Good alcohol and bad alcohol
For example, cetyl alcohol, propylene glycol, stearyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, and isopropyl myristate gently moisturize, hydrate, and repair the skin barrier. Retinol (a vitamin A derivative), which is an alcohol too, is an excellent anti aging and anti acne ingredient.”
Gin and vodka are low in both salt and sugar, meaning that they are not as bad for your skin as other drinks. They also produce less of a hangover!
Red wine is one of the worst culprits, as it's also a histamine releaser which again promotes redness and flushing." Says Dr Sam. "This makes it the worst drink, particularly if you're prone to redness or with rosacea."
Gin, vodka and tequila all contain considerably fewer additives than dark spirits, and our bodies can process them much quicker. Luckily for us, that means they'll have less of an effect on our skin, but minimal damage is still damage. Light spirits don't contain congeners, but alcohol is still going to dehydrate you.
Vodka is made from potatoes and grapevines. These tighten the pores and prevent the folds and wrinkles in addition to forming the layer. Thanks to its antiseptic nature, it doesn't allow for bacterial growth on the skin either. So both men and women will benefit from vodka to look younger.
Experts found that red wine is good for the skin, whether as a drink or as an ingredient in a skincare product. Research reveals that drinking a glass of organic red wine can give you clearer and glowing skin.
Cetyl alcohol is a fatty acid that primarily serves as a product emulsifier. Because it binds itself to water, cetyl alcohol helps prevent things like chafing and dryness, making it the perfect inclusion in creams and lotions.
Alcohol dehydrates your body, including the skin – and this happens every time you drink. When you drink, the dehydrating (or 'diuretic') effect of alcohol means your skin loses fluid and nutrients that are vital for healthy-looking skin. This can make your skin look wrinkled, dull and grey, or bloated and puffy.
Alcohol might not be great for your health, but when diluted and used a cleanser, toner, or face mask--it can give you glowing skin.
Pot distilled spirits, on the other hand, retain more innate funk and character through the distilling process, and generally benefit from some aging—think Scotch, brandy, mezcal. There are exceptions, of course. (Bourbon is column distilled but very effectively aged.)
Believe it or not, red wine keeps you looking young since it's full of antioxidants that fight ageing and restore collagen.
Even though you may think the higher concentration is more effective, experts say 70% is actually better for disinfecting. It has more water, which helps it to dissolve more slowly, penetrate cells, and kill bacteria.
The only downside of 99% isopropyl alcohol is that, understandably, it needs to be used and stored properly. In this concentration, it is highly flammable, may cause dizziness if used in high quantities in an ill-ventilated area, and can be an irritant to skin and eyes. Of course, it should also never be ingested.
Benzoyl peroxide.
This ingredient kills bacteria that cause acne, helps remove excess oil from the skin and removes dead skin cells, which can clog pores. Benzoyl peroxide products that you can buy without a prescription are available in strengths from 2.5% to 10%.
Out of your go-to facial cleanser? Vodka acts as a natural astringent or toner, and due to its disinfectant properties, can deep-clean your pores. (Just be sure to dilute it with equal parts water first.) It'll also tighten the skin on your face and can treat acne breakouts with it's drying and detoxifying properties.
Vodka doesn't contain a significant amount of minerals or nutrients. Vodka has no sugar and fewer calories than some other liquors. If you already consume alcohol, vodka may be a slightly healthier option.
Antioxidants
The powerful little purple juniper berries in gin are packed with antioxidants, which are proven to increase the regeneration of cells in the body. The result is healthier and smoother skin… maybe even less wrinkles!
It's simply bad for all skin types. So, to clarify, why should you avoid alcohol in skincare? The consequences include dryness, disruption of the surface of skin's microbiome and barrier (the latter being especially bad for skin), and a strain on how skin replenishes, renews, and rejuvenates itself.
In the short term, drinking alcohol can cause dry skin, flushing, dark circles, and decreased elasticity. Prolonged alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder can lead to or aggravate a variety of skin conditions. Eliminating alcohol from a person's diet and lifestyle should help the skin to clear up.
If you have rosacea, consider opting for chilled white wine over room temperature red wine to lower the chances of a flare.