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Diet & Skin Health

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What you eat affects the condition of your skin, from managing inflammatory conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and hidradenitis suppurativa to preserving your skin’s strength and appearance.

 A wide range of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, D, and E, fatty acids, zinc, copper, selenium, and plant-derived compounds, play a role in protecting skin and reducing signs of aging.

 Alongside other lifestyle factors, such as proper hydration and sun protection, a nutritious diet can help your skin stay healthy and keep skin conditions in check.
   Poll

Which food group do you notice making the biggest difference in the health of your skin?

FAQ

What foods promote healthy skin?

Antioxidant-rich and fiber-packed fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, fiber, and lean proteins are all foods that help protect the skin from toxins and damage, reduce inflammation, and improve collagen production. Drinking water is also crucial for skin health.

Diet and acne may directly interact. In particular, diets that contain a lot of high glycemic index foods and dairy products may worsen acne in some people. Reducing processed food intake may lessen the severity and frequency of breakouts.

According to some research, drinking enough water daily may help keep skin hydrated and healthy looking by preventing dehydration. However, this may only apply to people who are already dehydrated.

Vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are vital for skin health. Avoiding unhealthy fats and excess sugar in your diet can also help reduce skin damage and preserve healthy skin.

Food allergies can cause hives. Food sensitivities can worsen existing eczema patches, cause skin rashes, and increase itchiness. Consult a healthcare professional if you develop rashes and digestive symptoms or struggle to manage eczema after eating certain foods.

Meet Our Experts In Diet & Skin Health
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Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
Jacquelyn Dosal

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at The Dermatology House in Park City, Utah. Her areas of expertise include acne, rosacea, integrative treatments...

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Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES

Medical Reviewer

Lynn Grieger is a registered dietitian-nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and certified health and wellness coach. She comp...

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Susan-Bard-bio

Susan Bard, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Susan Bard, MD, is a clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medicine and an adjunct clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at Mount Sin...

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mohiba-tareen-bio

Mohiba Tareen, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Mohiba Tareen, MD, is a nationally acclaimed board-certified dermatologist. She practices medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology at her Minnesota medical practice, Tareen Derm...

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Kelly Kennedy, RDN, LDN

Medical Reviewer

Kelly Kennedy is a licensed dietitian-nutritionist with over 14 years of experience in digital media. She previously managed and oversaw nutrition content, recipe development, meal...

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Amy Spizuoco, DO

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Amy Spizuoco, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. Dr. Spizuoco has been practicing medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, as well as dermatopatholo...

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Lydia-J-Johnson-bio

Lydia J. Johnson, MD

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Lydia Johnson, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist. Her medical career of more than 20 years has included work in private practice and in an academic medical center, as well as ...
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Ross Radusky, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Ross Radusky, MD, is a practicing board-certified dermatologist at the Dermatology Treatment and Research Center in Dallas. Originally from New York City, he graduated summa cum la...

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Reyna Franco, RDN

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Reyna Franco, RDN, is a New York City–based dietitian-nutritionist, certified specialist in sports dietetics, and certified personal trainer. She is a diplomate of the American Col...

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Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Transform Your Skin Health: Diet and Lifestyle Take Center Stage at 2025 AAD Annual Meeting. American Academy of Dermatology Association. March 7, 2025.
  2. Assaf S et al. Nutritional Dermatology: Optimizing Dietary Choices for Skin Health. Nutrients. December 27, 2024.

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