Radiant Skin
Healthline Written By: Beth Ann Mayer.
Medically Reviewed By: Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT
Best and worst foods for dull skin
Lisa Moskovitz, RD, CDN, the CEO of New York Nutrition Group
Michele Green, MD, a New York-based cosmetic dermatologist, agrees.
“Diet primarily impacts the levels of varying hormones in the body, and hormones regulate many of the natural processes that occur within the body,” Green says. “This means the overall health and appearance of the skin are, inevitably, closely related to hormone fluctuations that are influenced by diet.” Green says loading up on certain foods and eliminating others can help improve your skin. That said, the best foods for you will depend on your skin type. This strategy is similar to how you might choose a different moisturizer than your friend with another skin type.
Here’s what three experts dish on what to eat based on your skin’s needs.
Dermatologists stress that tanning isn’t a safe way to get naturally glowing skin, as it’s a form of sun damage. But adding certain foods to your diet may help you achieve a sun-kissed look any time of year.
Moskovitz says that dull skin is often caused by oxidative stress from our environments, such as through exposure to pollutants and pesticides. “We want to do what we can to protect our bodies from oxidative stress, and one way we can do that is through antioxidants,” she says. “This is when you hear, ‘Eat the rainbow.’” And, when it comes to antioxidants, Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist and the author of “The Pro-Aging Playbook,” suggests honing in on the micro-nutrient lycopene.
Foods with lycopene include many red or pink fruits and vegetables, like:
- tomato
- guava
- papaya
- red pepper
Some guilty pleasures are also on the table, Moskovitz says, including red wine (in moderation) and chocolate.
“Cocoa is a natural source of antioxidants,” Moskovitz says. “Eat extra dark chocolate (or over 75 percent). Otherwise, you’re getting more sugar than cocoa.”


The bottom line
Though your diet isn’t a cure-all for skin issues, experts say it’s an integral part of a holistic approach to skin care.
The best foods for your skin depend on your skin type. Once you’ve figured out your skin type, you can choose foods that bring out your best features and mitigate any issues you have.
Speak with your doctor before limiting or removing anything from your diet. Generally, for optimal skin health, it’s best to eat fried and sugary foods in moderation and limit alcohol intake.