Many women can attest to the healing powers of a glass of vino after a long day. But turns out that booze might also do wonders for your skin and hair. That’s right: More and more brands are looking to specific ingredients found in alcohol for their beautifying benefits. Here’s how to get in on the trend—without the massive next-day hangover.
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It Adds Shine
Need another reason to love your go-to lager? Add it to your lather, rinse, and repeat routine. “Two of the main ingredients in beer (mat and hops) are full of nourishing and strengthening proteins that form a protective layer around strands, helping them stay moisturized and shiny from root to tip,” says Whitney Bowe, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. We’re fans of Broo Craft Beer Shampoo and Conditioner, $7 each, target.com.
It Firms
Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in skins of grapes and in red wine, has many anti-aging benefits. Resveratrol stops glycation, the process of sugar molecules bombarding your cells. Glycation causes protein fibers like collagen and elastin (the building blocks of healthy skin) to become stiff, discolored, and weak, says Bowe. This results in wrinkles and sagging. “The slowing down of this process aids in slowing down the formation of wrinkles,” says Bowe. You can find resveratrol in Caudalie Premier Cru the Cream ($158, caudalie.com).
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It Brightens
Sushi with a side of bright skin? Yes, please! “Sake, a Japanese rice wine created by fermenting rice in a process similar to the brewing of beer, contains kojic acid, a compound that naturally minimizes the melanin that your skin produces, which in turn leads to the lightening of skin, thus getting rid of dark spots,” says Bowe. Slather your face in Boscia Sake Balm ($46, sephora.com), a lightweight gel moisturizer.
It Fights Acne
“Vodka has natural antiseptic properties that soak up oil (one of the main causes of acne) from your skin,” says Bowe. “It also acts as an astringent, which helps to deep-clean pore and tighten the skin.”
DIY It: Apply vodka directly to the skin using a cotton ball. Be sure to use pure, unflavored vodka so you don't cause any irritation from flavoring or fragrances.
It Moisturizes
Bowe says sake also contains proline and glutamic acid, which help to condition the hair and skin, in addition to preventing damage. “Proline is an amino acid that strengthens and renews aging skin cells, and it is also one of four amino acids used to strengthen the hair shaft,” says Bowe. “Water molecules are naturally drawn to the chemical structure of glutamic acid, so the presence of it creates moisture for dry hair and skin.” Try Drybar Sake Bomb Shampoo ($24 at sephora.com).
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It Combats Frizz
And you thought you'd sworn off doing shots. “Our drinking and bathing water tends to have a lot of alkaline substances, which make hair frizzy and rough,” says Bowe. “The low pH levels in vodka balance out these alkaline substances, creating smooth hair with less frizz.”
DIY It: Add 10 milliliters of vodka to a 60-milliliter bottle of conditioner, and shake well. Use once a week for best results.
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