The best foods for your skin type - Soulara, plant-based living blog

Here at Soulara, we’re big believers in the concept that beauty begins on the inside. It’s no secret that what you eat can have a major effect on how you look. A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates can manifest as dull skin, as well as cause other skin-related issues like dry skin, acne, oiliness, or premature ageing.

While a diet rich in wholegrains, lean plant-based protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables is best for your skin, there are certain superfoods that not only work to give you glowing skin, but also help target specific skin concerns. Here are the superfoods you need to eat for every skin type.

For all skin types

Chia seeds and flaxseeds

Both chia seeds and flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which provide the building blocks for healthy skin cell function and collagen production; keeping your skin supple and free from wrinkles and fine lines.

Try them blended into a smoothie, sprinkled on your morning oatmeal, or in our Peanut Butter & Jam Oats or Ruby Sunrise Chia Pudding.

Tomatoes

Ah, the vegetable that isn’t really a vegetable (tomatoes are actually a fruit!). Tomatoes are one of the best sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that works to prevent ageing and heart disease. Lycopene is best absorbed when cooked with a little fat, so enjoy tomatoes roasted in olive oil, as well as in our Tomato Soup for the Soul, Chilli Sin Carne, and Calming Caponata.

For acne-prone skin

Coconut or almond yoghurt

The probiotics in coconut and almond yoghurt work to improve your digestive system and gut health, as well as fight acne from the inside out by improving your body’s microbiome and reducing inflammation.

Oatmeal

One of the best ways to start your day, oatmeal is low GI and keeps your blood sugar stable throughout the day. Foods (like sugar-laden cereals) that are high GI cause your blood sugar to spike and subsequently crash, and have been shown to promote inflammation in the body and potentially cause acne breakouts. Try our Peanut Butter & Jam Oats.

For oily skin

Sweet potatoes

Ditching refined carbs for good skin doesn’t mean you have to go completely carb-free! Sweet potatoes make an excellent carbohydrate option as they’re rich in vitamin A, a skin-loving nutrient which aids in reducing oil production and maintaining healthy skin cell turnover as you age. Find this delicious anti-ageing superfood in our Mandala Massaman.

Hemp seeds and pepitas

Hemp seeds and pepitas are both good sources of healthy fats and zinc. Zinc is involved in the functioning of the skin’s sebaceous (oil) glands, help repair skin damage, and help keep skin feeling soft and supple.

For dry skin

Avocados

Trade in your mortgage for everyone’s favourite fruit. The healthy fats and vitamin E found in avocados lay the foundation for healthy skin cell function and may improve skin barrier function and hydration retention.

Walnuts

In addition to being a good source of healthy fats, walnuts are also rich in the nutrient biotin. Biotin (or vitamin B7) is considered one of the most important nutrients for overall skin health and works to prevent dry skin while improving skin firmness and elasticity.

For prematurely ageing skin

Quinoa

Every nutritionist’s best friend, this protein-rich seed is also high in riboflavin. Riboflavin aids with the production of connective tissue and improves your skin’s elasticity, which helps even out your skin’s texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Enjoy quinoa in our Goodness Gracias Bowl, Chilli Sin Carne, and Abundance Broth with Salt & Pepper Tofu.

Red capsicums

Red capsicums are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants called carotenoids (which give them their red colour). Vitamin C and carotenoids work to improve collagen production, provide an anti-inflammatory effect, and protect your skin from sun damage, environmental toxins, and pollution. Get your daily dose of carotenoids from our Chickpea Shakshuka and The Ruby Red Pesto!

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Spring clean your skin with the best superfoods for every skin type