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We've all heard it before: You are what you eat. Not only does your diet affect your overall health, but it has a lot to do with your skin as well. 

"What we eat becomes us, simple as that," says Summer Sanders, author of "Raw and Radiant" and owner of Local Juicery. "What you put into your body is reflected in your body, skin, eyes and mood." You can use all the luxury skin care products in the world, but if you're still filling up on processed foods, snacks and alcohol on a Saturday night, don't expect to have glowing skin come morning. She recommends steering clear of sugar, caffeine, chocolate, dairy and gluten as these foods have "a tendency to cause breakouts and dry out the skin."

Sanders began experimenting with food to balance her hormones and clear her complexion after she experienced severe breakouts and eczema following pregnancy. Many of her recipes include "water-rich foods such as cucumbers, melons, celery, citrus, greens and strawberries, which help your skin stay plump and nourished," Sanders says. "Eat your water!"

If you're looking to improve your skin health via your diet, focus on foods and drinks that are nurturing to the body. "By filling up on a plant-inspired diet, you’re going to support your gut microbiome (directly related to your skin), give your organs a break and chance to regenerate, and fill up on important antioxidants and nutrients," Sanders says.

Read on for four exclusive recipes created by Sanders for optimal skin health. These can be sipped on every day and are great for breakfast or a pre-dinner snack. 

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Get Glowing

Best For: Hydrated, healthy-looking skin

Ingredients:

• ● 14 ounces fresh young coconut water
• ● 1/4 cup frozen blueberries
• ● 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
• ● 1/4 cup fresh papaya
• ● 1 tablespoon tocos (try Sun Potion brand)
• ● 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• ● 1 handful of spinach
• ● 1-2 dates
• ● pinch of pink salt

Method:
Blend on high in your high-speed blender, pour, and enjoy.

Image via Alexa Gray, Courtesy of Summer Sanders

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Pure Radiance

Best For: Alkalizing the skin 

Ingredients:

• ● 14 ounces almond milk
• ● 2 handfuls kale
• ● 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• ● 1 tablespoon almond butter
• ● 1 scoop of your favorite plant-based protein
• ● 1 frozen banana
• ● 4 ice cubes
• ● pinch of pink sea salt

Method:
Blend on high in your high-speed blender, pour, and enjoy.

Image via Alexa Gray, Courtesy of Summer Sanders

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"Yes to Matcha"

Best For: Antioxidant protection

Ingredients:

• ● 14 ounces almond milk
• ● 2 teaspoon ceremonial grade matcha powder
• ● 1 teaspoon cordyceps mushrooms (try Moon Juice)
• ● 1 tablespoon coconut butter (try Cap Beauty)
• ● 1 tablespoon almond butter
• ● 2 teaspoon maple syrup or raw honey
• ● 6 ice cubes
• ● pinch of pink salt

Method:
Blend on high in your high-speed blender, pour, and enjoy.

Image via Alexa Gray, Courtesy of Summer Sanders

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"Morning Glow"

Best For: Waking up your skin in the a.m.

Ingredients:

• ● 14 ounces fresh young coconut water
• ● 1 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
• ● 1 scoop of your favorite plant-based protein
• ● 2 tablespoon hemp seeds
• ● 1 teaspoon schizandra
• ● 1-2 dates
• ● pinch of pink salt

Method:
Blend on high in your high-speed blender, pour, and enjoy.

Image via Lauren Styles, Courtesy of Summer Sanders