Instead of putting all of your faith in skincare products to make your complexion look healthier and more youthful, paying closer attention to the foods in your day can make a tremendous difference in how you feel and look. We often hear about the foods to avoid for a healthier body and skin — processed foods, too much sugar — but this advice can leave you wondering what you actually should be stocking up on at the grocery store for beautiful skin.
The good news is that these seven superfoods that are recommended for better skin are easy to incorporate into a variety of recipes — plus, they’re delicious. For noticeably beautiful skin, try eating more of these nutrient-packed foods.
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1. Walnuts
You can thank the omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts, as well as their antioxidants, for this nut’s ability to help your skin retain hydration (which makes it look plump) and fight off cell-damaging free radicals. Walnuts also have copper and vitamin B6, which boost collagen production, and their zinc can help balance oil production and keep acne at bay. Add them to everything —salads, oatmeal, cereal — or just grab a handful for a nourishing snack.
2. Papaya
This sweet tropical fruit is great for the skin because it contains high amounts of vitamin C that is needed to create healthy new collagen, plus antioxdants to fight free radicals. You can even use papaya to make a natural face mask that acts as a perfect exfoliant to remove dead skin cells.
3. Almonds
Nuts are high on every health expert’s lists of good foods for your skin and almonds are no exception. This cut is packed with vitamin E, antioxidants, and monounsaturated fats that prevent moisture loss and strengthen your skin’s barrier.
4. Tomato
Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene that protects your skin from sun damage (you should still wear sunscreen daily; it doesn’t replace SPF). They also have high amounts of vitamin C for collagen production and are anti-inflammatory to help fight conditions like acne, psoriasis, and eczema.
5. Carrots
An 'anti-wrinkle' food, the beta-carotene in carrots helps increase cell turnover for smoother, healthier skin, and can combat oil production to reduce acne. Carrots also contain the antioxidants vitamin C and lutein.
6. Spinach
Talk about the perfect food for your skin — spinach seems to be packed with everything, including vitamins A, C, K, and E. It promotes hydration, is a natural detoxifier, and contains zinc to help fight acne.
7. Turmeric
Okay, turmeric isn’t technically a food like the others on this list, but the spice contains curcumin, a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that brightens uneven skin tones, helps fade hyperpigmentation, and more. It’s an antibacterial powerhouse that fights free radical damage, helps clear pores, and can even be used as a topical ingredient in homemade skincare masks. Try adding turmeric to foods like omelets, soups, and stews.
