The Foods Celebrities Swear By To Make Their Skin Look Younger
Discover the sip that gives gives Jennifer Aniston her gorgeous glow and more
We already know that what we eat significantly affects our skin’s health and appearance. A diet high in processed foods, sugary snacks and unhealthy fats can contribute to inflammation in the body, which may manifest as acne, redness and dull skin. Additionally, diets lacking essential nutrients like vitamins A, C and E and omega-3 fatty acids can result in skin issues such as dryness, wrinkles and uneven tone. Focusing on whole, nutrient-packed foods can support your skin health from the inside out, leading to a more youthful and radiant complexion. So what are the best foods for skin? Look no further than smooth-skinned celebrities who ensure they eat certain foods to keep their skin looking young. Below, their go-to foods for gorgeous, glowing skin from within. Plus, the science behind the food, according to a skin pro.
Related: Celebrities Share Their Favorite Drugstore Beauty Products to Look Gorgeous for Less
The best foods for skin and why they work
We tapped leading beauty influencer and licensed esthetician Elena Duque for the best foods for skin and what they can do for you!
Meghan Markle’s nutty wrinkle-fighter: Almonds
Nuts are the go-to snack for many health-conscious celebs, including Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. It’s no surprise, as the popular snack is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In fact, a study by researchers at the University of California examined the effects of almonds on skin health and found that daily consumption may help reduce the severity of facial wrinkles in post-menopausal women.
In an interview with Delish, Markle shared that she munched on handfuls of almonds to get glowing skin during her stint on Suits. “Almonds are a great source of vitamin E, which helps your skin retain moisture and repair tissue,” says Duque. “This can improve skin texture and make it soft and smooth.”
Almonds can also be anti-aging. “The antioxidants in almonds can help protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays, which significantly contributes to premature aging,” she adds.
Kate Middleton + Victoria Beckham’s skin-glower: Fish
Whether you’re a princess of pop or an actual princess, you know that eating fish does a body good. Kate Middleton and Victoria Beckham are known to be big fans of eating fish. 49-year-old Beckham has said she eats a grilled salmon and vegetables diet and rarely deviates from it.
42-year-old Middleton, who recently revealed her cancer diagnosis, regularly opts for sushi, including salmon teriyaki. Salmon is a source of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and nutrients, which helps protect the skin from oxidative stress, leading to anti-aging and collagen-boosting benefits.
”Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish help maintain the skin’s natural oil barrier, essential for keeping the skin hydrated and moisturized. This can prevent dryness, flakiness and dullness, leading to a more radiant complexion,” explains Duque. “These fatty acids also have anti-inflammatory properties that can also help reduce redness and irritation in the skin. This particularly benefits people with inflammatory skin conditions like acne, eczema or psoriasis,” she adds.
And the benefits don’t stop there. “Fish contain nutrients like protein and vitamin E that support collagen production in the skin. Collagen is essential for maintaining skin elasticity, firmness and smoothness, contributing to a youthful and flawless appearance,” says Duque. “Some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may help protect the skin from UV damage and premature aging caused by sun exposure. This can help reduce the risk of wrinkles, fine lines and sunspots.”
Related: How to Achieve Kate Middleton’s Gorgeous Hairstyles + the $13 Product Her Hairstylist Uses on Her
Jennifer Aniston’s skin-firmer: Green tea
Wouldn’t it be great to sip your way to better skin? Jennifer Aniston reportedly does just that. Matcha — a type of green tea — is being touted as a magical green elixir with many benefits for the skin, whether you drink it or apply it topically. This age-old remedy is also anti-aging. Studies have shown that the phytochemicals in green tea can increase collagen production and prevent it from breaking down, which is a massive factor in how quickly your skin ages.
The 55-year-old actress has stated she’s “addicted to” green tea, drinks it instead of coffee and even mixes a matcha-tea-based powder into her protein shakes. Given that the Morning Show star seems to age in reverse, we’ll have what she’s having.
“Green tea is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals which accelerate the aging process and lead to wrinkles and sagging skin,” says Duque. “By neutralizing free radicals, green tea helps maintain the skin’s youthful appearance,” she adds.
