It’s tough to strike the perfect balance between indulging the holiday and following a clean diet to support healthy skin. Saying “no” to rich foods, homemade baked good, and eggnog cocktails can feel isolating. But here at Apoterra Skincare, we’re all about enjoying life and achieving a glowing complexion—it’s not either or. That’s why instead of restraining ourselves this holiday season, we’re taking matters into our own hands and making this delicious skin-friendly dairy-free eggnog for friends and family.

In our seriously delicious dairy-free eggnog recipe, booze is optional because it isn’t spectacular for the skin. “Alcohol is high in sugar and can dehydrate the body,” writes Dr. Cates, licensed naturopath and author of the bestselling book Clean Skin from Within. Dehydration taxes our natural detox system potentially slowing down the release of toxins. This can lead to breakouts, or, more prominently, fine lines and wrinkles. And high levels of sugar can throw our hormones out of whack. Alcohol of any kind is also a high inflammatory food and can lead to skin redness. “Addressing inflammation is one of the most crucial things you can do for your skin,” explains Dr. Cates.

We swapped traditional heavy cream for coconut milk to reduce sugar content and inflammatory dairy hormones. Plus canned coconut milk has high levels of skin-enhancing vitamins like C, copper, iron, and folate. Eggs are a good source of vitamin A, which is a key vitamin to aging gracefully because it’s essential to skin stem cell longevity and protects skin from oxidative damage. Spices in this recipe, like cinnamon, are loaded with antioxidants, which help reduce chronic internal inflammation that can show up on the skin over time. And of course, turmeric contains the popular anti-inflammatory compound, curcumin. Like we said, enjoying life and achieving clear skin go hand-in-hand, that’s why we left alcohol as an optional in this recipe.

Skin-friendly Holiday Eggnog

Serves 4

2 (13.5 oz.) cans organic coconut milk (we love Trader Joe’s)

1/2 cup spiced rum (optional)

3 egg yolks (preferably from a small, local farm or a certified humane farmer)

2 Tbs. raw, organic honey

½ Tbs. organic vanilla extract

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ tsp. ground nutmeg

¼ tsp. turmeric

1 whole clove

4 cinnamon sticks

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan on low, heat coconut milk, vanilla extract, and clove until smooth.

2. In a separate bowl whisk together eggs yolks, spices, and honey. I used the egg whites for an omelet the following morning.

3. Ladle two scoops of warm coconut milk into the bowl and whisk together.

4. Pour everything back into the saucepan and whisk on medium heat until thick (about 7 minutes).

5. Remove from heat and add brandy if desired.

6. Separate into four of your cutest mugs and garnish with a stick of cinnamon.

Whether you add the booze or not (seriously, no judgment) this recipe is still more skin-friendly than the traditional. Plus, we know your friends and family will enjoy it because we made sure to keep it just as creamy, spicy, and sweet as original eggnog. And hey, if you happen to overindulge this holiday season and it shows up on your skin, don’t worry too much. We’ll be here come January with tips and tricks to help realign your body and clear your skin. Happy holidays from Team Apoterra!