You are putting the alcohol on/in the wrong part of the body, Rich - try the stomach. It won't fix your "aging" finger pads - but, you won't care near as much.
Of course, I'm referring to a "nip" of sacrament, Pastor Mark!
Seriously, though - a couple of months ago I cut myself rather deep into the side of my left first finger tip opening a package with a very sharp knife whilst I was cooking. As a result I had to stop playing for a "few days" - probably more like a month before I could even come close to using that "side" of my fanger. Like the opening "stretch" in Sandman. That time off pretty much rendered my pads to putty.
They hurt like the devil when I tried to step back into practicing/playing a few hours a day. But, fortunately for me I had this little art exhibit opening coming up that I had promised to play music for, so I couldn't worry about being 75 - I had to "man up" and just practice through the pain. Yep, the pads came back. My playing still sucked - but, I've got great pads. (Which reminds me - I better go change one right now.(lol)