The Reason Jennifer Lopez Doesn't Drink Alcohol

Between her skincare line and music career, Jennifer Lopez undoubtedly has her hands full. And yet, the "Let's Get Loud" singer is like a glass of red wine – she gets better with age. Lopez lives a busy life, especially when she's involved in projects on opposite coasts. In order to ensure her busyness never hinders her physical health, Lopez adopted a "clean" lifestyle in which she omits common vices such as alcohol and smoking, she told Harper's Bazaar. As a star who's idolized for her youthfulness and beautiful complexion, Lopez believes steering clear of booze is one of the best ways to avoid damaging her skin, per her interview with Independent.ie. Applying sunscreen religiously helps, too, she added.

Fans idolize Lopez for her talented acting skills and vocals, but her youthfulness and perspective on aging are another reason why she's so well-respected. During an appearance on "Today," the JLO Beauty founder gave an in-depth explanation regarding her decision to exclude alcohol from her diet at a young age: "I always used to hear this saying, until you're about 25 or 30, you get the face God gave you. After that, you get the face you deserve." Ever since being kind to her skin has been a top priority. Lopez is physical proof that a booze-free diet can lead to clearer, more radiant skin. However, you may be wondering: Does alcohol have that much power over your skin?

To cut to the chase, yes, alcohol can trigger pesky pimples to bloom. But, it's a little more complicated than booze equals acne. New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Amy Spizuoco told GQ that alcohol prompts dehydration and inflammation, and consequently, that makes the skin more prone to acne outbreaks. Not only can inflammation result in swelling and redness, but it distends the pores in your face and allows oils, bacteria, and dry skin to accumulate, thus leading to a spike in blackheads and whiteheads (via Bioré). 

Fortunately, these types of outbreaks are highly treatable; but if ignored, Dr. Spizuoco warned it can progress into cystic acne, which is much harder to clear up. There's also the potential for long-term scarring with cystic acne. Inflammation can breed acne papules and dehydration can cause wrinkles, making your skin look older than it is. In summary, alcohol can indirectly make your face more susceptible to blackheads, whiteheads, and in advanced cases, cystic acne.

According to Dr. Spizuoco, beer is one of the main culprits behind alcohol-driven acne due to its salt and sugar numbers. Transparent liquors tend to be nicer to the face, she noted. So it may be best to stick to vodka or tequila-based drinks that aren't riddled with sugar.