Little Step No. 43
What to do:
Make this ‘super-skin’ smoothie.
Why this step works:
The wintry months can really take their toll on our skin; the mixture of plummeting outdoor temperatures and centrally heated indoors can soon lead to dry, cracked or chapped skin. And whilst topical moisturisers can be a big help, what's really important is how you feed your skin from within.
This ‘super-skin’ smoothie is a bit like a protective moisturiser that works from the inside out. It’s my ‘go-to’ at this time of year, because it’s packed full of ingredients your skin really needs in a format that’s quick and easy to make. Maximum nutrition in minimum time - exactly what we all need in the busy run up to Christmas.
What you will need:
½ avocado
1 tbsp marine collagen powder (optional)
1 tsp flax seeds
1 tsp chia seeds
100 ml kefir
150ml oat milk (or other milk alternative) - use more / less if you want it runnier / thicker
15 ml aloe vera juice
Juice of ½ large orange (freshly squeezed)
Method:
Add all ingredients to a high powered blender (Nutribullet, Vitamix or similar), blend until smooth and serve immediately.
What makes it so great for your skin?
Kefir is a fermented yoghurt which provides beneficial bacteria to support a healthy gut - this sits right at the foundation of healthy skin.
Aloe vera juice has soothing, anti-inflammatory properties which may help to calm dry or irritated skin.
Chia seeds are a rich source of omega 3 fats which help to keep skin well-oiled from within.
Marine collagen powder – Collagen is a crucial structural component of skin. Collagen is a bit like the glue that holds our skin together – it forms about ¾ of the skin’s dry weight and gives skin its strength and rigidity. Marine collagen powder may help to supply the ingredients your body needs to make collagen.
Freshly squeezed orange juice provides vitamin C, which is needed for the production of both collagen and elastin in the skin. Whilst collagen provides strength and rigidity, elastin gives skin the elasticity to stretch and return back to shape. Regular intake of vitamin C is essential for collagen and elastin.
Avocado provides skin-healthy fats, along with beta carotene and vitamin E - important antioxidant nutrients which help to protect the skin against damage. It also contains vitamin C and biotin – a vital B complex nutrient which is well known for its skin-supportive qualities.
Flaxseeds provide skin-nourishing omega 3 fats & are also a source of plant compounds called phytoestrogens which may help to support oestrogen balance which in turn supports healthy skin.
A simple smoothie with extensive benefits for your skin - just perfect at this time of year x