An Expert Ranked Which Alcoholic Drinks Are Worst For Your Skin - Sorry in Advance
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but we need to talk about what alcohol drinks can do to your skin. While alcohol may sometimes feed your soul, it definitely doesn't feed your skin. We called in the help of naturopathic doctor Dr Isabel Sharkar to explain how alcohol affects the skin and which beverages are slightly "better" than others. Dr Sharkar says that alcohol in general can cause blotchy redness and puffiness, while also increasing free radical damage and dehydrating the skin. Read on to find out how alcohol drinks rank from least harmful to most harmful.
Clear Distilled Spirits (Vodka, Gin, and Tequila)
Dr Sharkar says that clear alcohol contains the fewest additives and also moves through your body quickest, therefore leaving it quicker. "Potato vodka that contains no grains will move through your body the fastest."
Whiskey and Rum
Clear liquors, straight rum, and whiskey have no additives. However, these drinks contain congeners — a substance added to alcohol as a result of the fermentation process — which can worsen your hangover and contribute to early signs of aging.
ADVERTISEMENT Beer
Dr Sharkar says beer contains salt, which definitely doesn't benefit the skin, but she did make a good point when she noted that you're (probably) less likely to drink as much beer as you might cocktails. And less drinking means less damage for your skin.
White Wine
White wine contains both salt and sugar, which can lead to swollen skin and bloating. White wine also doesn't contain the antioxidants that red wine does.
Cocktails
Cocktails contain sugar, sugar, and more sugar, leading to inflammation, which increases cell damage and can lead to acne. Dr Sharkar also notes that these drinks can also cause a "sugar hangover," which can result in dull, sallow skin and bloodshot eyes. The worst cocktail of all is the margarita as it contains both sugar and salt, which can contribute to puffy skin.
Red Wine
This leaves red wine as the most harmful drink! We were admittedly shocked to find out that our wine (and cheese) nights might be doing more harm than our happy hour cocktails. Although red wine can supposedly have some health benefits thanks to its antioxidants, it can be the most harmful if you have a skin condition such as rosacea. The antioxidants make it least harmful to drink for general health, but as it's unfiltered, your liver and kidneys have to work harder to process it. Red wine is most likely to cause flushing, redness, and blotchy skin.
If you've had one too many cocktails, Dr Sharkar suggests 10 glasses of water and vitamin C. We'd also recommend making sure you double cleanse and moisturize after a heavy night out, no matter how much you just want to crash out.
