A smoothie a day can help make pimples go away — it’s true — as long as you’re using the best ingredients in your smoothie.
Everything from genetics to hormones to the skincare products we use can influence our skin’s behavior and the number of breakouts we experience. But diet also plays a major role. And this one smoothie you should have every morning for clear skin is effective (and delicious) thanks to a key ingredient that boost your skin’s hydration and keeps it looking radiant.
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Key Ingredient: Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an ingredient that has been used for health and beauty for ages (literally — even Cleopatra was hip to its benefits). The plants, which gives off a slightly sour taste that you can counter with sweeter ingredients, is packed with vitamins like B12, folic acid, and antioxidants vitamins C and E, which protect your skin from free radicals. It also contains enzymes that reduce inflammation for clearer skin and minerals and fatty acids.
According to a study published in the India Journal of Dermatology, when used topically:
“Aloe stimulates fibroblast which produces the collagen and elastin fibers making the skin more elastic and less wrinkled. It also has cohesive effects on the superficial flaking epidermal cells by sticking them together, which softens the skin. The amino acids also soften hardened skin cells and zinc acts as an astringent to tighten pores. Its moisturizing effects has also been studied in treatment of dry skin associated with occupational exposure where aloe vera gel gloves improved the skin integrity, decreases appearance of fine wrinkle and decreases erythema. t also has anti-acne effect.”
But what happens when you drink aloe in a smoothie?
How Drinking Aloe Vera Can Boost Your Skin’s Health
Dry skin cells can lead to clogged pores, which in turn creates pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads. According to Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, RD, and author of The SuperFoodsRx Diet, drinking aloe vera can be especially helpful if you suffer from extremely dry skin.
"If you have a tendency toward dry skin or other skin issues including psoriasis, you can help promote healing from the inside out by choosing foods that are anti-inflammatory, like aloe juice," Bazilian told Prevention.com.
Take The Hype With A Grain Of Salt
Despite all of the nutritional benefits of drinking aloe vera, you shouldn’t treat it as a miracle ingredient for your skin. It can certainly help, as long as you’re incorporating aloe into a healthy diet filled with a variety of foods — and following a good skincare regimen.
"It probably doesn't directly affect your skin, but anything that improves your overall health could potentially improve your appearance," Rebecca Kazin, MD, of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic, told Prevention.com.
If you have diabetes or a digestive issue, check with your doctor before adding aloe vera to smoothies, as it can have a blood thinning and laxative effect.
Awesome Aloe Vera Smoothie Recipe
Ready to add aloe vera to your breakfast smoothie? This recipe combines aloe with antioxidant-rich blueberries, mango, and creamy coconut milk for a delicious and rich smoothie that will make your skin bright, clear, and smooth. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
Coconut milk
Aloe Vera leaf
Frozen or fresh blueberries
Frozen or fresh mango chunks
Coconut oil
Fresh basil
Honey, maple syrup, or Stevia
