It’s the nutrients, not necessarily the specific foods, that you should focus on for radiant skin.
However, there are foods that are rich in certain nutrients that may promote glowing, radiant skin.
“[Your] skin health can actually be a clue about [your] inner health.
Getty Images / Unsplash.
So what is ‘healthy skin’ anyhow?
Healthy skin is well-hydrated and maintains a protective layer against germs.
Learn more about which foods to choose for radiant skin and creative ways to eat them.
What Foods Are Good for Glowing Skin?
There are many ways that nutrition can affect the skin.
Choosing foods that contain specific nutrients is important for promoting optimal skin health.
Here are eight nutrient-dense foods that research proves to be beneficial for skin health.
Cucumbers
The key to luminous skin is hydration.
Cucumbers are an excellent example, as they are95 percent water.
Do you have chapped lips or dull skin?
Focusing on consuming more water will likely reverse that.
Simply put, drinking more water improves skin hydration.
Other water-rich options:watermelon, lettuce, and cantaloupe.
that are needed in small amounts in the body.
These small but mighty minerals are key for promoting immunity and fighting inflammation.
Zinc is necessary to maintain theskin’s defense against infection and promote wound healing.
Of all foods, oysters contain themost zinc per serving.
Other trace minerals have skin-protective effects as well.
Other trace mineral-rich options:nuts and seeds, lentils, and beans.
One excellent healthy fat-containing food for skin health isavocado.
The study concluded that daily avocado consumption may result in improved elasticity and firmness of facial skin.
Other healthy fat-containing options:nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish.
Salmon
Fatty acids, such asomega-3s, can also reduce inflammation and provide anti-aging protection.
Other omega-3-rich options:walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
Protein performs many functions in the body.
Other protein-rich options:eggs, lentils, and nuts.
Walnuts
With ample protein, healthy fat, andvitamin E, walnuts are a skin health-promoting powerhouse.
Other vitamin E-rich options:sunflower seeds, almonds, and spinach.
Strawberries
Berries, such as blueberries and strawberries, are excellent antioxidant-rich foods.
Antioxidants do exactly what their name suggests: they fight oxidation.
But food can also work the same way from within the body.
Strawberries deliciously provide vitamin C while also supplying fiber, a nutrient most of us dont get enough of.
Red Peppers
When it comes to identifying vitamin C-rich foods, oranges are the most common answer.
Vitamin C is required for collagen production, protein metabolism, and wound healing.
It also acts as an antioxidant, fighting off free radicals and reducing inflammation.
What does this mean for the skin?
A brighter, more radiant complexion.
Other vitamin C-rich options:oranges, broccoli, and kiwi.
While it may be an investment, these foods also have benefits way beyond the skin.
Theyre excellent for disease prevention, optimal digestion, and general well-being.
Alcohol and tobacco are also two items to avoid.
These substances decrease hydration levels in the skin and may promote aging.
For healthy, glowing skin, you need a holistic approach, says Jackson Blatner, R.D.
