There are a number of different smoothies that can be made at home that are said to help your skin.
Different ingredients may help with different skin problems, and it's important to look after yourself from the inside.
Strawberries contain vitamin C which is known for its anti-inflammatory qualities. Healthline say "the water-soluble version of this vitamin known as sodium ascorbyl phosphate (SAP) is known to brighten skin".
It also states that "blueberries are high in two antioxidants — vitamin C and anthocyanin — that may help your body build more collagen, a protein that gives your skin structure and plumpness".
Here's four easy smoothie recipes for you to try for yourself to try and improve your skin in an alternative way.
Glowing Skin Smoothie
This recipe by Sally's Baking Addiction makes two large smoothies.
She said: "This glowing skin smoothie is not only energy boosting and delicious, it has dramatically improved my skin tone. One of my favorite smoothie recipes, by far. I drink it 5-7 times per week."
Ingredients
1/2 cup plain coconut water
2 frozen ripe bananas, peeled & sliced
1 cup chopped pineapple (frozen or fresh)
1 cup chopped mango (frozen or fresh)
2 cups spinach or kale
1/2 avocado, sliced
1 Tablespoon ground flax or flaxseed oil, optional
Method
1. Make sure you have a strong, powerful blender.
2. Add all of the ingredients to the blender in the order listed. Blend on high for at least 3 minutes or until smooth. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. Add more coconut water if it’s too thick.
If you can't find coconut water, use regular water or almond milk.
Clear Skin Diet Smoothie
This recipe on Simple Green Smoothies by Jen Hansard is suitable for vegans and the following ingredients make one smoothie. Each serving is around 400 calories.
It's description reads: "Antioxidants help to prevent and repair damage to body tissues, our skin included. Vitamin C is one of the greatest antioxidants we have available, and it’s abundant in pineapple.
"The addition of avocado brings with it other skin-specific nutrients such as vitamins E, A and zinc. In fact, you could probably use this smoothie on your face as a beauty treatment!"
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup coconut water (unsweetened)
1 cup pineapple (frozen)
1/4 avocado
Method
1. Blend spinach and coconut water until smooth.
2. Add remaining ingredients, and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Using frozen fruit helps make the smoothie cold.
Bright Skin Smoothie
This recipe by Pickled Plum is 249 calories per serving - the following ingredients makes one smoothie.
Ingredients
1/2 kiwi (peeled)
1/2 apple (cored, peeled and roughly chopped)
1 small banana (roughly chopped, or half of a big one)
4 large frozen strawberries
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 cup unsweetened almond, coconut or soy milk
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
Method
1. Put all the ingredients in a blender, with the flaxseed last, and blend until smooth.
2. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated.
3. The smoothie will keep in the fridge for 1 or 2 days - but is better when fresh.
Detox Glowing Skin
Little Spice Jar created this smoothie and described it as "skin rejuvenating".
The description adds: "Blueberries : these are added to help with skin that may have acne problems . Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and will help eliminate the body of toxins + clear up acne. And as an added bonus, they help prevent premature aging.
"Kale: Kale is rich in vitamin K. The anti-inflammatory benefits of kale help you stay less bloated which will help prevent puffiness under the eyes and in the face in general. Kale also has sulfur content which helps reduce redness and it also deals with the flakiness of skin.
"Spinach : Again, spinach is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. The lutein in spinach helps with eye health and keeps the whites whiter. It’s also loaded with vitamin B,C, E, potassium, iron, calcium, and magnesium. If it’s vitamins you need, go with the spinach instead of the kale. I do it 50/50.
"Greek Yogurt : Again, it fights acne, reduces discoloration in the skin. But the best part? The protein from dairy actually helps make skin firmer, and more resistant to wrinkles. A single serving daily is said to give you a smoother complexion!
"Pomegranates: They’re packed with polyphenol antioxidants, which is just a fancy word that means they fight off free radicals in the body and regulate the blood flow in the skin, giving you those beautiful, rosy cheeks."
Ingredients
- 1 small banana (add just 1/2 if you're watching sugar)
- 2 cups fresh kale or baby spinach
- 1 cup pomegranate juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1/2 cup greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup blueberries (frozen)
- 1/2 cup water or ice cubes
- chia or flaxseeds (optional)
Method
1. To make this a 'juice' use the water.
2. To have more of a 'smoothie' texture, add the ice. Blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth.
