“Drinking alcohol is one of the worst things you can do for your skin,” says Time Bomb skincare expert Bolder. Unfortunately, after the positive feelings you were having while drinking alcohol fade away, you’ll be left with many side effects. First, alcohol promotes hormone disruption that leads to acne. Second, it lowers your immune system by replacing very important bacteria in your gut, microbiome. Third, alcohol dehydrates your skin and makes you look and feel puffy.