Cranberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, A, and beta carotene. They are packed with antioxidants and rate very high on the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) making it an ideal anti-aging super food. Cranberry enzymes are also a popular skincare ingredient known for helping to gently exfoliate the skin helping to smooth, brighten and reduce blemishes. Keep reading to learn more about the inner & outer skin benefits of cranberries + my cranberry herbal glow drink recipe (or mocktail) to enjoy all fall/winter season long!

Cranberries are high in antioxidants that help protect your skin and polyphenols that can help repair your skin.  When applied topically directly onto the skin, antioxidants are able to combat free radicals that can age the skin prematurely and lead to fine lines, wrinkles and the breakdown of collagen.

In addition to antioxidants, cranberries are also rich in Vitamin A, known for its ability to to rejuvenate and transform the skin. Their anti-inflammatory properties make cranberries suitable in skin care for acne-prone skin. If you’re looking for ways to promote skin that is soft, bright, and clear, try skin adding cranberry enzymes to your skincare routine to help address rough texture, dry skin, break-outs, scarring, dullness and pigmentation.

BENEFITS OF CRANBERRY ENZYMES IN SKINCARE:

Exfoliation: Enzymes help with the skin’s natural renewal process by gently breaking up surface skin cells

Better absorption: Exfoliation will help you other skincare ingredients work better and penetrate more effectively into the skin. 

Gentle for sensitive skin: Enzymes are ideal for those with reactive and sensitive skin to minimize inflammation or irritation while targeting concerns and exfoliating.

Moisture barrier friendly: Enzymes typically maintain a neutral pH, which can keep the skin's acid mantle balanced and keep your barrier function in best form.

PURE ENZYMES: CRANBERRY EXFOLIATING MASK

BENEFITS:

• Polishes away dull surface cells and pore-clogging impurities with a nourishing blend of cranberry enzymes and lactic acid.

• Leaves skin dramatically softer and plump with the help of hydration-boosting Gluconic Acid.

• Antioxidant rich formula protects your skin from environmental stressors that can impair the skin’s radiance by creating inflammation and damage to collagen and elastin

CRANBERRY SKIN FOOD BENEFITS

Cranberries are known to significantly boost the immune system and have a natural antibiotic effect in the body. This may be beneficial for those experiencing acne breakouts because by supporting the immune system, we are supporting the lymphatic system in defending the skin against acne causing streptococcus bacteria.

Cranberry juice has also been shown to increase the desirable “friendly” bacteria in the digestive tract which benefits digestive disorders such as IBS, colitis, gastritis, indigestion, gas, bloating, and constipation. When we support our elimination pathways, we are supporting our skin’s glow. When digestion is congested this stagnancy can show up on the skin as puffiness, sensitivities, dryness, acne, dullness and so on.

“The anthocyanin in cranberries is multifaceted, as it does more than one job for your liver. Not only does it prevent oxidation in cells; it helps prevent cells from dying in general of toxic overload. It also removes and breaks free a variety of troublemakers, including those inherited from long past in the family line. The harsh fruit acid in cranberries that causes the mouth to pucker strips the cell membranes off pathogens, most especially bacteria. The vitamin C in cranberries holds similarities to the rare vitamin C in tomatoes in that it increases the liver’s immune system strength.” – excerpt from Medical Medium Liver Rescue

CRANBERRY HERBAL GLOW DRINK RECIPE:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of water

• 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen cranberries

• 2 tbsps lime juice

• fresh squeeze of orange or blood orange juice

• 2 tbsps raw honey

• fresh rosemary sprigs

Directions

Blend water and cranberries together until well combined. Strain the resulting cranberry water through a sieve or nut milk bag and into a medium-sized bowl. Whisk the lime juice, orange juice, and raw honey into the cranberry water until the raw honey has completely dissolved. Add sprig of rosemary to infuse to your cranberry water. Serve with orange, cranberries & rosemary as garnish and enjoy! Optional to add ice.

Tip: Stir and melt your raw honey into a small amount of boiled water before adding to your cranberry water mixture for and easy combination. 

Share your Cranberry Herbal Glow drink and tag @facesbykatey on Instagram!

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