The Best Foods For Glowing Skin

Guys, it happened. For the first time ever in my life, a stranger asked me for skin tips because of my natural glow!

I know it sounds silly and strange to care about this, but as someone who suffered from acne throughout adolescence, and then skin discoloration and deterioration in adulthood- this is pretty freaking meaningful. Mostly because it goes to show that all of the hard work I’ve put into healing my skin is paying off. 

To learn more about how I healed my skin, check out this post HERE. 

Okay, so I’m not going to say this makes me an expert…because I’m not, not even by a longshot. Luckily I have had an expert come on the blog, and you can check out my interview with Dr. Sonja HERE for more medical skin and beauty advice. 

While I’m not an expert, I have been around the block a few times in this skin healing journey. There have been loads of products and treatments I’ve tried that haven’t helped at all, but there have also been a ton that have done wonders. I do my best to share these with you here, and on my Instagram. 

You can also check out my favorite skincare products HERE, where I’m constantly sharing old and new faves. 

Today’s post will share a round up of the best foods for glowing skin based on both my experience and scientific backing. Keep in mind, I started my skin journey as a staunch vegan, and have since transitioned into whatever labeless version of me that I am now. 

That being said, there will be plenty of options to choose from for all different dietary needs. 

The Best Foods For Glowing Skin

• Avocado
• Leafy greens
• Sweet potato
• Carrots
• Pumpkin 
• Blueberries
• Oranges
• Watermelon 
• Organ meats
• Eggs
• Fish
• Fermented foods
• Tahini 
• Olive oil

Okay, here’s the thing, there are plenty of foods out there that might work for me, that don’t work for you depending on dietary requirements, allergies, or food sensitivities. So, feel free to take what works, and leave the rest. 

For the best results, take a food sensitivity test to see if there are any foods that your body doesn’t tolerate well. Remember, if you’re inflamed then your skin isn’t going to be happy either. This is why it’s best to find out if any foods are irritating your system, so that you can maximize your diet to best suit your unique needs.

Learn more about reducing inflammation techniques HERE. 

The other thing to remember is that eating for glowing skin isn’t going to happen overnight. We’re looking for that 80/20 way of life here to see long lasting results that look as good as you feel. 

Avocado

Avocado is great for your skin, because of all those healthy fats, which provide the skin with a fuller glowy appearance. If you have histamine sensitivities or issues, then avocado is not the best fatty food for you as it’s naturally high in histamine. 

Check out my creamy green smoothie bowl  for avocado inspiration.

Leafy Greens

When I started eating more leafy greens….like with every meal- I noticed a huge difference in my digestion first, and then my skin second. For some people leafy greens are hard on the digestion, especially when they’re raw. But for me, they feel amazing!

You can also play around with green powders in your smoothies or drinks if you struggle to get leafy greens into your meals. I love Philosophie, because there’s quite a bit of protein in this blend, too.

Sweet Potato

Say hello to one of my favorite beta carotene rich foods out there. Beta carotene is the thing that told us eating carrots would make our eyesight good as kids, remember that? Well guess what, it’s in sweet potatoes too, and our skin loves beta carotene too, as our body breaks it down into Vitamin A.

My sweet potato brownie recipe is truly the ultimate way to eat sweet potatoes, I swear.

Carrots

Yet another beta carotene food that helps with a bit of a *glow* for the skin. And yes, you can turn orange when you go too hard on carrots and sweet potatoes. Trust me. You’d have to eat A LOT to get that point, so don’t worry. 

This Buddha Bowl recipe is one of my favorite ways to have carrots.

Pumpkin

I’m a big pumpkin girlie, even when it’s not fall. Whether it’s pumpkin soup, or just oven roasted pumpkin with olive oil and sea salt…hmmm, I’m salivating just thinking about it. Also a bonus, pumpkins are pretty easy to grow in just about any climate, which means you can grow your own at home!

Blueberries

Blueberries are incredibly high in antioxidants, which helps our gut health. In turn, when our gut is balanced and healthy, then our skin often reflects that, too. Plus, like many fruits, blueberries are hydrating, which is vital for skin health and glowiness.

If you need more hydration in your life, you can also consider adding LMNT to your water to get all the mineral replenishment your body needs.

Oranges

Hello Vitamin C! The reason Vitamin C is ideal for the skin, is that this will help with collagen production. Plus, it helps to support and boost our immune systems overall. Remember, the skin is the biggest organ we have. 

So, when it’s talking to you through breakout or rashes or any kind of irritant, it’s important to listen. There’s usually something deeper going on underneath. 

Watermelon

When I’m at Still Salty Escape, I’m eating a watermelon a day. No joke. Watermelon is like coconut in that it’s nature’s own form of electrolytes, which is especially important in hot weather, or when you’re sweating a lot. Deep hydration helps the skin to appear more plump, filling in fine lines, and adding that dewy glow that we’re all striving for. 

Organ Meat

I’ll be honest, I couldn't eat organ meats on their own. This is why I go for the encapsulated option. You can read more about my experience with eating organ meats after being vegan for 10 years HERE. 

Organ meats are great for the skin due to the high concentration of Vitamin A. Your hair and nails will love you for it, too. 

Eggs

My skin got so much more full when I started eating eggs again. I don’t know if it was just the fact that I was getting more protein and other nutrients, or if eggs would have this effect on anyone, even if they weren’t transitioning out of veganism- but I still can’t recommend them enough.

Fish

I’m a big sushi girlie, and my skin loves me for it. First of all, your getting the collagen from the fish. Second of all, you’re getting all of those beautiful omegas which keep your brain as happy as your skin. And third, it’s delicious!

If you can’t stomach fish, then I’d recommend trying this fish oil. Or, you can opt for the vegan algae based option here.

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods help the gut health. And don’t forget- when the gut is happy, so is the skin! Fermented foods provide probiotics which support our gut health and healthy digestion, which is a great way to support the body’s natural detoxification systems. 

Learn how to make your own sauerkraut HERE, which is such a yummy additive to any bowl, sandwich, or bagel.

Tahini 

Tahini is one of my go-to ingredients for salad dressing, dipping, and basically whenever I need some creamy goodness in my life. It’s really something special. And guess what? It’s just sesame seeds. That’s it. Full of healthy fats, plus zinc which is great to combat acne.

Enjoy this Harvest Bowl Salad with a tahini blended dressing for glowing skin.

Olive Oil

Don’t forget to buy the extra virgin olive oil when you’re shopping for your oil. You want to make sure to get the best quality, after all. Ugh, I can’t rave about olive oil enough when it comes to my skin. This is something that can be eaten, and also used topically as a super nourisher. 

Keep in mind some people with acne can get more irritated or inflamed with oils. If that’s you, try switching it up to avocado oil instead.

Let me know which one of these foods is your favorite to eat along your own skin journey in the comments below!

xx, 

K