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'Tis the season for imbibing, and while we always encourage drinking responsibly, we couldn't be more excited to celebrate the holidays with themed cocktails. But as any former college student can attest, drinking isn't exactly great for your skin. Celebrity aesthetician Angela Caglia puts it this way for Refinery29: "Alcohol dehydrates your skin and robs it of its vital nutrients, so excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to skin's premature aging in the long term, and bloating, puffiness, enlarged pores, dullness, and rosacea the day after."
Considering we're not going to swear off alcohol altogether (we'll save that for dry January), we were interested to know which type of alcohol is going to do the least amount of damage to our skin this season.
The Clearer, the Better
"If you're drinking a lot, vodka's a good choice," said Caglia. "With no extra sugar and salt, it gets in and out of your system fast." Most juices and mixers add tons of sugar, so the best way to drink it is actually straight (if you can stomach it). She also dubs tequila "your best bet if you're looking to keep your skin glowing while treating yourself to … drinks."
Additional Advantages
Vodka and tequila are known for being quick ways to having a good time and they each have unique benefits too. Vodka can help more than just your complexion—for anyone dealing with arthritis, drinking several glasses of vodka a month can reduce symptoms on a daily basis.
Vodka also can contribute to better oral hygiene, as it has been shown to reduce bad breath when mixed with cinnamon.
So next time you intend to imbibe, consider a liquor that is transparent. Vodka or clear tequila will not only keep your skin looking vibrant, but you may even enjoy their tangential benefits.