Of all the changes in season, the leap from spring to summer usually wreaks the most havoc on skin. Breakouts, blackheads, and clogged pores often crop up—thanks to everything from sweat to sunscreen.
And while a gentle skincare routine is a must, I’ve found that it’s not always enough to keep my skin supple and pimple-free. This time of year, I love whipping up some skin-clearing elixirs to get my skin back on track.
3 Summer Skin-Clearing Elixirs
Fresh fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that soothe inflammation and clear pores. Antioxidants reduce free radical damage in all areas of the body and help skin look smoother and younger [source]. Vitamins A, C, and E boost skin health, elasticity, and luminosity. And an extra dose of hydration keeps everything glowing and supple.
Mix and match fresh ingredients or add in other antioxidant-rich superfoods to make your own elixirs. When it comes to achieving smooth, radiant skin from natural food nutrients, the flavor combinations are endless.
Plus, natural products such as certain vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients may even help boost your skin’s inherent SPF [source]. But that doesn’t mean you should ditch the sunscreen! Just rest easy knowing that your skin won't parch under the harsh summer sun.
Here's how to make 'em.
Spicy ACV Lemonade
Raw apple cider vinegar has long been a skin-clearing staple. Like other fermented foods, ACV contains probiotics that work to keep your gut and digestive system healthy [source]. It’s also believed to support the liver function and flush toxins from the body.
And lemon juice is loaded with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that decreases inflammation [source]. That’s a one-two punch for your skin.
Watermelon Lime Spritzer
The miracle ingredient in this skin-clearing elixir is lycopene, a phytonutrient found in bright red fruits like watermelon [source]. Lycopene has long been used in acne products because it helps reduce free radicals, soothes inflammation, and provides protection from environmental toxins that can cause breakouts.
Watermelon is also loaded with vitamin A, which encourages collagen and elastin regeneration [source], so your skin looks youthful and supple.
Raspberry Aloe Water
Raspberries are anti-inflammatory powerhouses, thanks to flavonoids known as anthocyanins [source]. They slow the signs of aging and reduce inflammation throughout the entire body—even in your skin [source].
Rich in fiber, they also improve digestion and encourage the body to expel toxins. A teaspoon of beetroot powder adds blood-boosting vitamins like iron and zinc and helps improve circulation. And hydrating, healing aloe vera is a rich source of antioxidants and vitamins that help protect and repair your skin [source].
📖 Recipe
3 Summer Beauty Beverages
Equipment
- Blender
- Muddler
Ingredients
Spicy ACV Lemonade
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ lemon juiced
Watermelon Lime Spritzer
- 1.5 cups watermelon
- ½ lime juiced
- 2 slices lime
- 7 leaves mint
- 3 cups water
Raspberry Aloe Water
- ¼ cup raspberries fresh
- ½ teaspoon beetroot powder
- 2 cups coconut water
- 2 leaves aloe vera
Instructions
Spicy Apple Cider Vinegar Lemonade
- Combine everything in a glass, stir, and drink.
Watermelon Lime Spritzer
- Combine everything in a blender and puree until smooth. Strain out the solids, and enjoy the juice over ice with extra mint leaves for garnish.
Raspberry Aloe Water
- Combine the raspberries and beetroot powder in a glass. Use a muddler to mash the berries and incorporate the beetroot powder.
- Add the coconut water, then place the aloe leaves in the glass cut side down, so some of the juice runs into the glass. Either strain out the berries before drinking, or eat them for added beauty-boosting benefits.
Notes
This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Jennifer Haley, a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical review board here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
Photos by Ana-Maria Stanciu
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