Top 10 Skin Glowing Foods

Everyone knows that eating a clean, nutritious diet is the key to good health and longevity. It’s also no secret that a good skincare routine is essential for a fresh, clear complexion. But did you know that what you put in your body will garner faster results than what you put on your body? Here are my top 10 skin glowing foods.

10 Foods for Skin Glowing Foods

Your skin is a reflection of how well you treat your body from the inside. Have you noticed that your skin is angrier and breaks out more when you don’t eat as well? Or when you’re super-stressed? There’s a link there.

No matter how many top-notch skincare products you use, a healthy diet is always the baseline for achieving youthful, glowing skin.

There are a plethora of foods that are powerhouses when it comes to making our skin look fantastic, too. Make sure to add several of these antioxidant-rich foods into your diet, and soon you’ll see a brighter, smoother complexion in just a matter of weeks!

Here are some of my favorite foods for glowing skin.

Water Water Water!

It can’t be said enough! Water flushes toxins out of our blood (thanks to the kidneys), provides moisture, and revives tired, worn skin. Make sure to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses per day. If plain water seems too plain, add a slice of lemon or cucumber to make a refreshing glass of “spa water”.

Need help upping your water intake? Here are 8 Ways to Drink More Water.

Cucumber

Speaking of this wonderful little veggie, it is a great source of vitamin C. They also are hydrating, soothing, and can help repair skin that has been sun-damaged. After you’ve chopped some for eating, save two large slices to put on top of your eyelids as a way to instantly cool, refresh, and de-puff the fragile skin around your eyes. 

It’s a great DIY spa treatment.

Avocado

Avocados are chock full of vitamin E, which is extremely protective for our skin (great for those who enjoy outdoor activities where skin may be exposed to the elements or get chapped, like surfing or skiing). These fruits help to combat oxidative damage and aging of the skin. 

Recipes with avocados in them:

• Pineapple Avocado Smoothie Recipe
• Chicken Fajita Salad – Easiest Recipe Ever!
• Instant Pot Chicken Burrito Bowls Recipe

Salmon

Salmon is rich in anti-inflammatory properties, which helps to combat many skin-related problems. It is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Be sure to always opt for wild-caught salmon, as farm-raised salmon will not have nearly as many healthy omega-3’s.

Tomatoes

They’re chock full of lycopene and beta carotene, which help to decrease the pain and inflammation of a sunburn. They’re also loaded with vitamin C, which is great for making skin appear clear and bright.

Fun fact: Did you know that our bodies absorb the lycopene more efficiently in canned tomatoes? Convenience for the win! (source)

Healthy Tomato Based Recipes:

• Chicken Stuffed Pepper Soup
• Best Ever Quick Marinara Sauce Recipe
• Healthy Chicken Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is such a versatile cooking oil. You can use it for high heat cooking, melt it as a base for homemade body scrubs), and it goes really well in most baking recipes. There was also a study done connecting it to lowering inflammation (source) and it’s thought to help keep the skin moisturized.

PS: when it comes to cooking with cooking oil, click the bottom image and get my cooking oil guide cheat sheet.

Dark Leafy Greans

Packed with vitamins and minerals, leafy greens are essential to obtaining clear, glowing skin. Not only are they great for your gut, but they’re also a low-calorie, highly nutritious option that will make your skin look radiant.

Try these kale recipes:

• Kale Salad with Chickpeas and Grapefruit Vinaigrette Recipe
• Healthy Kale and Sausage Soup with Cauliflower Rice

Papaya

Not only are papayas packed with vitamins A and C, but they also contain enzymes that help us digest our food.

Also, for those with sensitivities to granular exfoliants on the skin, papaya’s enzymatic properties can be used topically to achieve the results of exfoliation without using harsh scrubs. Look for formulations that include papaya enzymes.

Blueberries

These tasty little treats may tantalize your taste buds, but don’t be fooled! They are jam-packed with antioxidants and flavonoids. Flavonoids help to fight free radicals (the nasty little toxins that cause our skin to age and sag). Add fresh, organic blueberries to your smoothies in the morning for a refreshing pick-me-up.

Blueberry Recipes

• Blueberry Baked Oatmeal
• Coconut Flour Waffles (top with blueberries)

Almonds

If you tend to have acne-prone skin, try adding some additional almonds, which will help to clear those spots up! They are also full of vitamin E, rich in antioxidants, and will make your skin soft and supple. 

Just by adding a few extra delicious foods to your diet, you can be on your way to gorgeous, glowing skin in no time. Not only will these foods help make your skin clear and bright, but they are also nutritious and delicious, too!

Don’t forget to eat well, drink lots of water, and move your body! Exercise is good for moving all that static lymph fluid.

Want more? Here are 10 more foods to make your skin glow.

What’s your favorite food for skin health?