Is Better Skin Just a Smoothie Away?
Healthy skin-friendly smoothie recipes. (Photo: Getty Images)
Right now, America is having a little bit of an obsession with the smoothie; we’re hooked on healthy blended drinks with the promise of transforming our health. But what if those beverages could also transform your skin?
We asked some of our favorite skin experts for their favorite skin-friendly blended recipes to help you get the most from your smoothie obsession. It’s officially time to ask for more from your blender. Whether you want to tackle dullness, wrinkles, dry skin, or acne, here’s a shake for you:
To banish dull skin: The Zanzibar Shake from Kimberly Snyder, author of The Beauty Detox Power, can restore your glow. “This shake is great for boosting skin brightness, which is so important as so many people complain of dull skin,” Snyder explains. “The pineapple contains vitamin C and bromelain, which is cleansing and detoxifying. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, and ginger aids digestion.”
Ingredients:
• 1 cup ripe pineapple
• 1 cup banana, chopped
• ¾ cup cold coconut water
• 1 tsp. ginger, peeled and chopped
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp. raw coconut nectar
• 1/8 tsp. turmeric (powdered or just a tiny nib of fresh)
Instructions: Blend all until smooth
For youth-In-a-glass: Dr. Dendy Engleman of Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery loves the time-reversing effects of her favorite drink. “I love this concoction for healthy, glowing skin,” she says. “Not only does it taste great, but it’s packed with antioxidants, probiotics, and fiber. The collagen powder helps to reduce wrinkles and keep skin looking young!”
Ingredients:
• 1 cup probiotic yogurt
• 1 scoop Reserveage Nutrition Collagen Replenish Powder ($17.99)
• 1 tbsp. chia seeds
• ½ cup frozen blueberries
• ½ frozen banana
• 1 handful frozen grapes
Instructions: Blend all until smooth
The Acne Eraser: Stubborn breakouts can wreak havoc on your life, but this skin-friendly smoothie from Dr. Jessica Weiser of New York Dermatology Group is packed with vitamins that can help. “Vitamin A, the active ingredient in medications like Retin-A and Accutane, helps to reduce oil gland production, while zinc can help regulate hormones and omega-3 fatty acids may inhibit the growth of certain bacteria associated with acne while significantly reducing inflammation.”
Ingredients:
• ¼ cup chopped mango
• ¼ cup chopped papaya
• ½ cup fresh blueberries
• 1 tbsp. ground flax seeds or 1 tbsp. flax seed oil or walnut oil
• ½ fresh banana
• ½ cup coconut water or cold filtered water
• Optional: add 1 cup of spinach or kale
Instructions: Blend all until smooth
The say-goodbye-to-dry skin smoothie: Those suffering from parched skin will do anything to relieve it, and the Hail to the Kale smoothie from Katrine van Wyk, Be Well Health Coach and author of Best Green Drinks Ever, can make a considerable difference. “The avocado adds healthy fat to hydrate skin from within, and coconut water is high in electrolytes to help you stay hydrated.”
Ingredients
• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 cup kale
• ½ pear
• ¼ avocado
• ½ cucumber
• ½ lemon
• Handful of cilantro
• ½ inch ginger
• 1 scoop protein powder (hemp, pea works great)
• ½ - 1 cup water - as much as you need to reach your desired consistency
Instructions: Add all ingredients to blender except the water, and blend well. Check the consistency and add water if needed.
The Skin Detox: Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, co-director of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery in Washington, DC, turns to this recipe for congested, tired skin. “[The recipe] actually came with my Vitamix, and it has fantastic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.”
Ingredients
• ½ cup water
• 2 ½ cups green grapes
• 1 orange, peeled, halved and seeded
• ½ lemon, peeled and seeded
• ½ cucumber, peeled if not organic (not to exceed 4 oz.,) cut into large chunks
• ½ green apple (about 3 ½ oz.) seeded
• 1 cup kale, ribs removed
• 1 cup romaine lettuce
• 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 1 cup frozen pineapple or mango chunks
• 2 cups ice cubes
Instructions: Blend all until smooth
Related:
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