Yogurt contains bacteria, but the good kind. Naturally, if you’re a fan of yogurt then you likely eat it all the time. Just take a peek at the labels of every yogurt brand and you’ll see the phrase “live cultures” or “probiotics” on those labels. Those are basically just different-sounding names for bacteria.

Chances are you probably already know this, but it bears repeating that the health benefits of yogurt go beyond its high levels of protein and calcium. The “good” bacteria found in yogurt helps fight inflammation in the gut, neutralizing some toxins and helping to block out others. In simple terms, this good bacteria helps balance the “ecosystem” of the digestive system, which can easily be thrown out of balance, and ultimately leading to a faster and more efficient digestion. But while medical scientists have been publishing studies about bacteria and gut health since the 1990’s, they’re just discovering how this anti-inflammatory food can also be hugely beneficial to the human skin.

Based on many key studies conducted and published beginning in the 1990’s, both internal and external applications have been shown to affect the skin in a significant way. In short, the good bacterium in yogurt can actually help in the anti-aging process and also helps with chronic skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and even eczema.

At the forefront of much of this research is the connection between the foods we eat, how we digest them, and the impact they have on our complexion. The body’s digestive system and the skin are actually very closely connected. Refined carbohydrates and foods that are devoid of fiber really seem to slow digestion and gut motility. When that happens, it creates a shift in the type of bacteria that live in the gut. The molecules that are supposed to be kept inside your gut lining are actually seeping out into the bloodstream, and that can trigger system-wide inflammation and increase inflammatory markers in the skin. You will see these “inflammatory markers” manifest themselves as acne, redness, dry patches, and other skin abnormalities.

The reason a yogurt face mask gives you glowing and youthful skin is all because of those healthy and wonderful nutrients that are present in yogurt. These nutrients are skin-friendly, and that is what makes a yogurt face mask so effective.

Here is a list of at least the 4 main nutrients in yogurt that help rejuvenate skin and make it healthy and flawless. 

Zinc. In 100 grams of yogurt there is approximately at least 1 mg. of zinc. This mineral is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, being an astringent, and facilitating cell reproduction and tissue growth. Zinc also helps in regulating sebum, which is produced by the sebaceous glands, thereby curing acne and pimples.

Calcium. We all know yogurt is full of calcium; but did you know that the majority of your epidermis consists of calcium? Thus, the supplementing calcium in yogurt helps in healthy and effortless skin renewal and preventing the skin from getting dry and dehydrated.

Those ‘B’ Vitamins. Yogurt is replete in vitamins B2, B5 and B12. It is the vitamin B2, or riboflavin, that ensures you have glowing and healthy skin. Riboflavin helps keep the skin hydrated, protects the skin cells from the damage caused by free radicals, helps in cellular regeneration and growth, and plays a role in the manufacturing of healthy cellular fats. A single cup of yogurt offers you 20 to 30 percent of your daily recommended amount of riboflavin. As a footnote, it’s worth noting that vitamin B12 is now seen as the main factor in the fight against a so-called misnomer disease called “cancer” which is actually nothing more than a deficiency of vitamin B12.

Lactic Acid. This is one of the main nutrients in yogurt, and it also forms one of the key ingredients in several skincare products. Lactic acid is a great exfoliate and skin moisturizer. It also works as an anti-aging agent by reducing the visibility of wrinkles and preventing new wrinkles and fine lines from forming.

Skin Benefits You Get From Yogurt

Now that we know all about the different nutrients that make yogurt so fantastic for the skin, let’s take a look at all the benefits you can reap by using yogurt as a facial mask as part of your beauty regimen.

Moisturized and Hydrated Skin

If you think your face is looking dull and tired, don’t worry. Gently apply natural yogurt on your face through circular motions. The lactic acid present in the yogurt will help hydrate the skin, thereby getting rid of the tired look.

A simple yogurt face mask applied two or three times a week – or daily if you wish – will leave you with soft, supple skin and save you on the high cost of beauty products. To indulge in a yogurt facial, follow these steps: First, wash your face. When you’re finished slathering and splashing, smooth some creamy, natural yogurt over your face and neck. The yogurt will lock in the moisture from washing your face. Let the mixture refresh your skin for about ten minutes, and then rinse it off.

Brighter Skin. The lactic acid present in yogurt inhibits the production of an enzyme called tyrosinase. This bad enzyme is responsible for the production of melanin, and melanin is what causes your skin tone to darken. When melanin production is inhibited, you end up with a brighter and glowing skin tone.

Exfoliation

Yogurt is a great skin exfoliate. The lactic acid present in yogurt is the natural alpha hydroxyl acid that helps remove dead skin cells. Lactic acid does not irritate the skin and also ensures proper removal of dead skin cells. This, in turn, stimulates the cells to renew faster.

Blemish-Free and Flawless Skin

If you use yogurt as a facial mask at least on a daily basis, you can destroy the bacteria that cause acne and pimples. The zinc present in yogurt reduces skin inflammation and also aids in reducing the amount of oil produced by the sebaceous glands. The probiotics in yogurt completely destroys the bacteria in the skin. The different nutrients and components of yogurt blend well together to help in getting a blemish-free skin. If you already have acne, pimples, or blackheads, rub a dab of the creamy yogurt stuff into acne-prone areas. Let the yogurt work its zit-zapping magic and then rinse it off after 30 minutes. Or you can use an alternative formula by adding a tablespoon of olive oil to three to four tablespoons of yogurt. Apply the mixture to your face for about 30 minutes before rinsing off. Do this every three times a week.

Say Goodbye to Dark Circles Under the Eyes

Yogurt as a face mask could be just what you really need to get rid of those persistent and unsightly under eye dark circles. The zinc present in yogurt helps to lighten blemishes and scars and also brightens the skin tone. Using a yogurt face mask regularly will help to get rid of those dark circles under the eyes once and for all.

Younger Looking Skin

A yogurt face mask contains potent antioxidants that prevent free radicals from damaging your skin. The components in the nutrients in yogurt can delay the onset of wrinkles and fine lines by using this mask regularly. It is also the lactic acid present in yogurt that prevents your skin from prematurely aging. When used regularly, yogurt has mild bleaching powers that can smooth out discoloration that may give a premature aging look to the skin. Reduce blotches and age spots associated with sunburn by rubbing a few tablespoons of yogurt mixed with a squeeze of lemon juice onto skin for 30 minutes, and then rinsing off the mixture. Repeat three times a week.

Infection-Free Skin

The lactic acid in the yogurt has great antifungal properties. Thus, a yogurt face mask is a good way to combat any fungal infection. You just have to use the face mask for up to 4 times a day until the infection clears up, and you are good to go back to using the yogurt once daily.

