Juicy skin-care advice from wellness superstar Kris Carr

Kris Carr is a best-selling author and a celebrity among vegan food enthusiasts and green juice devotees. Her new book, Crazy Sexy Juice, debuted on October 20, 2015. Here, she shares her thoughts on how sipping liquid produce can lead to glowing, clear skin, plus a juice recipe from the book to get you started.

The wide-ranging impact our diets can have just continuously amazes me. It’s really no surprise, though, that removing problematic foods and adding in beneficial ones can give our skin the help it needs—our outer appearance is often a reflection of our inner health.

Removing problematic foods

Some specifics to consider: Dairy and sugar (specifically refined sugar, like you’ll find in many processed foods) are at the top of the list of acne-causing ingredients. There’s been an abundance of anecdotal evidence about these two culprits for years, but the medical community is now nodding in agreement, too. If you haven’t already, try cutting these out of your diet to see if it banishes your breakouts.

Other items that cause skin problems for some are gluten and fruits and veggies in the nightshade family (common ones: potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant).

Now, what to add…

A probiotic is reportedly good for skin, in the sense that it keeps your digestive tract humming along nicely. You can also try incorporating papaya and pineapple into meals and snacks for more digestive support—they’ve got natural digestive enzymes. And elderberry is another ingredient with skin benefits, as well as onions, cacao, and plums.

But here’s the thing I—and New York City facialist Joanna Vargas—think is going to make the biggest difference for you: green drinks. The blast of nutrients you get from a green juice or smoothie can brighten, lighten, de-bloat and more—that whole “outer appearance reflects inner health” thing at work again.

These super-beverages are great ways to get in your plant-based nutrition, and the enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants packed into each one are amazing for your skin and immunity. Sip your way to a glowing epidermis, more energy and better health, gorgeous!

Need a little help in the healthy drink department?

I gotcha covered. I created over 100 simple, delicious, ultra-nourishing juice, smoothie and nut milk recipes for my new book, Crazy Sexy Juice! (And if you haven’t yet invested in a juicer, don’t worry—there are actually more blender-friendly recipes in the book than juices.)

Here’s one skin-friendly juice to get you started… —Kris Carr

Brighten & Lighten

I love the fresh tartness of this juice, which is a little sweet and a lot tangy.

I also love that it features Swiss chard, which is packed with many of the same nutrients (vitamins A, K, and C) as other leafy greens, but is also rich in B vitamins, to help keep your energy levels high (and your skin sparkly).

The enzymes in chard are also associated with blood sugar regulation, which makes this a great cocktail to boost your mood while keeping your hunger and energy stable.

Makes 2 servings (16 to 20 ounces)

1 large Granny Smith apple1 cup spinach, leaves and stems, tightly packed1 cucumber2 leaves Swiss chard2 stalks celery1/4 cup cilantro, leaves and stems, tightly packed1/4 lemon, peeled

Wash and prep all ingredients. Juice all ingredients.

For more information, check out Crazy Sexy Juice