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Forget the pricey creams and potions. Cancel the spa appointment. Say bye-bye to wintery skin by guzzling your way to gorgeous.
I know, guzzle doesn’t sound very dignified, but I can’t (won’t) help myself when I make this smoothie. It’s refreshing and bright, with a wake-up-it’s-spring kick in the pants from the peppery ginger.
But my primary motivation for making this particular smoothie is to revive my skin, which always feels itchy and dry during the final weeks of winter. Are you feeling the need for a skin boost, too?
I hope so, because I’ve got a smoothie that will give all of us a glow. Plus, it’s cheap and easy, with a mere 5 ingreidents (one of which is water). Here are the stars of the concoction, selected by yours truly to make you glow inside and out:
Oranges
Oranges are extremely high in vitamin C, which has myriad benefits for your body in general. But it is fantastic for your skin, in particular, stimulating new cell production, as well as maintaining and repairing existing skin cells.
Carrots
Carrots are high in beta carotene, an antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A inside the body. It helps repair skin tissue and protects against the sun’s harsh rays. One of my tricks for adding whole carrots to smoothies is to grate them before adding to the blender. This step isn’t necessary if you have a turbo blender (e.g., Vitamix, BlendTec), but is essential if you have a regular/older blender. Grating the carrots ensures a “smoothie” instead of a “chunky.” Grate the carrots using the second largest holes on the grater for an super-smooth result.
Ginger
Ginger has been used for ages to aid digestion, but its effects on digestion also make it fantastic for skin. The digestive tract plays a major role in our skin health (from blemishes to wrinkles to itchiness). As ginger aids digestion, it facilitates the removal of toxins from the body and promotes our circulation (think rosy glow). Ginger is also high in Vitamin C (powerful antioxidant against wrinkles) and has anti-inflammatory properties that help soften your skin.
Apples
Like oranges, apples are high in Vitamin C, which speeds up skin’s cell production, making you look radiant. But they also contain B vitamins, like B5 and B9, which aids the reduction of blemishes and irritation. I like to skip the peeling and add the skin. Why? Extra fiber, for one. But also this : a 2012 study from the University of Iowa found that a natural substance in apple peel called ursolic acid protected mice from obesity, and previous research on mice indicated it can increase muscle mass. Interesting early findings! Choose organic apples if you decide to keep the skin, otherwise, peel it.
Water
Last on the list is good old water. You don’t need juices or milks when you are adding whole fruits and vegetarable to a smoothie; water is perfect. And it is perfect for your skin, too. It’s easy for me to remember to drink lots of water during the hot and steamy summer, but I’m guessing you are like me in the wintertime: I typically drink far less than I should. Now’s the time to get back on track. Water is fundamental to getting the glow back to your winter-weary complexion because it flushes toxins from the body, delivers nutrients to your cells, and keeps your organs functioning. It also helps keep your cells plump and full, which makes your skin look firmer and clearer. Whoo-hoo!
Drink up!
Gorgeous Skin Smoothie {Apple, Carrot, Orange & Ginger}
Ingredients
- 1 medium navel orange
- 1 small carrot, scrubbed
- 1-1/4 cups cold water
- 1/2 of a medium tart-sweet apple (e.g., Gala, Braeburn), roughly chopped
- 1 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
Instructions
- Peel the orange and break into segments.
- Grate the carrot (makes it easier to blend in regular blenders; roughly chop if you have a high-speed blender like a Vitamix).
- Place the orange segments and water in blender; puree on high speed until smooth. Add carrot; puree on high speed until smooth. Add the apple and ginger; puree on high speed until smooth.
- Drink up!
Thanks Camil, definitely giving this a try today, my skin has been horrible ??
This recipe sounds great! My skin tends to get dull and dry. I just happen to have all the ingredients at home and hubby just bought a BlendTec. Would ginger paste work?
Thanks 🙂
Sure, you can definitely use ginger paste 🙂
Not sure that having a fructose spike in your bloodstream is going to be good for the skin.
Fructose (a sugar in fruits) is a simple carbohydrate (and can therefore contribute to hyperglycemia), so it’s best to eat fruits whole (as a solid that you chew over time, and requires more digestion time in the stomach) which will have less impact on your insulin levels.
Diet / acne relationship is reviewed here by a renowned acne researcher;
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/26203267/
MB,
I am not sure how you came to that conclusion after reviewing the article; that is in no way what the article is about! It is about acne in particular, not skin health in general.
Also, I’ve always read that juicing fruits causes the spikes because the fiber is removed when juicing, but that it’s good as a smoothie since the whole fruit is used. I’ve just prepped my ingredients and looking forward to having this tomorrow. Thanks for the recipe!
thank you for posting this! it’s good to be reminded how simple a health packed smoothie can be!
You are welcome, Micky!
I stumbled onto your site today and love everything I see. I am going to get your power bar book, too! The smoothie looks great, my skin needs this, too!
So glad you found me, Rena–welcome!
This is going on my must-make list!!!!! 🙂
Enjoy, Melissa!
Would this taste ok if I used powdered ginger? Or should I wait to get the fresh (I have everything else ready to go)
Sure! Perhaps about a teaspoon of powdered 🙂
I need to buy some ginger so I can make this. Do you think I could double or triple the recipe and store it in the refrigerator?
Yes, definitely. Store in a sealed container for 2 to 3 days. Just be sure to shake it up again before drinking (the solids will settle at the bottom)
yes! Just store in an airtight bottle for 2 or 3 days in the refrigerator; shake before drinking (solids will settle) 🙂
Lovely smoothie. I have been looking for a good carrot smoothie using whole carrots. I love that everything is very affordable and easy to find. Thanks, Camilla!
You are so welcome, Misty!
Ugh, my skin has been a dry mess this last month–I need to make this asap! 🙂
Enjoy, Jerilyn–it really does work wonders!