Soothes Sunburns

The zinc present in yogurt is the key to soothing sunburns. It will help alleviate the burning and itching sensations that sunburns cause. You actually don’t need anything else. If your face has become badly sunburned, just apply some natural yogurt as a face mask. The zinc will help reduce the redness and inflammation and also help in balancing the natural oils on your skin. It is also said to suppress the UVB-induced production of melanin. For really bad sunburns, you can add a few drops of soothing chamomile essential oil to about a handful of organic yogurt. Rub the calming concoction over your sunburned skin and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.

You have the option of using natural and plain yogurt on its own. But if you want to improve on the formulation of your yogurt face mask, you can combine it with other skin-friendly ingredients. Some of the ingredients that you can use to enhance the effect of your yogurt face mask to improve its potency are:

Grated Carrots. If you have dry skin and want it to look healthy, soft, and moisturized, add some grated carrots to the yogurt and apply it on your face. It will rejuvenate the skin and give a natural sheen that will make your skin look attractive.

Lemon Juice. This is a great addition to the yogurt if you have oily or dull skin. It will help clear clogged pores and exfoliate your skin. The lemon juice helps to even out skin tone and make the skin look brighter.

Honey. To make your skin supple, add some honey to the yogurt face mask and apply on your face. Honey is a natural humectant and will lock the moisture within your skin and prevent it from getting dry. This reduces the chances of wrinkle formation. Also, honey has antibacterial properties that will help to fight pimples and acne.

While yogurt is somewhat of a natural moisturizer and exfoliate that is quite affordable compared to the more pricey lotions and serums sold commercially, there are still important things to remember, such as:

While yogurt for your face mask is great for your skin, there are a few precautions you need to take. If you have sensitive skin, you may experience a slight tingling sensation when you apply the face mask. However, if your skin is ultra-sensitive, you could experience a stinging and burning sensation. If such a reaction occurs, wash off the face mask immediately with water. Get an allergy test done. You could be allergic to the lactic acid or probiotics present in natural yogurt.

In case you are allergic to dairy products or alpha- and/or beta- hydroxyl acid, unfortunately you will not be able to use yogurt face mask. Try searching for an affordable moisturizer or exfoliate with exactly or almost the same ingredients found in yogurt.

When buying yogurt to use as a face mask, make sure you choose one that is plain, organically produced, and replete with fat. You definitely want a full-fat yogurt to ensure your skin gets all the moisturizing and nourishment it deserves.

As an addition, yogurt isn’t just used for the face. This is another most noteworthy function of yogurt for other parts of the body. The skin infections like athletes’ foot or ringworm can be soothed and removed if yogurt is applied to the place of infection. This is the best natural solution of yogurt since the probiotics in yogurt can actually help for this purpose. There is no denying the fact that the best natural friend of infected skin is yogurt. After this detailed discussion, there should be no doubt in your mind about the usefulness of yogurt for the skin. So try it at home and enjoy the great effects in your skin. You can buy yogurt at your local supermarket or find it at the grocery section at a nearby mall.

Are you frustrated with cracked lips, dry and wrinkly skin or dull hair?A supplement could be your answer. The below-mentioned nutrients have the power to regenerate your skin and give you younger looking skin, shinier strands, and stronger nails. Just check with your doctor before you add any of these supplements to your diet.

How Does Your Skin Work?

Your skin’s regenerative capacity is critical because it acts as a protective barrier between your internal organs and the outside world. Throughout your life, your skin will constantly change for better or worse. In fact, your skin will regenerate every twenty-sevendays. Regular skin care is essential to maintain the health and vitality of this organ.

Stratum Corneum. This layer contains the outer dead skin cells that exist in the epidermis. Using facial scrubs and other skin products will remove or thin this layer.

Epidermis. It is the outer layer of your skin. It is the most delicate layer and protects you from the harsh environment. It contains keratinocytes, melanocytes, and Langerhans cells.

 The epidermis has four layers:

• Stratum germinativum
• Stratum spinosum
• Stratum granulosum
• And stratum lucidum

Dermis. The dermis is the layer responsible for wrinkles. It consists of blood vessels, hair follicles, and oil glands. Collagen and elastin which provide support and elasticity to your skin are present here.The dermis contains fibroblasts which synthesize collagen and elastin.

Subcutis. Subcutis is your skin’s fatty layer, reduction of tissue in this layer causes your skin to wrinkle and sag.

Collagen. Collagen is the fountain of youth because your skin is made up of 75 percent of this protein.

Elastin. Elastin is responsible for giving support and structure to your skin and organs. Reduced levels of elastin cause your skin to wrinkle and sag.

Keratin. Keratin is the strongest protein which is dominant in your hair and nails. It gives rigidity to your skin.

Oral Vitamins that Boost Skin Regeneration

Vitamin C. An antioxidant that plays a significant role in the manufacture of collagen- a protein which helps your skin renew itself.

Researchers at the University of Leicester and Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology in Portugal have found that vitamin C may enhance wound healing, by stimulating the fibroblasts to divide.They even promote the migration of fibroblasts into the wounded area.

Vitamin C increases the capacity of your fibroblasts to repair potentially mutagenic DNA lesions. It protects against ultraviolet damage from the sun and reduces wrinkles caused by aging.

Vitamin E. Present in large amounts in the outer layer of your skin called the epidermis. This vitamin is essential for healthy skin and eyes and high immunity. It assists skin regeneration by improving skin texture, moisture, softness and protects your cell membranes from free radical damage.

Vitamin E helps to regulate retinol or vitamin A stores in your body. Studies have shown the established benefits of vitamin Eare in people are deficient in this vitamin. If you suffer from digestive problems, cystic fibrosis and if you are on a very low-fat diet then you may suffer from vitamin E deficiency.

Vitamin A. Helps in the generation of healthy skin cells. If you supplement this vitamin, it will promote wound healing and the formation of the scar tissue. Your body needs vitamin A for the maintenance and regeneration of epithelial cells.

Vitamin A strengthens theimmune system and helps the healing process by reducing inflammation. It is required to form glycoproteins a combination of sugar and proteins which help the cells to bind together to form soft tissues. Vitamin A fights acne, wrinkles and produces more collagen.

Vitamin K. Fights skin conditions such as stretch marks, spider veins, scars, dark spots and stubborn circles under your eyes. You need between 90- 120 ug per day. Vitamin K1, vitamin K2, and vitamin K3 are the three types of vitamins. Out of which, vitamin K2 called the menaquinone is the best.

