The food we eat nourishes every part of our bodies, including our skin. If you’re struggling with dry, oily, or dull skin, switching up your diet could be effective in boosting overall skin health and make you feel more comfortable in, well, your own skin. Here are several foods linked to improved skin health to incorporate into your diet.
- Fatty fish. Salmon, tuna, and mackerel are all high in omega-3 fatty acids which have skin-benefiting nutrients and even play a role in preventing skin cancer.
- Sunflower seeds. These seeds aren’t just for baseball games. A 2014 research review found that vitamin E, found in sunflower seeds, plays a role in protecting your skin against UV damage.
- Olive oil. We’ve shared the benefits of a Mediterranean diet before and a core part of this nutritious diet is olive oil. Replace butter and processed oils with olive oil to prevent skin cancer and slow signs of aging.
- Tomatoes. One study suggests that foods high in lycopene, like tomatoes and watermelon, can protect against UV damage.
- Green tea. This relaxing brew has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can help prevent acne and scarring.
- Red bell peppers. Vitamin C is key for skin health and can even help prevent wrinkles. Oranges get a lot of vitamin C attention, but bell peppers actually contain more of this vitamin than their citrusy counterparts.
- Carrots and leafy greens. It may be time to eat a salad for better skin. Carrots’ beta-carotene turns into vitamin A, a critical vitamin for skin health. Leafy greens offer antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin which protect against skin damage.
- Water. It may seem obvious, but staying hydrated is the easiest thing you can do for improved skin health. Not sure if you’re drinking enough water? This guide can provide some insights.
