HEALTH

What you eat can have a *huge* impact on your skin, so why not make that impact as positive as possible? We always hear about the foods you should avoid if you're trying to keep your acne in check: processed foods with high sodium, sugary sweets and caffeine. But what about all the foods that help our skin? From matcha lattes to fro-yo, here are some unexpected (but fun!) foods that will make you glow from the inside out. 

Greek Yogurt

Why it works: Greek yogurt is full of beneficial probiotics, vitamins, and bacteria that help nourish your skin and body. It also contains less sugar and has higher amounts of protein than most traditional yogurts on the market. Greek yogurt is packed with B12, which helps with cellular regeneration, hyperpigmentation and collagen production. Translation: You'll be glowing, girl!

How to spice it up: You may think Greek yogurt isn't particularly exciting, but there are tons of ways to turn it into a fun treat. Hello, fro-yo! Store-bought frozen yogurt can often be laden with lots of sugars and icky ingredients, so try making some DIY fruit and yogurt pops with your friends. Smoothie bowls made with flavored kefir or a Greek yogurt topping are also a great way to reap the benefits of this skin superhero food.

Green Tea

Why it works: Green tea is full of antioxidants and polyphenols, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. That's great news for your skin: These components can potentially reduce discoloration and inflammation caused by acne. Long-term consumption has also been linked to a reduction in skin cancer and dehydration. Win-win! 

How to spice it up: Despite its numerous benefits, green tea can be bitter, and let's be honest, kinda boring. Matcha is a fab alternative: Not only is it a sweet treat, but many consider it to be a more concentrated form of regular green tea because of the way it's processed. So try swapping out your morning coffee or tea with a homemade matcha latte. They're frothy, sweet and super yummy with a splash of soy milk!

Collagen

Essential C's Konjac Jelly Peach, 3$

Why it works: Collagen is the main protein structure that makes up our skin tissue. It helps improve skin elasticity and hydration when used long-term. Eating foods that contain collagen can also provide vital nutrients that aid in strengthening joints and bones, so your performance on the soccer field might improve as well!

How to spice it up: Put the peptides down! With numerous recalls and shady business practices, you just never know what you're getting when it comes to a big tub o' powder. Bone broth is very high in collagen, and tastes great in homemade ramen, or as a base to creamy potato soup. Other great sources of natural collagen include jello, pork, oxtails and chicken.

Vegan and vegetarian girlies don't have to miss out! Konjac jelly is a fruity slurpable snack made out of plant-based gelatin. Certain brands, like Essential C's Konjac Jelly contain collagen, vitamin C and tons of plant-based fiber that will keep your skin (and your whole bod) very happy. 

Salmon

Why it works: Salmon is full of so many amaze vitamins and minerals. For starters, It contains vitamin D, which helps your skin with cellular regrowth, while fighting off harmful UV rays. Salmon also has one of the highest concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids available. Omega 3s are amazing: They help calm inflammation, but they're also essential for proper brain function. Which means eating salmon can also help you stay alert and on track in algebra! 

How to spice it up: Sushi is the *best* way to incorporate tons of skin-loving vitamins into little bite-sized pieces. From the healthy fats and the biotin in the avocado to the zinc and vitamin K in the seaweed, sushi is practically edible skincare. You can spice it up even more by trying a poke bowl (think: Chipotle bowls made out of sushi!).

Which glow-boosting food is your fave? Let us know on IG @girlslifemag!

by Faith Green | 3/20/2024