The bacteria that line your gastrointestinal tract produces this vitamin, and it goes straight to your blood vessel walls, bones and tissues. You can increase your K2 content by including more fermented foods in your diet. The food highest in natural K2 is a form of fermented soybeans consumed in Asia.

Vitamins B Complex

• Thiamine (vitamin B1)
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• Niacin( vitamin B3)
• Pantothenic acid(vitamin B5)
• Pyridoxine(vitamin B6)
• Biotin(vitamin B7)
• Inositol(vitamin B8)
• Folic acid(vitamin B9)
• Cobalamin(vitamin B12)

These are all the various forms of vitamin B. A deficiency in this vitamin can lead to acne, cracked lips, and sensitivity to light, wrinkles, dryness, rashes and an uneven skin tone. Vitamin B will improve the balance, texture, and moisture retention of your skin.

This vitamin heals damaged complexion when taken internally and also by topical application. Since all types of vitamin B are water soluble, your body will naturally excrete any unused vitamin B. For optimal skin health focus more on B6 pyridoxine which is essential for beautiful skin. Include more of probiotics in your diet and eat lightly cooked egg yolks.

Selenium. A crucial player when it comes to slowing down of aging. It neutralizes free radicals and other skin damaging compounds before they can lead to wrinkles. It works along with vitamin E to safeguard your cell membranes.

Selenium bolsters your body’s army of white blood cells and increases your immunity. It helps thwart the production of inflammatory cytokines molecules that buildup in your body and harm healthy skin.Selenium sulfide fights the yeast that causes dandruff. The RDA of selenium daily for men and women is 55mcg.

Copper. Plays a significant role in maintaining healthy skin. It helps to develop collagen and elastin which maintains the strength of your skin. Copper promotes the production of your skin plumping hyaluronic acid. It helps heal and hydrate your skin and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Copper along with iron plays asignificant role in supplying oxygenated blood to your skin. It helps regulate the function of lysyl oxidase an enzyme needed for thecreation of collagen in bones and connective tissues.

Zinc. A trace mineral and found in every single cell in your body. The mineral lessens the formation of free radicals and protects your skin’s lipids and fibroblasts. Zinc helps in healing and rejuvenating your skin.

Even your intact skin relies on zinc for new cell production and the function of cell membranes. Zinc boosts immune function and helps control the inflammatory response of acne flare-ups. Men need about 11mg per day, while women need about 8mg.

Alpha Lipoic Acid. An essential antioxidant that prevents aging and skin inflammation. It is essential for

• Energy production in your cells
• Regeneration of vitamins C and E
• Reduction of cellular inflammation
• Inhibiting the action of the transcription factor NF-kB
• Stimulation of AP-1 which helps remodel collagen
• Protects your skin from free radical inflammation

DMAE. Short form of dimethylaminoethanol which reduces the buildup of lipofuscin deposits inside the cell. Lipofuscin consists of aggregated chunks of molecular waste which contribute to the aging process. The DMAE nutrients help to tighten your skin and keeps it young.

Hyaluronic Acid. HA replenishes moisture to your skin and makes it look younger and supple. It revitalizes your skin’s outer layers making it look softer, smoother, hydrated and glowing. This acid attracts moisture from the surrounding air and improves your skin’s hydration levels. Researchers found that application of HA provides improvements in facial contours and volumes. It reduces sagging skin, increases lip volume and decreases wrinkle depth.

Essential Fatty Acids. The essential fatty acids like omega 3’s and omega 6’s are the building blocks of your healthy cell membranes. These healthy fats help produce your skin’s natural oil barrier. They enhance your skin’s hydration making it look plumper and younger looking. Your skin may be inflamed, dry and prone to whiteheads and blackheads if you are deficient in these healthy fats. Essential fatty acids diminish the inflammation associated with acne.

Coenzyme Q10. Also known as ubiquinone, is naturally produced by your body. It is said to be one of the most important biomarkers of aging because its decline correlates with the aging process. It acts as a strong antioxidant and neutralizes free radicals.

Italian researchers say that oral supplements and topical application of Coenzyme Q10 produce higher levels of this antioxidant within the skin. The study, published in “FOOD Style” magazine, says oral supplement of CoQ10 equivalent to 60 mg per day reduced wrinkle area by 33 percent, wrinkle volume by 38 percent and wrinkle depth by 7 percent.

Vitamin P. More commonly known as bioflavonoids. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that scavenge the harmful radicals. The free radicals damage your cells and alter your genetic DNA. This action, in turn, accelerates the aging process and leads to many diseases.

There are over 4000 flavonoids out of which around 100 are found to be beneficial to humans. Proanthocyanidin family are the most relevant to the anti-aging effects of skin. They protect collagen by blocking collagenase a collagen-destroying enzyme. They strengthen your blood vessels and helps oxygenate your cells.

Chlorella. Studies say that Chlorella, a blue-green alga which is rich in aminoacids and antioxidants enhance the beauty of your skin. Chlorella is rich in vitamin C, protein, omega three fatty acids, iron, calcium, and fiber. Consuming chlorella may help you get an adequate amount of these nutrients that makes your skin glow with good health.

According to Personal Care Magazine, clinical tests show that a 1 percent concentration of dermochlorella increased skin’s firmness and tone after using it for 84 days. The antioxidants in Chlorella protect skin cells from accelerated aging caused by free radicals and sun damage.

Chlorophyll. A pigment present in green plants. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E and K. Oral supplementation is effective in obtaining chlorophyll for your body as it does not survive digestion long enough for absorption.

Chlorophyll has a molecular structure similar to that of hemoglobin but has magnesium as its center atom. Magnesium is essential for oxygenating your skin cells and is necessary for the synthesis of vitamin C, a crucial skin vitamin. Chlorophyll help combat blemishes is a wound healer and a wrinkle repressor.

Gamma Linoleic Acid. Beautiful skin needs a very special essential fatty acid called the gamma linoleic acid. The first warning sign of GLA deficiency is cradle cap in infants which signifies that mom was deficient in GLA. Gamma linoleic acid boosts your skin’s hydration levels, reduces inflammation and gives you a glowing skin.

GLA makes your skin dewy, luminescent and radiant. When your menstrual cycles have stopped your body cannot produce GLA, so it is wise to supplement your diet with GLA to make your skin look younger.

Lycopene. Lycopene is a carotenoid phytonutrient that has amazing antioxidant properties. It is effective in reducing the damage caused to your skin by UV-A and UV-B exposure. Lycopene is converted to retinol by your body and reduces the effects of aging because it enhances the production of collagen and melatonin, which are essential for overall skin health.

