The 7 Best Foods to Eat For Glowing Skin

You’ve got your daily beauty regimen down, hit the gym at least three times a week, make sure to get eight hours of sleep and are drinking your body weight in water. But if you’re not stocking up on these skin-healthy foods for a gorgeous glow from the inside out, well, you’re missing out. We asked the experts to share their fave foods for younger, more youthful-looking skin ASAP.

Tomatoes

Love a good Caprese or homemade pasta sauce? You’re in luck. “Tomatoes are wonderful for skin health since they’re high in vitamin C and also contain lycopene, a powerful carotenoid that helps shield your skin from UV damage and can help protect against cancer cells too,” says celebrity chef and nutritionist Serena Poon.

Salmon

You probably knew salmon was good for you, but did you know it’s also great for your skin? According to dermatologist Dr Dustin Portela, salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain skin moisture, reduce inflammation and protect against sun damage.

“Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon also have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing redness and irritation that can make your skin look dull.”

Not down with fatty fish? He recommends adding a quality fish oil supplement with high levels of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) to your daily routine.

Blueberries

They’re basically the fountain of youth. A delicious snack on its own or added to your morning yoghurt, blueberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins and vitamin C, which help protect your skin from damage caused by free radicals and inflammation, notes Dr Portela. “Vitamin C also plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis, helping to maintain your skin's strength and elasticity.”

Sweet potatoes

Turn back the hands of time with sweet potatoes and other orange foods. “Sweet potatoes are high in carotenoids, which are known to protect against UV damage and help improve skin elasticity, hydration and texture,” says Poon. “They also help ward off wrinkles and age spots.”

Kimchi

Probiotic foods, such as kimchi and sauerkraut, help support a healthy gut microbiome, which leads to balance in the skin microbiome and, in turn, boosts skin health, explains Poon. “Aside from eating probiotic-rich foods, people can also support gut health by avoiding inflammatory foods, eating a fibre-rich diet (lots of vegetables, fruits and legumes) and taking a high-quality probiotic and prebiotic supplement.”

Oranges

“Foods that are rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C—such as oranges, lemons, kale and strawberries—help protect your skin from damaging free radicals that can cause oxidative stress and lead tosigns of ageing, like wrinkles and sun spots,” says Poon. Eating more of these fruits and veggies can also lead to better skin elasticity.

Flaxseed Oil

A spoonful of flaxseed a day keeps the fine lines away. Flaxseed oil contains high levels of ALA, or alpha-lipoic acid, which works to support skin health by boosting hydration and smoothness, says Poon. It also offers plenty of anti-inflammatory effects.

“This is important because many skin conditions are caused by systemic inflammation,” she points out. Add a spoonful to your morning smoothie or oats to get your daily dose.