Can Eating Certain Foods Really Give You Healthier Skin?

We've all heard that beauty starts from within, but it seems the grocery industry is taking that advice quite literally.

Forget expensive face creams for a moment. The latest wellness trend has us looking to our refrigerators for a little help with our skin.

And, while we don’t have to trade our favorite moisturizer for a bag of carrots, there's some interesting science behind the idea.

Meet Beautrition, the Latest Beauty Trend

Whole Foods Market recently released its food trend predictions for 2027, and one of the categories has a rather interesting name: beautrition.

It's a combination of beauty and nutrition, reflecting the growing interest in foods and beverages marketed for their potential skin benefits. So, it’s focused on things like:

• Collagen drinks

• Sea moss gummies

• Shots of olive oil

Even our morning beverages are getting skincare routines of their own.

But, the trend isn't limited to fancy products. Whole Foods also highlights familiar foods filled with nutrients like: 

• Carrots

• Cabbage

• Sardines

What's Already in Our Grocery Carts?

Our skin needs nutrients to maintain its structure and function, and some of the foods we already enjoy provide exactly that.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a balanced diet can provide many of the vitamins and minerals commonly found in beauty supplements. Here are a few items worth adding to our shopping lists:

• Strawberries and Oranges: Both provide vitamin C, which our bodies need to produce collagen, a protein that helps support our skin's structure.

• Carrots and Sweet Potatoes: These contain beta-carotene, which our bodies convert into vitamin A to support healthy skin.

• Salmon and Sardines: These fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, which play a role in managing inflammation and supporting skin health.

• Almonds and Sunflower Seeds: They're sources of vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect our cells from damage.

• Bell Peppers and Broccoli: Both offer vitamin C, making them easy additions to meals when we're looking for more skin-supporting nutrients.

We don't have to overhaul our diets to enjoy these foods. A handful of strawberries with breakfast or some roasted vegetables with dinner is a great place to start.

Do We Really Need Collagen Water?

With collagen beverages and beauty gummies appearing on store shelves, it's tempting to think these products offer something our regular meals can't.

But, the evidence isn't quite so straightforward. The American Academy of Dermatology also says the effectiveness of beauty supplements, including collagen products, can be inconsistent.

Some research suggests that collagen supplements may offer small improvements for skin hydration and elasticity, but the findings vary, and many of the existing studies are small or industry-funded. In other words, a pricey collagen drink isn't necessarily going to give us better results than a balanced diet and a nice skincare routine. If you're thinking about trying supplements, it's worth chatting with your doctor first.

A Skin-Friendly Grocery List Doesn't Have to Be Expensive

One of the best things about this trend is that we can enjoy the nutritional benefits without purchasing anything labeled "beauty." Frozen berries have useful nutrients, canned sardines are convenient, and ordinary vegetables are great additions to our meals.

We can also experiment with simple combinations. Try adding some berries to your oatmeal, tossing roasted veggies into a grain bowl, or enjoying a handful of nuts as an afternoon snack. And, remember, healthy skin is more than what we eat. Regular sun protection and a small skincare routine are still important.

Maybe Beauty Was in the Produce Aisle All Along

There's nothing wrong with enjoying a trendy wellness product, especially if it's something we genuinely like. But, it's reassuring to know that many of the nutrients associated with healthy skin are already available in everyday foods.

The next time we're wandering through the grocery store, we can give those colorful fruits and veggies a little extra attention. Our next beauty purchase might be a big bag of sweet potatoes.

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