Iron. Dark circles and pale skin are the results of iron deficiency. A healthy dose of iron-rich foods or iron supplements to your daily diet gives your skin a healthy glow. Iron steps up the process of wound healing and fights hair loss. It significantly improves your nail health.

Conclusion

There are many issues that you should be aware while choosing supplements. If you’re taking any prescription drugs, it is essential to check with your doctor before taking supplements. Many commercial brands of supplements contain fillers that may have harmful health effects. So it would be in your best interest to read the labels before you make your purchase.

Supplements are meant to be a part of an overall program of healthy eating, exercise and stress reduction that will help with your overall wellness in due time. So having unrealistic expectations or expecting overnight results will lead to disappointment. While taking supplements, a small dose would be beneficial for you, taking mega doses will be dangerous for your health.

A healthy vitamin rich diet with a balanced approach to taking vitamins and other supplements is a good thing.Proper nutrients along with a great skin care routine, sleep, exercise, and optimism will greatly enhance the health of your skin.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This is a saying that you may constantly hear people tell you.

While it’s true, it doesn’t always make you feel better about your skin and your beauty. You worry about the health of your skin, whether it’s oily, dry, or a combination of both. There are worries about drying out the skin or affecting the cells with toxins.

So, you want to improve the skin nutrition as much as possible. This is more than just what you put on your skin or how often you wash it. It involves diet, exercise, and UV rays. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about skin nutrition. It’s time to protect that outer, protective layer of your body.

Your Skin Isn’t Always What You Eat

There is a common belief that eating fatty foods will make your skin unhealthy and greasy. That isn’t quite the case. In fact, you want to get some oily foods to help balance the skin oils and improve the health of the cells. It’s all about getting the right types of fats and oils.

Focus more on oily fish and avocados; foods that are full of omega 3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats. These aren’t just good for your skin, but your whole body. They help to encourage healthy oil production in your skin, meaning your dry skin condition is soothed naturally and from the inside.

At the same time, you want to cut down on the food that causes your hormones to become imbalanced. This is especially the case for saturated and trans fats and refined sugar. Your body doesn’t need any of these to support the health. All you do is release more stress throughout your body, affecting the balance of your oils. You produce far more natural oil than you need to, making your skin and hair look greasy.

Of course, the extra oil production will lead to more acne on your body. You’ll need to find ways around the oily skin.

So, it’s not fatty foods but the wrong types of fatty foods. It’s all about how the food reacts on the inside, causing symptoms on the outside.

Make Sure You’re Hydrated in the Right Way

Hydration is essential for the whole body’s health. However, those eight glasses of water a day aren’t going to do much for your dry skin condition. If you’re drinking water, you want to do it for the right reasons: for the overall health of your body.

The water you drink will go to each of your organs. Your skin is the least important of all organs in your body. It’s also not water that helps the moisture of your skin. It’s the natural oil production and the bombs or lotions that you use. If you want to hydrate your skin, you need to moisturize.

Look out for natural options that don’t have toxins in them. Coconut oil, avocado oil, and olive oil are all healthy and affordable options. You could also use almond oil, although it’s not as effective as the other three.

Coconut oil is the best. It’s full of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It will get into the pores and kill the bacteria causing acne. It reduces inflammation within the pores from environmental toxins, meaning the bacteria and dirt can escape easily.

You can also create a good makeup remover with coconut oil. It draws particles to it, getting out the minute particles that end up sticking in your pores and cause acne-forming bacteria growing.

At the same time, the oil moisturizes and soaks in. It will encourage your body to reduce your natural oil production if you have naturally oily skin, as your skin isn’t as dehydrated. If you have damaged and dry skin, the oils mentioned above will help to heal and improve the look.

Get the Right Nutrients into Your Skin

Whether you eat them or apply them topically, you want to make sure you add the right nutrients to your skin. While your body will benefit from iron, calcium, and potassium, your skin wants antioxidants and zinc. It needs the right nutrients to boost collagen production, improve elasticity, support the cells, and fight against infection.

Let’s start with vitamin A. This is known as retinol, and something that you want to look out for in any skin care product you buy. It’s one of the most widely available vitamins, and something your body can produce naturally.

Vitamin A helps to inhibit the sebum production, helping to limit the greasiness of your skin and avoiding acne growth. It will boost the collagen production, helping to avoid tears in the lower layers of the skin because the collagen supports the elasticity of the skin. Not getting enough vitamin A can lead to the skin looking scaly and dry. You’ll usually see raised bumps at first, but they will become bigger and drier as the vitamin A deficiency gets worse.

At the same time, make sure you get enough vitamin D. This is one of those vitamins that you can gain from the sun, but you can also get it through your diet. It’s one that most of us are deficient in, and we tend to link it to calcium and the bones. Vitamin D helps to balance the vitamin A to protect your liver and other organs. It will also help to protect the skin and tissues from UV damage.

Vitamin C is another nutrient that you need to get. It’s an antioxidant that your body can’t create or store. It only uses whatever you give it at the time. But it’s so important for the overall health, as well as the nutritional health of the skin. Not getting enough vitamin D causes scurvy, which starts as a dry skin condition. The skin can’t produce enough collagen, so the skin rips and overstretches.

You will likely link vitamin C to the immune system. It certainly helps to repair the skin cells, making your skin cells look healthier and brighter. Vitamin C is relatively easy to get through citric fruits. You can use them in the diet or directly on the skin to brighten and improve the health of the skin. When you get more of this antioxidant, your skin will heal quicker and more effectively from wounds, acne, and UV damage.

Vitamin C isn’t the only antioxidant you need to get into your body. It’s important to boost the amount of vitamin E you get. This is essential for improving the cell health. It’s one of the antioxidants that efficiently fights against the free radicals that lead to cell abnormalities and signs of aging.

With the right levels of vitamin E, you can reduce problems like wrinkles, fine lines, and blemishes. You can keep dark spots at bay and make your skin look brighter and healthier.

But what about when you already have skin damage? What about if you’ve not cared about your skin in your past and now you want to repair it? It’s time to look at getting more zinc—and getting it directly into your skin through a zinc oxide cream is one of the best options.

Zinc has natural healing properties. It will work with the immune system and protein creation elements to repair the physical damage to your skin. Your wounds will heal quickly, as the nutrient helps support the actual skin tissues and membranes. There are also anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce sensitivity, burning, and irritation from the wounds.

You can also repair some sun damage with the zinc. It will get deep into the layers to boost cell health and reduce signs of aging. At the same time, there are studies that show this is a mineral to use if you have acne problems. It’s more effective than some antibiotics prescribed to ease acne on the body. It will work with the vitamin An intake.

