Hello, my cheerful reader,
I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite beauty-enhancing foods. This is just a starting point, as Mother Nature offers a wide variety of foods with beauty benefits. That’s why I dedicate a whole section on Joyous Health to BEAUTY.
I must admit, when I’m cooking, I’m not always thinking about “beauty foods,” but I do make sure to include a wide variety. Did you catch my Superbowl dinner on Instagram last night?
Next week, I’ll share foods that promote healthy hair, and the following week, I’ll focus on foods beneficial for nails.
Here are some foods that can enhance skin health:
Dark Berries
Packed with anthocyanidins and bioflavonoids, these berries owe their vibrant colors to these plant compounds. Notable for their antioxidant properties, they help protect your cells from damage and premature aging. They also support collagen, the protein that gives your skin structure and firmness. Since sunlight can harm collagen, enjoy these potent berries in season! In winter, I opt for frozen berries to enjoy their benefits year-round. Whenever possible, buy organic berries due to high pesticide use.
Leafy Greens
These are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, which work together to keep skin moisturized and glowing. Vitamin A is crucial for skin repair and maintenance, preventing dryness and flakiness. It also promotes healthy cell turnover for radiant skin. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, shielding your skin from sun damage. Leafy greens are also high in fiber, important for digestion and waste elimination. A healthy gut is key to clear skin, as constipation often causes skin issues.
Green Tea
A skincare superstar, green tea benefits your skin both inside and out. It’s rich in catechins, antioxidants that combat free radicals. The key component, EGCG, helps protect cells by preventing DNA damage and LDL oxidation. EGCG also calms inflammation, a common factor in acne and eczema.
Water & Lemon
I’ve long advocated for starting your day with lemon water, as discussed in my book, Joyous Health. Lemon acts as a natural cleanser, assisting the liver in detoxification. Despite its acidic pH, it has an alkalizing effect on the body. A simple habit of drinking lemon water every morning can boost your skin’s glow, ease heartburn, and improve digestion. To protect your teeth, just rinse with plain water afterward – it’s less harmful than coffee or soda!
Remember, this is just a small sample of the beauty-boosting foods provided by Mother Nature. Others include coconut oil, fermented foods, fish like salmon, raw nuts and seeds, beets, squash, cruciferous veggies, apples, pears, green superfoods like spirulina, and fresh herbs.
Nourishing your body is just one part of the equation; good digestion and elimination are equally important. Your digestive system helps you absorb the nutrients needed for healthy skin and hair while removing toxins and bad bacteria.
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Have a wonderful day!
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Hi Joy,
I loved your post! It was great how you highlighted specific vitamins and compounds in foods that enhance skin beauty. I’m a big fan of using coconut oil for acne scars—it’s been amazing for me. Avocados are my go-to for repairing damaged skin, thanks to the vitamin E. Do you have any tips for using green tea topically? I haven’t seen much impact on my skin from drinking it alone.
I’ve been using lemon water for years, and I can’t sing its praises enough! Thanks for sharing this fantastic post.
Hi Katie,
Have you tried our green tea toner recipe? You can find it here: [DIY Green Tea Toner](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/139541288428285260/). It’s an affordable, DIY way to include green tea in your skincare.
Kate – Joyous Health Team
Hi Kate,
I’ll definitely give it a try, thank you!
Since incorporating these foods, my hair has become longer and shinier, and my skin glows! A healthy diet really outperforms any wrinkle cream.
Joy, I have a question: I tried Nordic Naturals Omega 3s with DHA and experienced cystic acne and missed periods. After stopping, my skin returned to normal and my period came back. When I tried again, the same thing happened. Do you think it’s the DHA, algae, or iodine? I’m considering spirulina or chlorella for my skin but fear the same reaction. The supplements don’t list soy as an ingredient, which I’m sensitive to, but I’m concerned about other factors.
Hi Joanna,
We haven’t seen this issue before, but it might be linked to an additive or the quality of the oil in that brand. You might want to try a different brand, like the one Joy recommends: [Genuine Health](http://www.genuinehealth.com/store/us/perfect-skin#.VPSOaXY9a-0).
Kate – Joyous Health Team
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Helpful article for me!
Happy to help!
Kate – Joyous Health Team
Which spirulina brand do you recommend? And is it safe to use while breastfeeding?
Hey Lucy, Joy prefers Nutrex-Hawaii Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica.
Rachel – Joyous Health Team
If you’ve been using it during pregnancy, then it should be okay. However, I wouldn’t start it now if you haven’t tried it before, due to its detoxifying properties. Make sure to pick a brand without heavy metal contamination.
Great to read about foods promoting healthy skin. Thank you!
You’re welcome! If you’re interested in learning more about natural skincare, check out Joy’s Natural Beauty Guide: [Natural Beauty Guide](https://www.joyoushealth.com/78-product-natural-beauty-guide).
Rachel – Joyous Health Team