Like fish, green tea also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce redness, inflammation and irritation in the skin.
Related: Why Everyone Is Buzzing About Matcha Benefits for Skin + How It Can Help Women Over 40
Kris Jenner’s age-reverser: leafy greens
The matriarch of the Kardashian empire seems to always be on the quest for the fountain of youth — and says she finds it in her fridge. She’s said on Instagram that she eats a diet rich in leafy, green veggies, which contain high levels of chlorophyll and protect skin from premature aging.
“Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale and Swiss chard are packed with antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, which can lead to premature skin aging. By combating free radical damage, dark leafy greens can help maintain skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines,” says Duque. “By supporting collagen synthesis, dark leafy greens can help improve skin elasticity and prevent sagging and drooping.”
Dark leafy greens also contain high levels of water, which can help keep the skin hydrated and plump and even counteract dark under-eye circles. For example, kale is high in vitamin K, promoting healthy blood circulation so the fluid won’t pool beneath the eyes and create shadows.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s inflammation-buster: Bone broth
Paltrow has more than a few oddball health secrets, as shared on her platform, Goop. But the most benign of them is bone broth, which she says she drinks every day to mitigate inflammation she’s suffered post-Covid.
“Bone broth is rich in collagen, a protein that forms the skin’s structure. Consuming collagen-rich foods like bone broth may help support the body’s collagen production, improving skin elasticity and hydration,” advises Duque. “It’s also rich in amino acids, including glycine, proline and glutamine. These amino acids play important roles in maintaining skin health. Glycine, for example, is involved in collagen synthesis and helps promote wound healing,” she explains.
Related: Skincare’s Best-Kept Secret For Hydrated, Plump + Glowing Skin Instantly? Glycerin
Growing evidence also suggests a strong connection between gut and skin health. “Bone broth is rich in gelatin and glutamine, which benefit gut health. A healthy gut may contribute to clearer, healthier-looking skin,” she adds.
Oprah’s skin-savior: Berry smoothies
Oprah knows that a beautifying cocktail of berries works better than pricey anti-aging lotions and creams to turn back the clock. The media mogul reportedly drinks a berry smoothie every day. “Blueberries are often touted for their potential anti-aging properties due to their rich content of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which are responsible for the fruit’s blue color,” says Duque. “These antioxidant compounds help neutralize free radicals in the body, which are molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and various diseases,” she explains.
For a delicious skin-saving smoothie like Oprah’s, blend a handful of blueberries (fresh or frozen), ½ of a banana, ¼ cup of strawberries (or any other berry you like) and 1 cup of milk of your choice. You can add a little honey to sweeten it up. Drink and enjoy!
Goldie Hawn’s oily skin-nixer: Olive oil
78-year-old actress Goldie Hawn reportedly swears by heart-healthy olive oil for her stressed-out skin, religiously taking two tablespoons daily and massaging it into her skin.
Like veggies, olive oil packs a nutritional punch when ingested raw. Olive oil is a superfood rich in antioxidants and lipids that nourish hair, skin and nails. Drinking olive oil helps to moisturize the skin from the inside out.
Related: What Happens If You Drink Olive Oil Everyday? Top Docs Share the Surprising Health Perks
“It’s beneficial for reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which is critical for menopausal women especially,” says Deepali Kashyap, MD, medical director at Galleria Women’s Health.
If you want to try it, just 1 ½ to two tablespoons a day is all it takes to reap all its benefits. “Start with a teaspoon and see how you feel. If your body seems to tolerate it, you can gradually increase it to a couple of teaspoons, then a tablespoon and maybe a couple of tablespoons. If you drink it and feel sick, your system is not ready,” advises Dr. Kashyap. Gradually increasing your intake and choosing a high-quality oil can enhance the flavor and overall experience. You can also mix it into your morning cup of Joe!
For more celebrity-inspired beauty content, click through these stories:
13 Best Haircuts for Thin Hair That Make Hair Look Fuller From Every Angle
Simple Ponytail Looks for Everyday: 8 Easy + So Flattering Twists on the Classic Style
Here’s the Best Red Lipstick for Your Skin Tone + The Makeup Artist Trick to a Plumper Pout