Do the Right Exercises

You need to exercise for the health of the skin. The more exercise you do, the happier you will be. This helps to eliminate problems of stress hormones in the body. While we’ve already looked at how stress affects the oil production within the skin, we haven’t looked at other side effects.

Too much stress affects the ability for the body to absorb nutrients. The skin doesn’t get the vitamins and minerals it needs to support the condition of the skin. So, you need to improve your happy hormone production to improve the way your skin absorbs all the nutrients on offer.

But don’t just do any exercise. You want to do low-impact exercises. Doing too much high-impact exercise will cause the skin to sag, so you end up with puffy parts of the body. This is common in the stomach, the chest, and the face.

At the same time, you want to wear the right clothing. Good sports clothes will absorb your sweat. This prevents chaffing and irritation while you exercise so that you can focus on the positive elements of the activity. Make sure you get comfortable, sweat absorbing materials and remove them as soon as you’ve finished exercising. You don’t want the sweat to get back into your pores to cause a blockage.

Apply the Sunscreen Throughout the Year

You know you need to use sunscreen throughout the summer. However, do you apply it in the winter as well? You need to use sunscreen throughout the year, and make sure the SPF is at least 30. In the hotter climates or if you have fairer skin, you will want to increase the SPF to 50+.

Don’t just put on a thin layer. You want to put a relatively thick layer that will take around 15 minutes of your skin to soak in. This means you’ve got the right coverage when you’re out in the skin. And make sure you give the skin 15-20 minutes to absorb the protection.

Winter sun may have weaker UV rays, but it still has some. Without protection, you increase the amount of damage inflicted on your skin cells. This is especially the case if you are around snow. Glare from the snow is just as bad as theglare from the water. It intensifies the UV rays.

Consider Indoor Tanning Rather than Outdoor Tanning

Consider indoor tanning beds close to home. These are far safer than opting for the real sun. Companies are regulated on the length of time you can spend on the tanning beds, meaning you only get as many UV rays as you need. Your sun develops a natural protection while getting the vitamin D needed to support the overall health.

You will want to opt for a reputable tanning salon. Speak to someone who will be able to set a schedule that works for your skin type. If you have darker skin, you’ll need more time on the sun beds than someone with lighter skin will need.

Do still apply sunscreen for the tanning beds and out in the sun, especially with fairer skin. The vitamin D gained from the tanning beds doesn’t counter the damage the UV rays will do.

Give Your Skin Time to Heal

The nutritional tips above won’t work overnight. You won’t suddenly wake up with flawless, beautiful skin. It can take three or four months for all the benefits to show through the layers of the skin. The nutrients need to get deep into the cells. They need to help fresh cells grow and develop, while you shed away the dead, damaged cells.

You’ll need to give your body time to improve the collagen production and elasticity. Your dry skin conditions aren’t going to disappear overnight. You won’t suddenly reverse the excessive oil production.

What you want to focus on are all the benefits you will gain. If after three months you haven’t seen any benefits, you’ll want to consider increasing your vitamin intake and talking to your doctor about your options, especially with skin conditions.

Glowing skin is something that everyone wants. We don’t want to look pasty and ill all the time, even if that is our natural complexion.

There are so many skin care products on the shelves right now. They promise to cleanse, soften, tone, and do so much more. Sure, they might seem like excellent choices to make your skin shine and glow, but they’re also full of toxins. These toxins work against all the benefits that these products are supposed to do.

One of the best things you could do for the look and health of your skin is going natural. That means using ingredients that you’ll already have in the home. Fruit can be extremely beneficial for your skin. Sure, you’ve heard that fruits offer a variety of benefits to your overall health, but they also work to make your skin glow and shine.

But there are so many different options, right? Just how do you choose between them? Do you need to buy anything special for your skin care regime?

Well, here are nine fruits that you will want for your glowing skin. Many of them you’ll likely already pick up on your weekly shopping trip, but the others are going to be extremely easy to find.

We’ll start with the fruits that are the most common in shopping lists and then work through the ones that are still easy to find but not as popular.

Apples Don’t Just Keep the Dentist Away

There are plenty of people who say that an apple a day keeps the doctor or dentist away, but that’s not the only reason you want to stock up on this fruit. It’s one of the easiest to get because there are just so many different types of apples. Whether you like sweet and crunchy apples or prefer something mild, there is a type of apple for you.

There are also plenty of ways to eat apples. You can eat them raw, stew them, dehydrate them, and so much more. But when it comes to the skin, you want to use the apples directly on them. Even if you don’t like the taste of them, you can benefit from apples to make your skin glow.

Apples are full of malic acid, which is the world’s alpha hydroxyl acid. This type of acid is already used in other beauty treatments because it is so good for making the skin look firmer, healthier, and youthful. It’s possible to regenerate and renew your skin cells. You get to remove the dead cells without damaging your skin, so the new cells shine through, and your skin looks brighter.

The antioxidants in apples will also help with the skin cell rejuvenation and repair tissue damage. Antioxidants help to fight against free radicals in the body. It’s possible to reduce the risk of skin cancer, aging, and so many other problems that free radicals and oxidative stress cause to all cells within the body.

On top of that, you have pectin in apples—a lot of pectins. This is a starchy element that will help to drive away your acne. You can have clean and pimple-free skin.

Eating apples will help you get all the skin benefits, but you can mash them up to create a face mask with them.

Stock Up on Bananas

Another common fruit that you want to keep your grocery list is the banana. This is a fruit that is full of potassium, which does more than regulating your energy levels. Potassium helps with moisturizing the skin, which is essential to make your skin look and feel softer.

On top of that, bananas will give you vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that helps to fight against the free radicals in your body. You rejuvenate your skin cells, repairing damage from environmental toxins and everyday stresses or trauma. And then you also have vitamins A and B, which help the body in so many other ways. They help to repair tissue damage, support the collagen production, and improve the softness of your skin.

You’ll have skin that is fuller, brighter, and supplier. It’s possible to get rid of the signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. These signs will take away from the brighter and fresher skin.

All those nutrients will help to improve the elasticity within the skin. Rather than sagging or tearing in the middle layers, the skin can move fluidly, and there are fewer blemishes.

It’s very easy to use bananas for your skin. You can eat them, but you can also mix with some honey and create a face mask with them. You can even add in some apples to get a mixture of benefits with your fruit.

Use the Fat from Avocados

Avocados regularly get an unfairly bad reputation. They’re full of fat, so people instantly believe that they’re bad for you. Oprah Winfrey has started changing that mindset recently, as she admitted that she still eats avocados daily. While there are fats in avocados, there are healthy fats in them.

