It’s no secret that nourished skin glows when we take good care of it. Typically, when we think of our skin, we think creams and serums - but let’s not forget the important ways we can care for it from the inside-out too.
All about visibly healthy skin? This naturopath guide is here to give you tips on foods for glowing skin. And supplements backed by research. You'll also find answers to your skin health FAQS – like "does collagen really work?"
Ready to get into glowing goodness? We’ve got you covered.
Skin-loving Tremella mushroom
Tremella, also known as the snow mushroom is a natural source of skin-loving antioxidants and hyaluronic acid.
Studies show that hyaluronic acid supports skin moisture. Replenishing your hyaluronic acid from within is worth considering if you’re a fan of hyaluronic acid serum.
Tremella hasn't had the spotlight like the Lion’s Mane and Cordyceps mushrooms, which are constantly trending, but it’s certainly ready for it's time to shine as a skin nourishing mushroom tonic.
Research shows that Tremella mushroom...
- Is a rich source of hyaluronic acid for skin hydration
- Contains beta-glucans to support immune system health
- Has gut soothing prebiotics for a nourished microbiome
Best Tremella mushroom for skin:
Tremella mushroom powder by SuperFeast
- Soft aging support for plumpness and skin hydration
- Rich natural source of hyaluronic acid
- Prebiotic gut and immune support
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Best natural antioxidant for skin
Did you know? Studies show that astaxanthin supports healthy skin aging.
Antioxidant testing shows that naturally sourced or plant-based antioxidants are more absorbable than synthetic. So, if you’re after a natural, algae derived one, Astaxanthin is ideal. Research shows that it supports healthy energy and exercise recovery, and preliminary studies indicate astaxanthin supports healthy brain aging too.
Research shows that astaxanthin supports:
- Skin elasticity – antioxidant protection for collagen in skin
- Smoothness - the appearance of wrinkles
- Moisture levels in skin – skin barrier function and hydration
Best astaxanthin for skin:
Astaxanthin by BioBalance
- Supports skin hydration and elasticity
- Protection from sun induced ‘photo-aging’
- Supports age spots and pigmentation
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Collagen for skin
With plenty of research behind it, collagen is superb for healthy looking, supple skin. And of course, no glow guide would be complete without collagen peptides. Collagen is a top seller for glowing skin.
Research shows that collagen supports skin:
- Elasticity – healthy collagen fibres – skin bounces back from expressions
- Plumpness – skin hydration and barrier function
- Firmness - natural support for collagen - the ‘inner scaffolding’ of skin
Best collagen for skin:
Collagen Beauty Gummies by Radiance
- Hydrolysed collagen – easily absorbed for firm plump skin
- Delicious tropical collagen gummies – 99% sugar free
- Top rated - 4.5 star rating from 65 reviews
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Best antiaging skincare ingredient
Ask a skin therapist what the best antiaging skin treatment, they’ll likely say: wearing sunscreen!
The sun naturally breaks down collagen, which leads to signs of aging – like wrinkles. It even has a scientific name: ‘photo aging’. But keeping a daily SPF close by is a great way to help support a youthful glow..And it’s never too early (or too late) to start. Sunscreen for your face every day (no matter the season) and a wide-brimmed hat, are great for long-term skin health.
Keen to know more? You’re sure to appreciate: Your no 1 antiaging ingredient for radiant skin.
Best natural face sunscreen:
Antipodes Supernatural SPF 50 Ceramide Silk Facial Sunscreen
- Natural non-nano zinc oxide SPF 50+ sun protection
- Silky-light finish - no white cast
- 100% natural origin formula – with ceramides for soft aging
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The best foods for glowing skin
We know diet influences skin health. And eating the right nutrients for your skin helps it stay balanced. You’ll notice flaxseed pops up a few times - it’s a winner for skin health.
For dry or sensitive skin: Omega-3 oils
Omega-3 oils are ideal if your skin is sensitive or dry. They also help strengthen your skin barrier to lock moisture in.
Omega-3 rich foods:
- Oily fish (NZ’s most sustainable: Kahawai, Trevally and Mullet)
- Flaxseeds
- Chia seeds
- Walnuts
Tricky getting the recommended 2-3 servings of oily fish per week? Try a Vegan omega or Omega 3 Fish oil to help fill nutritional gaps. It can take up to 6 weeks to build up in your body though.
For soft aging: Plant antioxidants
Antioxidants protect your skin from free radicals, or oxidation. Oxidation is a normal process that leads to aging. Spices, fruit and veggies offer the richest sources of plant antioxidants.
If you find antioxidant-rich foods you enjoy – you'll get a skin-loving diet that’s delicious too.
Foods for healthy aging:
- Clove spice, ginger, chili
- Berries – blueberries, blackcurrants, blackberries, goji berries
- Cacao
- Ground flaxseed
- Capers & black olives
- Artichokes & green leafy veggies
Diet not as antioxidant rich as you'd like? A plant-based option like Astaxanthin is an easy way to supplement it.
For clear skin: Fibre
Whole foods, and high fibre fruits, give your bowel an internal sweep – ideal if you get breakouts. And fibre supports bowel detoxification. It soaks up toxins in your bowel like a sponge to help remove them. Fibre also feeds your microbiome – and a happy microbiome makes for happy skin.
Foods for clear skin
- Broccoli & kumara
- Pears & apples
- Beans & lentils (legumes)
- Ground flaxseed
- Psyllium husk
Want to support clear skin, a calm gut and regular bowel motions? Consider a fibre-based supplement, and be sure to keep your H20 up.
FAQs – your healthy skin questions answered:
- Do collagen supplements really reduce wrinkles?
Collagen supplements continue to be popular for their role in supporting skin elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles, and scientific studies support this. As time passes, we look forward to long-term studies that reinforce this.
- How to reduce age spots and hyperpigmentation?
There are ways to reduce the appearance of age spots and pigmentation – the most impactful is sun protection. This will help prevent the sun from darkening them and also give them a chance to fade over time.
Having a diet high in antioxidants will also help. Studies show that astaxanthin supports the appearance of pigmentation. Topical vitamin C serums, Niacinamide, and natural retinoids like Bakuchiol are effective. You’ll often find them in many anti-aging skin care products.
Age spots or sunspots appearing? Having them checked out and monitored by your doctor is always a good idea. Or have a Mole Map done, to make sure that’s indeed what they are.
- Do probiotics help with skin health?
New research is emerging all the time on the skin benefits of probiotics. Specific strains offer support for dry and itchy skin issues. When combined with prebiotics and fibre they also provide blemish support.
For more details, check out Best probiotics for your health goals. You can also find probiotics in skincare to use topically.
- How long does it take for collagen supplements to work?
Most studies show that collagen skin support can take 4-12 weeks. Although some people do notice sooner. To get the best out your collagen supplement, consistency is key – take it daily.
- Is zinc sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?
Zinc sunscreens are a natural alternative to chemical-based sunscreens. Thanks to our Sunscreen Policy, you’ll only find natural sunscreens at HealthPost. Using ingredients that prioritise the wellbeing of your body and the environment.
Recent developments with zinc sunscreen formulations mean they’re much more user friendly too. They spread more easily, with no-white cast. Our honest customer reviews make choosing the best natural sunscreen easier too. Learn more about How to choose the best healthy sunscreen in 2024.
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