Malaika Arora's Secret To Glowing Skin Is 'Retinol Juice': Here's Why You Should Try It Too

The wellness spotlight is firmly fixed on edible skincare—the idea that beauty starts in the gut. Amidst this trend, celebrity endorsement often shines the brightest. When actor Malaika Arora recently revealed her morning ‘retinol juice’—a blend of carrot, cucumber, orange, and lemon—the internet was instantly captivated.

But can a simple kitchen concoction truly stand in for the powerhouse topical ingredient, retinol? We turned to leading nutritionists and dermatologists to break down the benefits of this vibrant juice and determine its place in a modern beauty regimen.

Benefits Of Retinol Juice

Experts agree that the combination of carrot, cucumber, orange, and lemon is a phenomenal booster for skin health, delivering a wide spectrum of essential nutrients. Dr Pratyaksha Bhardwaj, dietician and weight management expert, describes the juice as "nothing less than a powerhouse for the skin."

Carrot: The star player, rich in beta-carotene, the precursor to vitamin A. According to Deepalakshmi Sriram, dietitian, The Cleft & Craniofacial Centre, Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital, this aids in skin cell repair, helps protect against sun damage, and maintains a natural glow.

Cucumber: Primarily focused on hydration and soothing. Being high in water and silica, it "improves the skin's elasticity and calms the inflammation," notes Dr Bhardwaj.

Orange & Lemon: The vitamin C champions. Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, consultant, dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, highlights that the high vitamin C content is vital as it "boosts collagen production, fades dark spots, and brightens the complexion." Lemon further acts as a natural detoxifier and helps to clear acne-prone skin.

Collectively, this juice is a potent antioxidant elixir. It helps neutralise free radicals, which prevents damage from UV rays and wards off premature ageing, naturally complementing your topical skincare routine.

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Is The Juice A True Retinol Substitute?

Despite the juice being a fantastic source of skin-loving vitamins, all experts are unanimous: it cannot fully replace topical retinol.

Sriram explains the difference: "Retinol, a concentrated form of vitamin A, works directly on the skin’s surface to promote cell turnover, reduce fine lines, and smoothen texture—effects that cannot be achieved through dietary beta-carotene alone."

Dr Bhardwaj elaborates on the mechanism: "Retinol undergoes a deep skin penetration and cellular-level action by the enhancement of collagen production." While the body converts the carrot's beta-carotene into vitamin A, this internal conversion process is much slower and milder than the direct, targeted action of topical retinol.

Dr Passi concludes that while the juice is excellent for supporting skin health, it is more effective for targeted anti-ageing and resurfacing results to stick with professional vitamin A formulations. The juice should therefore be viewed as a companion product that improves the skin from the inside, reflecting on the surface as enhanced hydration, smooth texture, and radiance.

Don't miss: 6 Surprising Facts About Retinol You Didn’t Know for Anti-Ageing and Skincare

Who Should Sip And When To Be Cautious

This vibrant blend is generally safe and highly beneficial for most people aiming for naturally healthier skin.

The juice is particularly recommended for those dealing with dull, tired, lacklustre, or dry skin, as well as individuals with subtle pigmentation issues or acne-prone skin. Its vitamin A and C content naturally stimulates collagen production, helping the skin look younger.

Due to the presence of lemon and orange, certain individuals should moderate their intake:

• Those with acid reflux, gastritis, or sensitive stomachs should limit or dilute the citrus content, according to Dr Passi.
• Diabetics need to be mindful of the natural sugar content found in oranges.
• Individuals with citrus allergies or certain kidney issues should consult a doctor before making it a daily habit.

Best Time To Consume

For maximum nutrient uptake, the experts suggest consuming the juice fresh in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach or before breakfast, three to four times a week.

Regular intake of this vitamin-rich juice, combined with proper external skincare and hydration, is a powerful strategy for achieving clearer, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin.

Image courtesy: Instagram

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