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If you associate margaritas with the beach, sun, and good times, you're not alone. The citrus-y alcoholic beverage combines lime or lemon juice with tequila and cointreau and is a staple drink at warm weather parties (or anytime you need to feel like it's summer).
There's just one teensy problem with your margarita: if you are drinking it out in the sun, it could be wreaking havoc on your skin. Here's why you should be careful the next time you crave a good, old-fashioned margarita on the beach.
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Why Margaritas And Sunshine Don't Mix
Your basic margarita — one made by mixing ingredients yourself instead of relying on a calorie-packed mix, isn't really any better or worse for you than most other alcoholic mixed drinks. Surprisingly, the ingredient that could negatively affect your skin most is the lime or lemon content in it.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, drinking or eating citrus fruits in the sun can cause allergic skin reactions. You can develop a skin condition called phytophotodermatitis, which can cause rashes and hyperpigmentation.
How To Safely Drink A Margarita In The Sun
Does this unfortunate news mean you have to give up your favorite summer alcoholic treat? No — it simply means you can take a few precautions before enjoying any citrus beverage or food while relaxing under the sun.
Make sure you have sunscreen on at all times (regardless of what you're drinking). After you enjoy your margarita, take a quick trip to the rest room and rinse off exposed skin. Re-apply sunscreen and wait 20 minutes before exposing yourself to direct sunlight. You should be okay — but if your skin still reacts, consider moving your margarita party indoors (or swapping it for another, non-citrus drink).
