6 Juicy Ingredients to Drink and Wear for Glowing Skin

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Discover 6 detoxifying and delicious juice ingredients that you can drink and apply topically for gorgeous, glowing skin!

Juicing is one of the biggest health trends that goes hand in hand with kale chips, yoga and veganism, and for a good reason, too. The benefits of introducing the mass of vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants to your body through pure, low calorie juice ingredients is a boon to your being. Learn which juice ingredients will make your skin glow from the inside out, and then utilize the leftover pulp to make de-clogging and regenerating facial masks!

1. Carrots
Carrots are the number one vegetable source of beta-carotene, which is an amazing antioxidant that prevents cell degeneration, helping keep your skin vibrant and youthful. Less known is the fact that these orange root veggies contain a fair amount of vitamin C, which is essential for the natural production of collagen to help keep skin elastic and wrinkle free. Carrots ale contain potassium, helping generate new skin cell growth and also promote liver detoxification, which in turn helps keep your skin free of blemishes and dark spots. Use the green tops too for a light parsley flavor!

2. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are very high in water content, and so have the ability to flush toxins out of your body. Cucumbers also have a calming and soothing effect when applied topically, and may help soothe inflamed, burnt or over-heated skin. These green fruits also contain high amounts of phytonutrients and silica that act as skin tighteners, helping to prevent wrinkles and cellulite when ingested or applied topically. Recent studies have shown that cucumbers have been used to lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol, both of which are important for keeping your skin smooth and not puffy or inflamed.

3. Parsley
Parsley is an extremely cleansing herb and tasty juice ingredient that is very high in vitamins A and C, helping to keep skin tone even and pores open. Use parsley to activate the liver, kidneys and urinary tract, all organs that help to filter and flush toxins out of your body and away from your skin. High levels of vitamin K can also be found in parsley, which helps heal wounds and improves skin elasticity and smoothness.

4. Beets
Beets are a pretty  powerful skin cleansing juice ingredient, as they filter toxins out of your body to keep your blood clean and your circulatory system healthy and functioning. Since raw beets are so potent, it’s important to never use more than half of a medium sized one, and best to avoid them if you have kidney stones. Beets are high in iron, potassium, copper, vitamin C, niacin, zinc and manganese, all minerals and nutrients that help keep your energy levels high, boost your brain power and keep that healthy blood circulating around your body’s largest organ, which is the skin.

5. Apples
Apples are wonderful ingredients for a low sugar method of sweetening fresh juices, but also come with a handful of benefits for your skin. Apples, especially green ones, are great for toning and brightening skin as they contain high amounts of vitamins A and C. Certain apple varieties also offer copper in high densities, which helps the body produce melanin, a natural pigment that provides the skin with sun protection.

6. Ginger
Zingy and zesty ginger is a gorgeous addition to any juice, and also helps to boost the immune and circulatory systems. Although slightly spicy, ginger root is actually a specific for inflammation, making it ideal for treating acne and other inflamed skin irritations.  Ginger is also high in magnesium, manganese and vitamin B6, all of which help slow the aging process of your skin.

Recipes
Try the two tasty and healthy recipes below using the ingredients we’ve pointed out to create your own juices and masks for glowing skin.  Simple use a juicer or a blender and a sieve to make the juice. Use any leftover pulp to make a facial mask. You can choose to mix some olive, avocado or walnut oil to the pulp create more of a hydrating mask, or alternatively mix in plain yogurt for oilier skin. Gradually add the oil or yogurt to the pulp until it turns into a smooth paste.

Sweet & Spicy              Green Goodness
4 carrots                            1 carrot (and its tops if you have them)
1/2 apple                           1 large cucumber
1/2 beet                             1 small bunch parsley
1 T grated ginger             ginger to taste

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Image: FoundryParkInn

Sources: WellandGoodNYC, SacredSourceNutrition, Shape Magazine