Creams, peels and other cosmetics are all well and good... But are you nourishing your skin - from the inside?
You've tried all the creams, scrubs, masks and other treatments you can think of on your face, but you're not getting any results and your skin doesn't seem to be clearing up?
Maybe it's time to rethink your beauty routine, and I'm not talking about what you put on your skin. It turns out that what you put *into* your body - what you eat - is just as important, if not more so, than the products you use every day.
I did a post about hormonal acne on Instagram, where I explained the importance of diet and microbiota on hormonal balance, and therefore skin health.
Now that you know that certain foods are to be avoided (breaking news: industrial foods are NOT good for having the Clear Skin), it's time to add some GOOD foods to your daily diet.
A great way to add more foods that are good for nourishing your skin and helping to rebalance your hormones is to make a smoothie daily.
Ingredients
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has long been known for its beneficial properties for our skin. Its gel, applied directly to the skin, relieves burns and sunburns.
It is also known to improve digestive conditions, such as IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) or constipation. The health of our intestines also plays a role in the health of our skin, and therefore in problems such as acne!
Pssst: after using the aloe vera gel, rather than throwing the leaf away, you can rub your face with it to take advantage of its moisturizing and thirst-quenching properties!
Mint
Mint, beyond its taste that I find wonderful, is also a health ally!
Like aloe vera, it offers us its digestive and soothing virtues for our intestines.
In addition, a particular type of mint, peppermint (mentha x piperita) has been shown to have positive effects on PCOS and particularly on excess androgens. These excess male hormones can cause hormonal acne.
Banana and Mango
Do I really need to explain this choice?
2 of my favorite fruits, perfect for smoothies, banana and mango bring the sweet and creamy taste to the smoothie! Must-haves 😋
Avocado
An important concept to know when it comes to skin or hormone issues is that our bodies have a VITAL need for fats; not just any fats, good fats: you can find them in walnuts, flax and chia seeds, olive oil and... avocado!
In addition to these good fats, the avocado is also a fruit rich in protein and fiber, to nourish the skin and be satisfied longer!
Probiotics (optional)
I mentioned above: our intestinal health impacts our overall health, and our skin is affected too! An unbalanced gut microbiota (bacterial flora) - also known as dysbiosis - can impact proper waste elimination, cause digestive problems and other symptoms, and ultimately worsen or even cause acne.
Now that you know all the secret ingredients, here is my special Clear Skin smoothie recipe!
RECIPE
For 1 large glass:
- 1 banana, sliced
- 1 small mango, peeled (or half a large mango)
- 1/4 avocado
- 1 handful of mint leaves
- 1 lemon, squeezed
- 1 medium-sized aloe vera leaf
- 1 glass of fresh coconut water
- 1 to 2 probiotic capsules (optional)
Method
Remove the gel from the aloe vera leaf by removing the green part, and place it in the blender. Be careful not to put any green in your smoothie, it contains alloin which can cause digestive problems.
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend for 30 seconds*.
Pour the smoothie into a glass and enjoy chilled! *You can add more coconut water if you want a more liquid consistency.
Enjoy!
xx Manon
