Summer is coming, and we couldn't be more excited for long sunny days, late nights under the stars, and lots of gatherings with friends. This also means that there will be plenty of opportunities to imbibe. While it can be fun to indulge, the beauty and health minded of us are painfully aware of the toll excessive drinking can take on our minds, bodies, and skin. We’re not trying to be teetotalers over here, but why not switch it up and try mix in a few rounds of mocktails to give your skin a break.
Fact: Alcohol is hard on the skin.
Reason #1 - It’s intensely dehydrating, actively drawing water away out the body.
Side-Effects: Drynesss, dullness, unhealthy pallor, loss of elasticity, and enlarged pores.
Reason #2 - It causes inflammation.
Side-Effects: Increased redness, flushing, blotchiness, puffiness, and the increased likelihood of triggering acne and rosacea.
Reason #3 - It’s high in sugar, (especially cocktails and wine).
Side-Effects: The hormone IGF-1, which causes an overproduction of oil in your skin and increase your chances of breakouts or acne, can be triggered by excessive sugar in alcohol.
We’re probably still going to indulge so if you can, avoid dark spirits (rum, cognac, whiskey), and excessive wine and beer. Go for light clear spirits like vodka, gin, tequila, white rum, sake. Be mindful of the sugary mixers. If you really want to do your skin a favor, go for a mocktail! Refreshing, delicious, and no risk of a hangover.. sounds pretty delightful. Need some inspo? Check out some of our favorite recipes below.
Paloma Fizz
Makes 2 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 Lime juiced
- 2 Ounces grapefruit juice
- 1 Pinch of salt
- 2 Ounces seltzer water
- 1 Sprig rosemary
Directions
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 30 seconds. Pour into two glasses, add rosemary, and serve.
Pineapple Mojito
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 Pineapple Cored
- 6 Mint leave, plus extra for ganish
- 6 Limes juiced, plus slices for garnish
- 1 Quart regular or lime flavored sparkling water
Directions
Blend pineapple, lime, and mint until smooth. Add a few tablespoons of the mixture to a glass, add ice, then top with sparkling water. Add garnishes and serve.
Tumeric Tonic
Makes 2 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 2” piece peeled turmeric
- 1 2” piece peeled ginger
- ½ lemon
- 3 tablespoons agave syrup (nectar)
- Sparkling water (for serving)
- Cayenne pepper (for serving)
Directions
Pass turmeric, ginger, and lemon (with peel) through a juicer. Stir in agave syrup. (Alternatively, chop turmeric and ginger and purée in a blender with agave syrup, 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice, and ⅓ cup water; strain.) Serve juice over ice, topped off with sparkling water and sprinkled with cayenne pepper.
Spicy Mule
Makes 2 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 Jalapeño
- 1 Lime
- Ginger Beer
- Optional add ins fresh strawberries, raspberries, pineapple, or mango
Directions
Muddle a slice or two of fresh jalapeño with the lime juice then pour over ice, top with chilled ginger beer.
