Foods That Will Make Your Skin Glow

Everyone knows that healthy eating, frequent exercise, reduced stress, and consistent skincare routines are essential. And when it comes to glowing skin, people usually head straight to their skincare routine for results. But most of the time, we forget that beautiful skin starts with nourishment from within. Becoming aware of what we put into our bodies is equally as vital as using external treatments. Dry skin, acne, oiliness, and dark under-eye bags can all be effects of a diet high in processed foods or meals high in sugar and fat. A healthy skin reflects how healthy you are on the inside. You must eat the right combination of meals to give your skin the essential nutrients it requires to stay soft, vibrant, and blemish-free. The best diet for promoting good skin, however, is one rich in superfoods and lean, high-quality proteins.

Powerful antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables help shield the skin from the cellular damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that gives you clear, glowing skin. So, here’s a list of beauty foods, add them to your grocery list this week and get ready for a major glow-up. 

Avocados 

Avocados are abundant in healthy fats.  Healthy fats contribute to many functions of the body — including achieving healthy, glowing skin. They help curb the signs of aging and are vital to maintaining supple, moisturized skin. Additionally, avocados are rich in antioxidants including beta carotene and lutein. Both lutein and beta carotene support healthy, smooth skin. And lastly, avocados are a fantastic source of vitamins C and E. One-third of a medium-size avocado provides 6% of the daily intake for vitamin E and 4% of the daily intake for vitamin C. In other words, load up on the millennial-beloved fruit for skin hydration and radiant glow. 

Walnuts 

Walnuts are rich in essential fatty acids like omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation in the body — including inflammation found in the skin, and they help the skin stay smooth and moisturized. Walnuts also contain zinc.  Zinc helps the skin act as a protective barrier, and promotes wound healing by fighting inflammation and bacteria. Enjoy walnuts on their own, in soups, or by adding some to a summer salad.

Dark Chocolate

Now for potentially the best news ever, dark chocolate isn’t just a dessert; it’s officially a beauty food. Dark chocolate can help to protect skin from sun damage. Chocolate, or raw cacao, contains flavonoids. They work as anti-aging antioxidants to shield the skin from UV rays, protect it from free radical damage; and help avoid wrinkles, fine lines, and skin discoloration. To optimize its advantages, opt for as “dark” as you can (like 80-90 percent cacao), to avoid added sugars.

Tomatoes 

Tomatoes are packed with natural vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, K, B1, B3, B5, B6, B7, and vitamin C. However, lycopene, an antioxidant with remarkable anti-aging qualities, is what makes tomatoes stand out in the world of beauty. Cooking tomatoes increases their lycopene levels. And as if things couldn’t get any better, since tomatoes are naturally acidic, the pulp of tomatoes also helps tighten pores and prevent pimples. It functions as a natural sunblock as well. Now you can enjoy pasta, a soup with cooked tomatoes, or make some fresh salsa with fire-roasted tomatoes without having to worry about anything!

Berries 

Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, and Blackcurrants are all loaded with vitamins, like vitamin C, and other anti-inflammatory agents that help protect against free radicals and prevent premature aging. Strawberries also help lighten the skin tone, as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to being very nutrient-dense, blueberries are also thought to contain one of the highest antioxidant levels of any commonly consumed fruits and vegetables. Furthermore, berries are lower in sugar than many other fruits. Enjoy berries sprinkled on some yogurt or blended into your favorite smoothie!  

Beetroot 

This pink fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals that instantly make your skin glow. Its anti-inflammatory property prevents outbursts of acne and pimples. Due to the iron, potassium, niacin, copper, and vitamin C content of beetroot, all black spots and blemishes will go in about 5 weeks if you incorporate beetroot into your beauty routine. A glass of beetroot juice or a beetroot salad can also be consumed to remove toxins from the body and cleanse the blood, giving you a healthy glow.

Broccoli and Kale

Broccoli and kale are two superfoods found in the cabbage family of vegetables. They are high in a special compound known as sulforaphane which helps protect against sun damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals and turning on other protective systems in the body. They are also supportive of the balancing of women’s hormones. Kale is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin K which help repair skin tissues, and gives you a radiant and fresh look. Enjoy broccoli or kale in a superfood smoothie, added into a soup, sautéed, or stir-fried! 

Lemons

Lemons are an excellent food to make your skin glow since they are loaded with vitamin C, vitamin B, and phosphorous. Lemon’s organic acids gently exfoliate dead skin cells and lighten age spots. Lemon includes a high concentration of citric acid, which helps to cleanse the pores without removing the skin’s natural oil balance. Bonus: Despite being acidic, lemon has alkalizing effects in the body, which may help maintain a healthy pH balance. This is good for your skin since sensitive, irritated, or acne-prone skin can develop when pH levels are off. Not to mention that adding lemon makes us want to drink more water and that’s a huge skincare perk. 

Certain meals can have a negative impact on skin health, much like eating processed foods may lead to breakouts, and consuming sugar may result in premature aging. It should come as no surprise that food and beauty go hand in hand since we are what we eat. Foods that promote a healthy, balanced lifestyle also promote young and glowing skin and can help keep you looking radiant from the inside, and out.

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