I am not a heavy drinker, but I do enjoy having a drink when I am out with friends. Different alcohols have different effects on the skin, but as a general rule, the clearer, the better: vodka, gin, and tequila get out of your system quicker.
Dehydration is the issue — Because it is a diuretic, alcohol pushes water out of the body and leaves skin, dehydrated, dry and flaky. It also has an inflammatory effect on our bodies, which can cause skin to look red and puffy. Alcohol can lead to poor liver function, reduced immunity, hormone disruption, and cell damage.
Often times people combine alcohol with sugary juices and mixers. Sugar is considered a key factor in the premature ageing skin. It decreases the elasticity of the skin, enlarges pores and can lead to fine lines, breakouts and a dull complexion.
My advice would be to cut back on the alcohol. When you’re 20 years old and drink, that drink leaves your body in about three hours. When you’re 40 years old, it takes an average of 33 hours. If your transit time is three hours, that means you can drink on Monday and by Tuesday, it’s out of your body. If you’re 40 and you drink on Monday, don’t drink until Wednesday. Minimize to once or twice a week—the lower the intake, the lower the damage to your skin. If you’re going to drink, drink water with it to increase that diuretic effect.