Although there are topical applications and external treatments that can benefit the skin, they can only go so far if the skin is not healthy from the inside out. For us to have real healthy skin that stays firm and elasticated for as long as possible, we need to provide our skin with the nutrition it needs.

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients that we need to create and maintain healthy skin. Why so? Collagen cannot be made if we are deficient in or have very little vitamin C in the body. Vitamin C is an essential co-factor in the production of all collagen cells. Collagen is a sticky glue like substance that holds skin cells firmly together; without enough collagen the skin will lose its firm quality and will become thin and bruise easily. If we are deficient in vitamin C for an extended period of time, we will develop scurvy. A condition in which the skin actually starts falling apart and can eventually lead to death!

To provide yourself with juicer recipes abundant in vitamin c choose citrus fruits, kiwi, watermelon, papayas and mangoes.

Carotenoids
Beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin are antioxidants of the carotenoid family that can help protect the skin from damage. Beta-carotene is turned into skin healthy vitamin A by the liver. Vitamin A is needed to produce healthy epithelial skin tissue - this is the outer layer of skin that is exposed to the air. Besides this vitamin A also helps protects the skin from the damaging effects of free radicals that can damage and age skin cells. In particular vitamin A defends us from the free radicals that are found in polluted air and smoke.

Carrots and spinach are the most beta-carotene abundant of vegetables. A daily juice containing either or both of these vegetables will ensure you skin never becomes deficient in beta-carotene and vitamin A

Lutein and zeaxanthin
Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that are often found in eye health supplements. Research has shown that they are powerful antioxidants that protect the retina of the eyes from free radicals delivered by UV light. New research shows that lutein and zeaxanthin are also found in the skin. The research is not yet conclusive, but it appears that these two carotenoids may also protect skin cells from the free radicals in UV light. This could be very beneficial for skin health, these free radicals can create skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.

Dark leafy greens like spinach and kale are among the best source of lutein and zeazanthin. Juicing kale and spinach, mechanically releases more of the lutein and zeaxanthin from these vegetables for us to digest. To read more about juicing for healthy skin visit clear skin .