If you’re feeling like your complexion is in desperate need of a boost right now, you’re certainly not the only one. When it comes to your skin, what you put in on the inside is as important as what you apply on the outside – you may have your skincare routine nailed in terms of products, but are you feeding your skin the right vitamins?
It’s hard to get all the nutrients our bodies need at the best of times, but an effective way to pack in some extras is with a well thought-out smoothie. Add one to your breakfast or use as a mid-morning snack, and be sure to include some of the below ingredients.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps keep the lipids in your skin fresh, which maintains your skin’s natural barrier and protects it from oxidative damage and harmful UV light. Avocados are a good source of vitamin E, as are almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds.
Vitamin C
Your skin needs vitamin C to create collagen, which is the main structural protein that keeps your skin strong and radiant. Vitamin C can be found in blueberries, broccoli, oranges, papaya, strawberries and sweet potatoes.
Vitamin A
A potent antioxidant, vitamin A is converted to retinol by the liver, and is important to maintain normal cell turnover and keep your skin from ageing prematurely. Carotenoids are a type of vitamin A (you may have heard of beta carotene and lutein, both types of carotenoids) found in kale, spinach, carrots, mangoes, apricots and plums.
Take a look at the below recipes from master smoothie makers Blendtec, all created to pack in the optimum amount of skin-loving vitamins, with delicious flavour. Each one makes up to three servings.