A common stress reliever is alcohol (if you are over 21 that is). Having a glass of wine at dinner or a few shots with friends after a stressful work week is a quick and easy way to relieve tensions. But besides a mild hangover, what are the other consequences of drinking?

Everyone knows that alcohol is bad for your liver and kidneys, but it also greatly dehydrates your skin. Which alcohol is the best and worst for your skin?

1. Liquor

There is no extra sugar, or other ingredients in liquor, making this a better option. However, since it is easier to lose track of the amount of liquor consumed, you may have more alcohol than when drinking a standard drink. Because of this, you're more likely to drink more, and excessive drinking is never a healthier option.

Also, dark liquor such as rum or whiskey, contain more congeners, which is a minor chemical constituent, especially one that gives a distinctive character to liquor or is responsible for some of its physiological effects. More congeners worsen your hangover. Beware of liquor!

2. Mixed Drinks and Margaritas

The issue with these two is that they both contain an abundance of sugar, which can lead to systematic inflammation, and thus cell damage and increased skin-aging. Since sugar is also a cause of acne, don't be surprised if you wake up the next morning with a few more pimples.

Margaritas could be considered even worse because of the salt. Salt makes one bloated. Between the sugar and salt, you are sure to have bloodshot eyes and unhealthy looking skin.

3. Beer

While beer does have less alcohol than liquor, it still has an abundance of salt, which could result in swollen eyes and thirsty skin. Make sure to drink a lot of water to rid your body of all that salt intake to keep your sodium levels in check. Fortunately, beer does contain antioxidants, which could help with anti-aging, if drank in moderation of course.

4. Wine

Another alcohol which contains a lot of sugar! It is proven that white wine actually may make you hungry. As for red wine, there are many antioxidants that could contribute to anti-aging efforts, including one's skin health. However, if drunk in excess red wine can cause a histamine release, which is a contraction of smooth muscle and dilation of capillaries. This could then lead to increased redness in the face and more of a hangover.

Paula's Choice Skincare specifies that alcohol "depletes vital substances needed for healthy skin, and makes oily skin worse." It is completely pro-aging!

Knowing this, will you decide to cut back on your alcohol intake?