But you don’t need to eat them to get all the benefits. The fats and oils are perfect for glowing skin. These oils seep straight into the pores and help to moisturize and soften the skin. There is this belief that those with oily skin can’t add more oils without making their skin look greasy and unhealthy. However, the body’s natural oil production is increased because of dehydrated skin. By adding more oil, you tell the body that there’s no need to produce as many natural oils, helping to get rid of the problem of oily skin.

At the same time, avocados are full of vitamin B7, which is also known as biotin. This helps to regenerate and repair calls, meaning the skin layers repair quicker. The nails and hair will grow quicker, and the whole-body benefits from healthier, new cells.

There is also a lot of vitamin E within avocados. We’ve already looked at just how your skin will benefit from more antioxidants like vitamin E. There’s a reason beauty products will add vitamin E to them—it is that good, and you can get it completely naturally.

Stock Up on Your Lemons

This is another common fruit in the grocery list. Lemons just add so much flavor to water and food. Whether you use the juice or the zest, you will make everything taste sweeter to help curb those sugar cravings.

Lemon is also highly recommended in the majority of beauty products because it is so effective. The acid in lemons offers multiple benefits. It will cleanse the skin, killing bacteria that cause acne daily. It unclogs the pores with the grime that leaves your skin feeling greasier than it should. The acid will also help to brighten the skin. It makes your skin look lighter and whiter—lemons are known as “nature’s bleach” for a reason.

While cleansing and brightening, lemons are full of vitamin C. This vitamin helps to support the immune system and will further help to kill the bacteria that grow in the pores and cause acne.

One of the quickest ways to improve your skin with lemons is to add slices to your water. Start your day with a glass of lemon water, maybe with a dash of honey to add a little extra vitamin C. There’s no need to put it on your skin if you don’t want.

If you do want to add it to your skin directly, make sure you dilute the citric acid a little. The problem with lemons is that the acid is strong. Those with sensitive skin can feel the acid burn.

Another downside to lemons is that they make the skin temporarily more susceptible to sunburn and damage. Cover up with sunscreen or avoid the sun where possible.

Consider Adding Plums to Your Shopping List

Moving onto the fruits that aren’t as common, we’ll touch on plums. You’ll see them a lot, especially during the summer months. They are mild but sweet and tend to be extremely juicy. These elements will benefit you. Not only do you help to curb your sugar cravings (good for the whole health) but you get more liquid to hydrate the body.

Plums are excellent to eat because of the fiber content. Did you know that most of your immune system is in your gut? When the gut is acting against you, your skin starts to suffer. You’ll end up with more breakouts, as the toxins can’t get out of the body. Fiber helps to support the digestive system, making sure it works all the time effectively. You’ll reduce the risk of constipation and other digestive upsets.

You can also get some of the benefits by using the plums directly on the skin, but this isn’t as effective. However, the starchy goodness will help to support the collagen production, while the moisture helps to keep the skin feeling and looking soft.

Add a Pineapple to Your Weekly List

During the summer months, pineapple sales increase. They’re more commonly found, so the costs for them decrease. Meanwhile, they’re full of water and leave you feeling hydrated and ready for the summer.

But they’re not just good for your mood. They are excellent for the skin and will help you brighten and cleanse your skin to make it glow.

All the benefits in pineapple come from bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties. You’ll remove the redness after trauma or due to acne while reducing swelling and getting rid of the puffiness of your skin. There is more bromelain in pineapple than in any other fruit available in stores.

The bromelain will also help to exfoliate the skin gently. You get rid of the dead skin cells and bring the newer ones to the surface. All this is gentle, which is important on the face where the skin is more delicate, so you don’t damage the lower layers and cause scarring or other problems.

The antioxidants within pineapples will also benefit the skin. They help to rejuvenate further the skin cells growing and repairing. And of course, the liquid helps to moisturize and soften the skin.

While you can eat or drink pineapple, you can also create a rejuvenating and cleansing face mask. Another option is to add some pineapple to coconut oil and create a nourishing and glowing moisturizing cream at home.

Splash Out on the Strawberries

While we all love strawberries, they’re not always the cheapest options in the grocery store. Sometimes they can feel like a waste of money. All you want them for is the sweetness, leaving you no longer craving sugary options in the home.

Well, they’re not a waste of money when it comes to skin care. Strawberries are full of antioxidants—in fact, all berries are! Antioxidants are known for reducing the risk of skin cancer, but they can also help to reverse and prevent the signs of aging.

At the same time, strawberries are full of that alpha hydroxyl acid, which is found in apples. You’ll get all the same benefits as eating an apple a day, with a little extra natural sweetness to help improve the overall health. Strawberries will also protect the collagen, meaning your skin is more flexible and toned.

Strawberries will clear out the bacteria that cause all types of pimples. Not only can you prevent new pimples forming, but you get rid of some of the most stubborn problems. They are also beneficial for cystic acne that tends to be within the layers of skin.

It’s Time to Get Some Kiwis

Now we’re moving onto the fruits that aren’t as common. You’ve seen kiwis, and you may get them now and then, but they’re not a common part of your grocery list. Well, they need to be.

Kiwis have more vitamin C than oranges—yet you’ll get the oranges mainly for the Vitamin C intake! 98% of kiwis are vitamin C. That’s how good they are for you, so you want to start stocking up. If you want to save money, replace your oranges with these furry, green fruits.

Vitamin C is essential for the body. The body can’t create it or store it, but you need it to support the immune system and organ health. Vitamin C helps to kill bacteria and viruses, so your whole body is left cleansed and healthy.

There’s also the pectin to consider, along with the fiber. Your digestive system will be supported, and signs of aging are diminished. You get rid of the blemishes and wrinkles that take away from the natural glow.

You can use kiwis directly on the skin. While there is some acid in them, the acid isn’t as strong as in most of citrus fruits.

Buy a Papaya Regularly

Finally, it’s time to get more papayas from the grocery store. Chances are you’ve seen them and thought about them, but never actually bought one. However, papaya extract is used in many beauty products because it is so effective. It’s good for soaps, lotions, cleansers, and peels. But you don’t need to get the chemical-laden treatments just to get the papaya benefits.

Papaya has beta carotene, which helps to break down all those inactive proteins in the body. You’ll get fuller and toner skin thanks to this enzyme. Meanwhile, you also get plenty of antioxidants to support the skin cells and prevent them being damaged by free radicals and oxidative stress. One antioxidant specifically, called papain, will help to remove the impurities from the skin and get rid of dead cells, so your skin looks brighter and fresher.

