Hormone-balancing Smoothie! Tegan Alexander Dermal Therapist.

Hormones can significantly influence the health and quality of our skin at any stage of life, from our teen years and all the way through adulthood. Giving rise to conditions such as acne, melasma, excessive oil flow, excessive dryness and even accelerated ageing due to menopause or perimenopause, it’s easy to see that balanced hormones are an essential element of great skin. 

As someone with Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) I myself experience the effects hormones have on skin. Having melasma, cystic acne and because those two aren’t enough, add recurrent perioral dermatitis on top, because who doesn’t love things that come in threes, I know firsthand how frustrating dealing with these skin conditions can be. 

One of the ways I like to assist balancing my hormones and keep my skin glowing is by starting my day with a hormone balancing antioxidant rich smoothie. I find it’s a simple and delicious way to support my skin.

The Skin boosting ingredients I use are:

Blueberries – A potent source of antioxidants and packed with vitamin A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E making them a superfood in the fight against premature aging. 

Flaxseeds – Flaxseeds are a nutrient dense little powerhouse. Not only are they full of healthy fats they are also the richest plant source of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) a powerful anti-aging antioxidant. Flaxseeds are naturally high in omega 3 fatty acids giving them powerful anti-inflammatory effects as well strengthen the membrane of skin cells helping to lock moisture in the skin, balance oil production and reduce hormonal fluctuations. Flaxseeds are also high in Lignans, which balance the productions of androgen hormones that can lead to acne. 

Chaga – A medicinal mushroom that contains an abundance of essential nutrients and phytochemicals with strong anti-inflammatory effects. Chaga is also one of the highest natural sources of antioxidants. In addition, Chaga is also high in Amino acids, zinc, B vitamins thiamine, riboflavin and niacin and vitamin D2 which is not found in vegetables all of which make this powerful mushroom amazing for healthy glowing skin. 

Maca powder – is an incredibly nutrient dense ancient superfood which is amazing for reducing hormonal breakouts. Maca contains iodine, iron, manganese and zinc which are vital for hormone health and healing which make it perfect for anyone who suffers from cystic acne.  This superfood also has high levels of vitamin C increasing collagen production and reducing free radical damage. 

Ceylon cinnamon – also known as true cinnamon is another powerful antioxidant, Ceylon cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde which has been found to promote the expression of collagen. It is also found to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and may be beneficial to wound healing. Ceylon cinnamon is also great for balancing blood sugar levels therefore great for diabetics and those with hormonal imbalances like PCOS. 

Recipe:

¼-½ cup of blueberries 

1-2 tablespoons of flaxseeds 

½ teaspoon of chaga 

¼ teaspoon of maca powder 

1-2 teaspoons of ceylon cinnamon 

Add any milk of choice, my go to is almond milk.
add scoop of your favourite protein powder, i like to use vanilla flavour

And blend it all together 

Optional extras
If you like things green add a handful of spinach or teaspoon of chlorophyll or a super greens blend. Or up the protein and essential fatty acids by adding a tablespoon of your favourite nut butter. 

This smoothie is also perfect for an afternoon snack and helps me get through the 3.30pm slump.