Eating your skincare? It works — if you’re savvy about it.
“Skin thrives on nourishment. A routine rich in skin-loving nutrients like antioxidants, healthy fats, and phytonutrients can be more effective than topical treatments,” Serena Poon, a certified nutritionist and longevity wellness advisor to stars like Sofia Vergara, Kerry Washington and Miranda Kerr, told The Post.
Along with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids can diminish fine lines and wrinkles by moisturizing the skin and promoting elasticity.
For Poon, a nutrient rich diet is critical to “supporting beauty from the inside out.”
In addition to diet, Poon lists stress, toxins, UV exposure, and lack of sleep as factors that contribute to extrinsic aging, the type of aging we can influence through our daily habits.
“While natural aging plays a role in how our skin looks, so much of what shows up externally is a reflection of our internal environment,” she explained.
Poon noted that we can all improve that reflection by making intentional dietary shifts.
With the internet awash in skincare food trends, she broke down the ones that truly work — and how to know if what’s being marketed to you isn’t worth it.
Collagen gummies
According to Poon, collagen gummies top the list of effective beauty foods — as long as they’re made with the right stuff.
“Collagen gummies come out on top when they’re made with high-quality, hydrolyzed collagen peptides,” she said.
“When paired with vitamin C, essential for collagen production, these can help improve elasticity, hydration, and overall dermal resilience.”
She urges the collagen curious to opt for gummies that are free of artificial additives and low in sugar, as the latter contributes to glycation, a process that damages collagen and accelerates skin aging.
Bone broth
Bone broth has been seriously trendy for years — so much so that social media users have begun mixing it into unlikely recipes like hot chocolate.
But this fad’s got the goods to back it up.
When it comes to sipping your way to skin support, the collagen-packed liquid made from boiling animal bones and connective tissue gets high marks from Poon.
“Rich in collagen, glycine, and glutamine, bone broth can help reinforce skin structure and gut health,” she said.
If you’re making your own at home, there’s an important rule to follow: “Just make sure it’s simmered long enough to release those valuable nutrients.”
Raw carrot salad
The viral raw carrot salad has gained traction and widespread fandom for health benefits, with acolytes claiming the raw root can cure acne and balance hormones.
The salad was originally promoted over a decade ago by Raymond Peat, an American biologist, and includes a slaw-like mix of shredded raw carrots, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, salt and pepper.
Poon recognizes that the high fiber content in the celebrated salad could potentially contribute to overall hormonal balancing. Meanwhile, carrots contain beta-carotene and lycopene, which “enhance tone and glow while providing natural sun protection.”
However, she noted that the salad is more supplemental than game-changing.
“While it supports skin health, its benefits are best when included as part of a broader nutrient-rich diet,” she said.
Protein beauty bars
Bottoming out the list of beneficial skin foods are protein “beauty” bars, which claim ingredients like collagen and antioxidants can promote radiant skin and improve gut health.
“Protein ‘beauty’ bars vary widely in quality. While some may offer skin-supportive ingredients like biotin or vitamin E, many are packed with sugars, oils, and preservatives that can actually work against skin health.”
Sugar is a notoriously noxious agent of aging as it leads to chronic inflammation and can affect energy and hormonal levels, which influence how we look and feel.
Unless the labels are ultra clean, Poon suggests skipping out on chowing down on these bars.
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