Eating papaya on a weekly basis is one of the ways to get all the benefits into your skin. However, you can also mash it up and apply it directly. Another option is to make a tonic cleanser with is so that you can clean out your pores.

Put Them All Together for the Best Skin Help

Make sure you add each of the fruits above to your grocery list. They will all help you in a variety of ways, including cleansing and brightening the skin. When used together, they can give you the best glow that you’ve ever seen. Your skin will look like new, and everyone will want to know your secret.

Green juice recipes are regularly used for healthier bodies and minds. There are just so many benefits, whether you want to improve your emotional health, your heart health, or even your skin health.

Getting the right types of vegetables and fruits together is essential when it comes to working on certain parts of the body. While all fruits and vegetables are full of nutrients, some are much better than others for the skin. It will also depend on the type of benefits for the skin that you want. Do you want it to look clearly, for example? Maybe you’re looking for something to repair damage, like help heal wounds or heal sunburn.

With that in mind, we’ll look at some of the best green juice recipes that you can opt for to improve your skin health. We’ll also look at the best vegetables. All of the recipes include at least one of the best ingredients for your skin.

Top 7 Fruits and Vegetables to Include in Green Juices for the Skin

You can make up your own green juices once you get used to the initial flavors. This will help you have something new and exciting on a daily basis – something to look forward to every single week. When you make your own for your skin, make sure your green juices include at least one of the following ingredients.

These 7 aren’t all going to be green vegetables. There is more to healthy food than the color.

Kale

Of course, kale is the first that is on the list, and yes this is a green vegetable. It’s one of the most powerful green vegetables around and will help to offer a mean punch to the acne in your skin.

Kale is packed with antioxidants that help to fight against free radicals and improve the health of your cells. Our skin cells die and get damaged throughout the day. This is perfectly normal. What you want to avoid is them repairing or growing back abnormally – abnormal cells open the doors to cancer and dementia. Free radicals cause abnormal cells, so you want the antioxidants to combat this.

The antioxidants will also help to fight off infection and bacteria. Contrary to popular belief, acne isn’t caused by oils or greasy skin. It’s caused by too much bacteria in the pores. If you can fight this, you will be able to keep your skin glowing naturally and looking brighter than ever.

Kale is also full of vitamin K, which helps with the blood clotting and flow process. This helps to ensure your skin looks amazing with the right blood flow. And let’s not forget the iron levels, which also helps with the oxygenated blood production to ensure the organs get everything needed to breathe.

Carrots

The second vegetable to add to your green juices is the carrot. I encourage you to add the green leafy parts to the carrot as well as the main orange part.

Carrots are full of beta-carotene, which is a form of vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for the tissues in the body, including the skin. It helps to strengthen the tissues and the cells, making your skin look healthier and brighter.

The beta-carotene will also help to improve the collagen production. This means your skin will be far more flexible than before, so you won’t suffer as many stretch marks or tears in any of the skin layers.

Beets

Beets will help to repair damage to the collagen and slow down the aging process. You’ll find that your skin is less likely to show wrinkles and fine lines, making you look older than you really are.

This is due to the high levels of folate in the vegetables. Folate is usually referred to as folic acid, although there are different types of folate. Either way, the nutrient is essential for the repair of cells and helps to encourage cell and nerve growth. This is one of those nutrients that doctors recommend pregnant women take extra of to supplement their growing baby.

Beets are also full of vitamin A, offering many of the same benefits as carrots. The vitamin A also helps to improve blood flow, which naturally helps to improve the look of the skin.

Ginger

Okay, so technically ginger isn’t referred to as a fruit or a vegetable. It’s classed as an herb, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook it for the skin. It offers a range of benefits that many fruits and vegetables can’t.

One of the biggest benefits is in the healing process. Ginger is highly recommended when you’re ill for its anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to fight against the reasons for inflammation – sometimes the immune system acting when there is no need to.

Inflammation causes pain, but it can also lead to pores getting unnecessary blocked. Bacteria get trapped in the pores and start to grow, causing acne. Inflammation has also been linked to psoriasis, which can look unsightly on the skin.

You can eat ginger to help improve the skin or add it to topical treatment. In this case, it’s good to add to green juices.

Lemons

One of the best fruits to add to your diet is lemons. They are refreshing, cleansing, and brightening. You can add them topically or through your food to get all the benefits.

Let’s start with the levels of vitamin C. All orange, yellow, and red fruit contains vitamin C, and citrus fruits are among the best for the levels. The vitamin C helps to support your immune system and fights against infections and diseases within your body. It can also help to reduce inflammation, offering many of the same benefits as ginger.

The acidic levels in lemon can also be cleansing. This can help to reduce infection and clean out the bacteria, meaning that acne, psoriasis, and other skin conditions aren’t as likely. The acid can help to clear up fungal and yeast infections, at the same time.

While cleansing, the acid can also help to brighten the skin. When the sun hits, the skin becomes lighter naturally. You will need to watch out if you have fair or sensitive skin, as too much of the acid in the sun can lead to burning and irritation. However, when used in green juice, you shouldn’t have a problem.

Watercress

Watercress is another vegetable that has antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin A. We’ve already looked at just how these nutrients help to look after the skin – as well as the rest of the body!

Watercress doesn’t really have a taste. It can be added to most green juices without anybody even noticing. It means that it won’t distract from the taste of the rest of the fruits and vegetables that you include.

While it doesn’t have much of taste, it is full of water. It can help to dilute some of the bitter green vegetables, such as kale.

Parsley

Finally, you want to consider adding parsley to your green juices. Not only is it green, but it adds a freshness to your juices that many other greens can’t offer.

Parsley offers some benefits that others above can’t. It helps to balance the natural oils in the skin. Those who have oily skin could find that their oil production lessens naturally. Likewise, those with low oil production could find that they gain more. The skin needs the natural oils to look and feel good.

There is also zinc in parsley, which is essential for the healing process. Zinc offers anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. The skin will heal from ailments and rashes quickly, while the symptoms are soothed at the same time.

12 Green Juices that You Need to Try for the Skin

Now that you know about the best 7 ingredients to include, it’s time to get a few green juice recipes. They are all extremely easy to make. With the majority of them, you simply push them through a juicer or add them to a blender. It will depend on whether you just want the juice or the whole fruit/vegetable – there’s a note on this at the very end.

Green Vegetable Juice with Apples and Lemon

Ingredients:

• 2 medium apples
• 3 celery stalks
• 1 cucumber
• ½ thumb of ginger root
• ½ lemon, with the rind
• ½ lime, with the rind
• 1 bunch of parsley
• 2 cups of spinach

Method:

• Put all the ingredients through the juice and combine fully

If you do want to make a smoothie, make sure you peel the lemon, lime, and ginger instead.

