By: Presley McGlashing, Licensed Esthetician and Make-Up Artist
Good nutrition has always been relevant to how our skin looks, feels and reacts. Certain vitamins and nutrients found in our food play a huge role in our well being, but also our skin. These smoothies have amazing skin benefits for all skin types. Each smoothie has Greek Yogurt for a smooth texture and added protein, a building block of elastin in the skin.
Smoothie #1: Green Smoothie
The kiwi is the "active ingredient" in this smoothie because it has incredible skin benefits! Kiwis are rich in vitamin C which is responsible for collagen production, also they are full of antioxidants which help the cells fight off free radicals from pollution and stress, and best of all they help repair the body's damaged cells (including skin cells) and preventing new damage from occurring.
- 1/2 cup green seedless grapes
- 1 kiwi, peeled
- 3 leaves of kale
- Juice of 1/2 a lime.
- 1 cup of water
- 1/2 cup of ice
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
Smoothie #2: The Red Smoothie
This smoothie promotes cardiovascular health which in turn nourishes our skin cells and boosts radiance in your skin.
- 1/2 cup red seedless grapes, or globe grapes
- 1 Medium beet root (juiced)
- 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1/4 cup raspberries
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 cup of ice
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
Grapes are full of resveratrol which is not only great for heart health, but also for skin types prone to sensitivity and redness in the cheeks and nose area. Capillaries feed our skin cells for radiant, healthy skin, but when we continuously go from hot to cold temperatures quickly our capillaries dilate and constrict respectively and then break causing little red lines on the cheeks and sometimes excess sensitivity. Resveratrol is also great to stabilize collagen in aging skin.
Smoothie #3: The Orange Smoothie
This smoothie promotes a "new skin" kind of radiance that is beneficial for everyone! The main vitamin in this concoction is Vitamin A which helps increase cell turnover from the inside-out making for a fresh, smooth and radiant complexion. Because of this internal "exfoliation" aging skin begins to look younger, oily skin can be easily controlled, and dry skin can retain moisture much easier. This smoothie is high in beta carotene which also helps increase the skins natural sun protection factor, however this isn't a replacement for sunscreen!
- 1/2 cup carrots
- 1/2 mango
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup pineapple
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup ice
Smoothie #4: Creamy Avocado Smoothie
This smoothie is the miracle moisturizer! Avocados are full of unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E to moisturize and plump the skin from the inside inhibiting water loss. The better the body can hold on to water the less likely your skin will become dry, dehydrated and sensitive.
- 1/4 Avocado
- 1/2 cup of green grapes
- 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
- 1/2 cup of ice
- 1-2 white nectarines
- 1/2 cup white grape juice
Smoothie #5: Antioxidant Powerhouse Smoothie
This smoothie is exactly what the name says, an antioxidant powerhouse! Antioxidants help to fight against free radicals caused by stress and pollution. Free radicals attack healthy cells causing deterioration, premature aging, and lack of vitality.
- 1/2 cup Blueberries
- 1/2 cup of Blackberries
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 1/2 cup Cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup of ice
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
Each recipe makes 2 servings and can easily be made in any blender, just add all the ingredients and pulse three to four times then blend for a few minutes until smooth.
Check out Presley's Blog: Let's Talk Skin.
Like this article? Check out: DETOX WATER 101.
