My skin hates me at the moment! But with six weeks of continuous traveling, layers of makeup melting into every pore in the heat, three hours of sleep a night (if I am lucky), and loads of junk food, even I have to admit that it has good reason to pout and rebel.
What I do hate, though, is its way of showing displeasure — zits like I haven’t had since the age of 14 in places where I never had them even when I was 14, blotchy patches that make any cover-up crease and crumble, skin that looks grey and lifeless. Ugh!
So, it’s time to make amends, and when the legendary Dr. Perricone started talking of a skin detox drink that combines homemade piña colada delectableness with loads of skin-soothing benefits, how could I resist? I can honestly vouch for its deliciousness after a quick trip to the market and 10 minutes in the kitchen later.
And then the skin benefits showed up — just as Dr. Perricone promised! Because of hydration, an omega buzz that ups detoxification, boosted blood circulation, raised energy levels, and medium-chain fatty acids that make the complexion glow.
In the long term, this coconut-almond-and-avocado piña colada is also supposed to help lose weight, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. And yup, you can enjoy this healthy cocktail virgin (or not — I definitely did nothing of the sort!).
Dr. Perricone’s Skin Detox Drink: Ingredients
- Half a cup of unsweetened almond milk
- One cup of pineapple pieces
- One small piece of avocado (about 1/5 of a large avocado or ¼ of a small one)
- One tablespoon of shredded unsweetened coconut
- One tablespoon of coconut oil
- Dash of vanilla extract
- 2-4 ice cubes
- Half a cup of water
Skin Detox Drink: How to Make It!
- Combine all ingredients in a blender
- Blend until smooth and creamy
- Drink up!
Why Does This Recipe Work For a Skin Detox?
Dr. Perricone’s recipe combines ingredients that are not only delicious but also packed with benefits for skin health, making it a great choice for a skin detox drink. Here’s a breakdown of how each ingredient contributes to its effectiveness:
Unsweetened Almond Milk: According to WebMD, almond milk is a good source of vitamin E. This antioxidant can help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and UV radiation. It’s also lower in calories and dairy-free, which is beneficial for those who are lactose intolerant or looking to reduce dairy intake due to personal skin sensitivity.
Pineapple Pieces: Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and bromelain. Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, which helps keep the skin firm and youthful. According to the National Institute of Health, bromelain is an enzyme that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce skin inflammation and acne.
Avocado: According to the National Library of Medicine, avocado is loaded with healthy fats, vitamins E and C, and carotenoids, which can hydrate the skin, reduce oxidative damage, and promote elasticity due to its natural oils and nutrients.
Shredded Unsweetened Coconut: Coconut contains antioxidants and is hydrating, which can help protect the skin from harmful radicals and keep the skin moisturized.
Coconut oil is well known for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also help keep skin hydrated and reduce symptoms of eczema and other dry skin conditions.
Vanilla Extract: While primarily used for flavor, scientific research shows that vanilla also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm irritated skin.
Ice Cubes and Water: Hydration is vital for flushing out toxins and keeping the skin clear. Adding water and ice cubes helps make the drink refreshing and hydrating.
Together, these ingredients create a smoothie that not only tastes great but also supports skin detoxification and health by providing hydration, essential nutrients, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory benefits. Fats and oils help absorb fat-soluble vitamins crucial for skin repair and maintenance. This makes your smoothie a potent drink for nourishing and rejuvenating the skin from the inside out.
Do you need a skin detox?
Anubha Charan is a powerhouse in the luxury beauty industry, with over 15 years of expertise shaping the global beauty narrative. As the former Beauty Director at Marie Claire, she worked with the magazine's French headquarters to craft cutting-edge beauty content for international audiences.
Anubha's bylines have appeared in some of the world’s most prestigious publications, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Travel + Leisure, WebMD, and Architectural Digest. She is also the co-author of Paris Bath & Beauty, a Simon & Schuster book on French beauty rituals.
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