Refreshing Apple and Cilantro Green Juice

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, preferably green
• 2 celery stalks
• 2 large kale leaves
• 1 cucumber
• ¼ cup of fresh cilantro
• ½ a lemon, peeled

Method:

• Put all the ingredients through your juicer and combine well

You can make extra of this to put in the fridge. Before you serve, make sure you give the mixture a good shake as the vegetables can start to separate.

Parsley and Cucumber Juice

This is one of those recipes that you want for cleansing the whole body. It’s a detoxifying mix for the gut, which will also help to improve the skin. The ingredients also help to improve the brain health, as well as the skin health.

Ingredients:

• 1 large cucumber
• 1 medium pear
• ¼ cup of fresh mint
• 1 cup of fresh parsley
• 1 lemon, peeled
• 2 cups of spinach

Method:

• Push everything through your juicer and mix well

This is another recipe that you can put into a blender instead and create a drink with the whole fruit and vegetables.

Ginger and Swiss Chard Juice

The B vitamins in this juice won’t just help the skin. They work on the eyes and the hair, as well as the rest of your body to protect from aging problems. The parsley is optional but definitely worth keeping in. It freshens your whole body and will help with the detoxification process throughout your body.

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, preferably green
• 4 romaine lettuce leaves
• ½ inch of ginger, fresh
• 1 lemon, peeled
• 1 bunch of Swiss chard
• 1 cup of fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 medium carrot

Method:

• Put everything through the juice and serve immediately

This juice doesn’t work as well when left in the fridge. It starts to separate just a little too much to combine again.

Beet Juice with Watercress and Mint

When you feel bloated, you want to try this juice to help. The beets will help to brighten up the color, while the mint addition helps to quench your thirst just right.

Ingredients:

• 2 large carrots
• 1 medium beet, scrubbed
• 1 bunch of fresh watercress leaves
• ½ medium daikon radish
• ½ cup of fresh mint

Method:

• Put everything through the juicer and combine

You’ll get one portion from this whole mix, which is good. You don’t want this to sit in the fridge!

Pineapple and Jalapeño Juice

This doesn’t initially sound like it has much in the way of greenery, but you’ll be surprised. You’ll get a kick that helps to boost the metabolism and improves the look and feel of the whole body, not just the skin.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of pineapple
• 5 kale leaves
• 1 cucumber
• ½ jalapeno (or more to taste)

Method:

• As with all the rest, push the ingredients through the juicer

Start with just half the jalapeno pepper, to begin with, and taste your juice. If you don’t find it spicy enough, add more a little at a time. It’s best to juice the jalapeno separately to help get just the right amount.

Easy Green Juice

This is one of the easiest juices you’ll put together and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 5 handfuls of spinach
• 3 celery stalks
• 3 kale leaves
• ½ a cucumber
• 2 apples of choice
• ½ lemon, peeled

Method:

• Put it all through the juicer and combine

You could try the whole lemon without peeling. It will depend on the type of juicer that you have.

Kale and Kiwi Juice

Why not try something a little more summery but still very green?

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of kale
• 2 apples
• 3 kiwis, peeled
• 1 in of ginger

Method:

• Put it all through the juicer and combine

This works well blended if you want to use the whole fruit and veg. Don’t forget to peel the apple and kiwi if you’re going to use the blender.

Cucumber and Apple Juice

This one isn’t just good for the skin but refreshing for the whole body. Add a couple of cubes of ice on a warm summer day.

Ingredients:

• 4 celery stalks
• 2 apples, halved
• 6 kale leaves
• 1 cucumber
• ½ a peeled lemon
• 1 in piece of fresh ginger

Method:

• Process all the ingredients through your juicer in batches and serve

This is one that you can double the recipe to make a second glass and store in the fridge. Just remember to give it a good shake to recombine everything.

Spinach and Carrot Juice

I know what you’re thinking – spinach and carrot don’t sound too great combined into juice. You’ll get plenty of flavor with the rest of the ingredients and benefit so much from the skin. There is also garlic included in this, which is full of antibacterial, antiviral, and antiseptic qualities to fight infections and improve the look of acne.

The ginger will help to boost your alertness in the morning, making it the perfect morning option.

Ingredients:

• 1 handful of spinach
• 4 carrots, peeled
• 1 handful of parsley
• 1 apple
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 in piece of ginger, peeled

Method:

• Put everything through the juicer and combine

You can make this into a smoothie in the blender instead, adding some milk (dairy or non-dairy) to the mix.

3-Ingredient Green Juice

This juice is full of summery flavor and skin-cleansing ingredients. It’s perfect for when you want something that’s a little sweeter and something different.

Ingredients:

• 1 pineapple
• 3 mustard leaves (more to taste)
• 5 carrots, peeled

Method:

• Pop it all through your juicer to combine

You may find the mustard leaves are a bit too much. They certainly pack a punch. Cut down by half a mustard leaf at a time if you don’t quite like the bitterness.

Kale and Blueberry Juice

This is a firm favorite of 80s pop star Paula Abdul. It’s packed full of antioxidants and tastes extremely sweet (even though it’s not), so you’re bound to get rid of your sugar cravings.

Ingredients:

• ½ a small daikon radish
• ½ cup of blueberries
• 1 cup of spinach
• 1 cup of kale
• 2 apples

Method:

• Put everything through your juicer and then combine

This is another recipe that’s perfect for the blender if you’d prefer to use the whole fruit.

Green Juice vs. Green Smoothie

It is different between blending and juicing. When you blend, you use the whole fruit and vegetable. That means you use all the fiber, as well as the sugars and the water. For many people, smoothies are healthier because of that fiber content.

When you juice, and get rid of the fiber (the pulp), the sugars will go straight into the bloodstream. There is nothing to stop it from metabolizing quickly, which could mean you’re at a higher risk of developing Type II diabetes.

However, researchers are still debating between green juices and green smoothies. When you include either as part of a healthy diet – and use mostly vegetables than fruits – you will help to improve some nutrients in the body. Vegetables have fewer sugars, which lowers the risk of high blood sugar levels.

Add a Green Juice to Your Morning Routine

If you’re looking for a way to add a healthier drink to your day, opt for a green juice. You can follow the 12 recipes above, or you can create your own concoctions. Keep it simple to start to know how vegetables and fruits work together.

With the majority of green juices, a dark leafy green, apples, and cucumbers tend to be good starting points. You can then add a few of the skin-boosting ingredients mentioned above.