 2024, a growing number of beer baths in the US was recorded, as per BBC. Beauty fanatics frequent these places for relaxation as well as to experience the skin benefits achieved from soaking in it.

In Chicago, Piva Beer Spa launched in 2019 filled bathtubs with hops, barley, and brewer's yeast that claims to exfoliate, soften, and improve the elasticity of the skin. It is said to treat acne as well, thanks to the alcohol's antibacterial properties.

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Other than the face and skin, beer baths also help to have shiny hair and its growth, touted Piva. This was seconded by My Beer Spa in Orlando, Florida, which was established later in 2021.

While some believe the skincare miracle of hops, barley, and brewer's yeast, there are also those who are skeptical.

However, the practice of beer soaks is not totally far-fetched, as science and experts attest to some of its claimed skin benefits.

Hops, one of the main ingredients of beer has a property called polyphenols that has a promising approach to remedy skin conditions like skin aging, according to a 2014 study.

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This key component can also calm down skin inflammation, thanks to its antioxidants, said Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a New York City-based dermatologist.

Regarding brewer's yeast, it also has B-complex vitamins that could be significant in giving the skin a youthful, luminous glow, he added.

"It is unclear how much beer you would need in the bath water, but I would assume that the more concentrated the bath, the more effective it would be."

However, Dr. Zeichner also reminded beauty lovers to rinse the body properly with water after soaking to prevent possible risks such as allergic reactions and worse, a vaginal yeast infection.