Why Green Smoothies and Skincare? -

Because We All Need to Glow

Digesting fresh fruits and vegetables creates a glowing effect on our skin. Therefore, green smoothies provide an excellent way to infuse and protect our skin. After all, we all need a healthy body and skin. Above all, our body is a precious gift from God. Why green smoothies and skincare -because we all need to glow!

We need a good diet, exercise, water, and relaxation to keep our skin healthy. This, combined with an external skincare routine, will help create beautiful skin. As skincare is holistic- we should eat well, exercise, keep our stress down, be happy, and clean and moisturize our skin.

I had a bout with Bulimia in high school as I never felt exactly right – always a little too big. Was I ever a 0 or even a six – it seems I jumped from child size to an eight. I am sure this is probably not the case, but this was my distorted image. I knew I did not look like the girls on the cover of Seventeen Magazine, and the models advised purging of food to keep thin. The funny thing is, when I look back at pictures. I see I was – skinny!

My health quest began about the same time as my body image distortion. This was around the eighth grade as I started growing into a woman. Were the lunch breaks full of sloppy joes, tater tots, and delicious Hostess Apple Pies good for me? Thank goodness, to my delight, in my hometown, I discovered the one health food store.

Although I had an eating disorder, I am not a doctor nor a counselor. Most importantly, seek professional help if you or someone you know suffers from this. Thankfully, by God’s grace, I moved on in a short time. Singing was my ambition, and I did not want to destroy my throat. The first victory in recovery! This shows me how God was guiding my life even though, at the time, I did not know it.

Years later, as I went back and forth between sizes and diets, an actress friend gave me the book “Green for Life.” This book is one of the many books that changed my life, and I have been drinking green smoothies since.

For over ten years, I have seen how green smoothies keep me healthy, regulate my weight, and make my skin glow. I see the same effects in my husband, who was able to quit smoking and lose weight simultaneously. We are healthy when we are diligent and stay on our smoothie regime. However, when we lapse due to work schedules, our health suffers.

As a makeup artist, I can tell if the actor in my chair eats fresh fruits and vegetables (or drinks them). For instance, their skin glows.

A few years back, I had a basal cell removed from my nose. It is essential to have an experienced dermatologist to do body checks. Moreover, a doctor who gives honest remedies and therapies. In my experience, using health, exercise, and a good skin regime with good products has kept my skin in good condition. Yes, that means sitting under an umbrella at the beach – although a bit of sun is good too. All in moderation.

Two books that revolutionized our health and skin:

“Green for Life” by Victoria Boutenko – I love how Victoria works with a nutritionist to find the perfect diet. Likewise, a diet consuming enormous amounts of greens gives us a robust immune system. All this with delicious recipes for green smoothies.
“Raw Food Detox Book” by Natalia Rose – Do not let this book scare you. As it is not about becoming a raw foodist. But about adding more raw food into your diet.

I include our basic Savory Green Smoothie Recipe below as this is what works for us. As some people prefer sweets, I will include a sweet option too. “Green for Life” has many other recipes to try, but we stick to this one. “Raw Food Detox Book” has valuable juicing information and recipes. We juice two times a week – sometimes more but this is our current schedule.

I know now that I am neither small nor large – perhaps medium? But most of all, I am perfect in God’s eyes, which helps me put negative body images to rest. It is interesting how things that affect us in our youth can follow us throughout our lives. Therefore, carefully and diligently pruning and weeding destructive habits and attitudes is vital.

Some Science Behind Green Smoothies and Skincare:

I learned some exciting and interesting facts by diving into the science side of green smoothies and skincare.

Dermatologists recommend eating vibrant fruits and vegetables which are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants prevent oxidative stress, and oxidative stress is when free radicals damage the skin. For instance, skin cancer, sun damage, and other conditions are seen.

Skin dietary antioxidants include Lycopene (tomatoes), Vitamin A (kale, spinach), Vitamin C (lettuce, bell peppers), Beta-Carotene (red, yellow, orange vegetables), and Vitamin E (avocado).

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene. Because lycopene is a powerful antioxidant, it protects our skin from UV damage. Kale and spinach are rich in Vitamin A, creating healthy skin cell turnover.

Dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone reports blueberries contain antioxidants. This protects the skin from premature aging. Blueberries are also anti-inflammatory. Furthermore, inflammation causes sagging and wrinkling of the skin. Similarly, Dr. Perricone’s book, The Wrinkle Cure, documents the positive effects between diet and skin health.

“The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health” study writes that Vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid. Therefore, Vitamin C can be used orally and topically for skincare benefits.

Next, let’s focus on skincare. Because skin changes often, it is best to keep your routine simple. Below I provide a simple skincare method that only covers the basics. As there are many skin types and conditions, it is best to research products and consult a dermatologist and/or facialist if necessary.

Skincare is unique and intricate. Sometimes it takes a lot of trial and error to reach our desired skin health. But often, if we keep it simple, it is much easier to dial in.

Simple Skincare Basics

The Basics– Cleansing, Moisturizing, Extras

Note: There are many beautiful products out there. Below I list a sampling of some products I use and find effective. Please share your favorite skincare items in the comments if you like.

Cleansing – In most cases, use a gentle cleanser. Above all, do not go to bed with a foundation as it will clog your pores. (Cetaphil Gentle Face Cleanser, Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser, Dr. Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk, Drunk Elephant No.9 Jelly Cleanser)

Moisturizing – Likewise, use a gentle moisturizer. (Cetaphil Gentle Moisturizer, Koh Gen Do Spa Gel, Mario Badescu Buttermilk Lotion, NAPCA Mist Life-flo for Face, Body & Hair)

Eye creams – there are many different types of creams for various conditions. I like to use Mac Fast Response Eye Cream, Drunk Elephant C-Tango™ Vitamin C Eye Cream, and Clinique All About Eyes.

Acne and Blackheads – Try diluted tree oil, apple vinegar, or witch hazel for a few days. Apply with a Q-tip or cotton pad. For acne issues, I like Mario Badescu’s line for acne repair. (Drying Lotion, Silver Powder, Special Healing Powder)

Exfoliate – Use a gentle scrub or exfoliator 1 to 3 times a week. However, be gentle. If any irritation occurs, wait until it is completely healed before using it again. (Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant, Alba Botanica Hawaiian Facial Scrub, St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub)

Toner – If oily or breaking out, you may want to use a gentle toner like Witch Hazel or Mario Badescu Glycolic Toner.

Dryness – Instead of a moisturizer, use oil. (Emu Oil, Koh Gen Do Macro-Vintage-t3-premium-oil, or Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil.

Masks – Use masks as needed. For example, clay masks work well for pores and oil. Try Aztec Healing Clay.

Retinol – Use retinol as needed, usually 2-3 times weekly. For instance, I use Miracle of the Sea by our dermatologist Dr. Eric Lewis back in Beverly Hills – he is fantastic!) If any irritation occurs, wait until it is completely healed before using it again.

Scripture for Loving Our Selves and Bodies:

We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16 NKJV

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10 NKJV

Green Smoothie Savory Recipe & Sweet Green Smoothie Recipe

[mv_create key=”9″ type=”recipe” title=”Savory Green Smoothie” thumbnail=”https://deborahrutherford.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Fresh-vegetables.jpg”]

[mv_create key=”13″ type=”recipe” title=”Sweet Green Smoothie ” thumbnail=”https://deborahrutherford.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/74009._UY630_SR1200630_.jpg”]

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