By Sheree Clark
Unhealthy skin can be a symptom of an unhealthy body, so help your liver clear out those toxins before they make it to your face. Start looking out for your skin health today!
Want to have a beautiful complexion? For a long-term healthier skin strategy, think from the inside out—it all starts with your liver. This workhorse organ performs more than 300 functions related to eliminating toxic substances from the body. When the liver is overtaxed, the burden increases for other eliminative organs—including the skin. Trying to process out undesirable substances often leads the skin to develop inflammatory diseases like adult acne, dermatitis, eczema, liver spots, psoriasis, and rashes. Or the complexion may simply become dry and dull skin and exhibit signs of premature aging. While there can be other causes of skin problems—such as hormonal imbalances—even some of these issues could improve or disappear if the liver’s load were lightened.
If you want better skin, start by giving your liver a little love. Increased water and exercise, as well as decreased processed foods and alcohol are beneficial tactics, but one of the most powerful ways to enhance your liver's health is with homemade fresh juices. Freshly made raw juices can have a remarkable effect on your skin's tone and texture over time.
So which juices can benefit you? The truth is, if you’re replacing your soft drinks, coffee or alcohol with juice, then just about any fresh homemade juice is a trade up. Here are a few of my personal favorites, and why I give them the thumbs up.
Lemon
Drinking a glass of water spiked generously with lemon (or lime) juice in the morning is a popular way to detoxify the body and cleanse from the inside out. Packed with vitamin C, tart citrus juice aids in building up collagen in skin, which is essential for maintaining youthfulness.Cucumber
The high water content in cucumber helps the body flush toxins while assisting the skin in getting and staying hydrated. Cucumber juice is an excellent source of silica, known to improve complexion. Drinking cucumber juice daily can help you achieve a glowing complexion.
Bonus: Cucumber has astringent properties, so it also helps reduce inflammation and the appearance of bags and puffy eyes. Simply chill two thick slices of cucumber in the refrigerator until cold. Place cold slices on closed eyes and lie down for 15 minutes.
Apple
The antioxidants in apple juice slow down premature aging and the formation of wrinkles so your skin remains soft and supple. Be sure you make your own apple juice; the store-bought kind has been pasteurized, which destroys some nutrients. Packaged juice may also contain added sugar.
Beet
Beets are one of the most effective liver cleansing vegetables available, and the root vegetable’s juice is even thought to help regenerate damaged liver cells. Beet juice provides anti-inflammatory benefits and stimulates the intestines. For some people, beet juice is an acquired taste: try it mixed with other juices such as carrot, orange, and apple.
Carrot
Carrots will not only improve your vision, but will make your skin look better too! Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which assists the liver in flushing out the toxins from the body. Plus, carrots are inexpensive and available year-round.
Bonus: Use carrots and other pantry staples to make a great homemade facial.
Carrot Face Mask
Ingredients:
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 tablespoon raw honey
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Lemon juice
Directions:
Steam carrots until soft and mash into a creamy consistency.
Mix in honey and coconut oil. Squeeze a few drops of fresh lemon juice into the mixture. (If your skin tends toward the dry side, add only 10 drops; if your skin is inclined to be oily, add up to one tablespoon.)
Massage the mixture into the face for several minutes. Let mask remain for a few additional minutes before rinsing.
Ginger
Ginger contains antioxidant compounds said to protect against aging. Ginger reduces inflammation and will help reduce redness or puffiness of the face. Use ginger juice as a condiment in your other juice blends or put it in hot water to make a stomach-soothing tea.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass juice is another great liver cleanser. Start with one ounce and work up to 3–4 ounces daily. Consume wheatgrass juice immediately after extracting it. Wheatgrass juice is also available in powdered and frozen forms, but fresh is best.
And Remember
Juicing alone cannot perform miracles. Be sure to include a proper diet and exercise routine to create optimal health as well as beauty inside and out.
A Few Pointers
- Use raw fresh fruits and vegetables, preferably organic, to make your juice. If not organic, wash the skins of the produce thoroughly before juicing.
- For optimal benefits, the best time to consume fresh juices is on an empty stomach or at least a half hour before a meal.
- Mix up your juice blends often so you get the added benefit of different nutrients. This will also help keep you from getting bored.
Sheree’s Super Skin Juice
Packed with liver-loving vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants!
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 apples
- 2 oranges, peeled
- 6 carrots
- 1 cucumber
- 1 inch knob of ginger
- ½ lemon, peeled
Directions:
Juice everything and serve immediately.
Take the Super Skin Challenge
See for yourself what you can gain by juicing. Drink just one 24 ounce vegetable juice blend every day for the next 14 days and see what it does to your appearance—not to mention all the other benefits you’ll receive.Take a before and after close-up photo of your face and show us how much better looking you become!
