Can Juicing Help Clear Acne? 9 Green Drinks That Promote Healthy Skin

Unless you’ve been living under an insanely massive rock, you are likely very aware of the juice craze that seems to have taken over. From the corner convenience store to your best friend’s Instagram feed — juices are everywhere. And whether you’re a juice cleanse master or completely against the idea of “liquid meals,” one thing’s undeniable: juices are good for you (in moderation), and as a result, can be extremely beneficial in promoting healthy, glowing skin.

But before you go running to the closest juice shop, it’s crucial to remember that not all juices are created equal. Some are better for you than others. Those super sweet, tropical or berry juice blends? They’re likely packed with sugar, which can do more bad than good for your skin. Do yourself a favor and opt for one of these 8 green juices that will encourage a healthier, clearer complexion.

1. CUCUMBER

These crunchy vegetables are 96% water, which means they’re super hydrating for your skin. They also are packed with vitamins A, B and C, which can help to flush out the toxins in your body, resulting in a more radiant complexion. Not just that, they’re also jam-packed with loads of face-friendly minerals, including magnesium, potassium and silicon.

2. KALE

Let us count the ways that this nutritional powerhouse can benefit healthy skin. First of all, kale is rich with vitamins C, K, E, B1, B2 and B3 (just to name a few), making it an incredibly potent anti-inflammatory food. Secondly, it’s chock-full of copper, which boosts the production of melanin in your skin — and that’s a great thing. Melanin is the pigment that protects your face from the sun, all while controlling inflammation. Kale can also boost your vitamin A intake, which promotes the repair and maintenance of your skin. Lastly, It has a high vitamin A content, which promotes healthy cell growth, making your skin more capable of taking care of and repairing itself.

3. BEARBERRY

This super fruit has a multitude of benefits when eaten or applied topically. It’s rich in tannins that promote a healthy digestive tract. It’s also high in arbutin, which when applied topically helps prevent the formation of melanin. Because of the incredible natural benefits of this ingredient, Dr. Michael Lin formulated his Acne Spot Corrector with arbutin to help correct and fade the red and dark marks left behind from acne damage for a more even complexion, naturally.

4. WATERCRESS

It may seem dainty and unsuspecting, but watercress is more powerful than it looks. This vegetable has a high sulfur content meaning it can flush out all the toxins in your blood and liver, aiding you in your pursuit of a flawless complexion. It’s also rich in vitamin A, which (you now know) is crucial for skin repair and maintenance. Watercress also has a high concentration of vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can help slow down the aging process and even help heal damaged skin.

5. PARSLEY

You might be able to taste the parsley in your green juice, but do you know what it actually does? As it turns out, a slew of wonderful skin-saving things! Parsley is rich in vitamins A and C and can help clear blemishes while evening out your skin tone. Thanks to its high levels of vitamin K, parsley can promote skin elasticity, while speeding up the healing process of any wounds. On top of all that, it’s a great remedy for dry, flaky skin.

6. CELERY

Celery is more than just a basic vegetable. It provides tons of vitamins A, C and E, which all act as hardworking antioxidants. Vitamin A can help delay signs of aging, while vitamin E keeps your skin moisturized. Celery is also rich with omega 6 fatty acids, which increases the elasticity and luminosity of your complexion.

7. SPINACH

Everyone knows that spinach is a super food. But let’s break down why it’s specifically beneficial to your skin: spinach is overflowing with antioxidants. As a result, it can help remove damaging radicals that can cause early aging, aiding in a healthier, rejuvenated complexion. Spinach is rich in vitamin B, which can help protect your skin from the sun, and vitamin K, which can reduce the appearance of dark circles and bruises. And because that’s not enough, it also has vitamin A and C, which improves your skin tone, while increasing skin cell growth.

8. GREEN APPLE

If an apple a day can keep the doctor away, imagine what a glass of green apple juice can do for your skin! You can find iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and chlorine in raw green apple juice, which are all helpful in making your skin (and even your nails and hair) look super healthy. It also cleans your kidneys and liver, acting as an overall detoxifier.

9. KIWI

They may be small, but kiwis are one of the most nutrient-dense fruits. Kiwi juice is rich with antioxidants, which can be helpful in the fight against wrinkles and aging skin. It also detoxifies your entire system, helping you glow on the inside and out. Kiwis are also rich with potassium, which speeds up tissue and skin repair. Perhaps the most surprising fact about kiwis is that they have higher levels of vitamin C than oranges do. This means that kiwis can boost collagen formation, wound healing and skin pigmentation.

Do you have a favorite green drink recipe? Tell us why you love it in the comments below!