Worried about how your skin looks now that you’re out and about sans face mask? Quit the costly skincare products and start healing your skin from the inside out. Here's what you should fill your plate with to jumpstart your au naturale skincare journey.

1. Turmeric

This vibrant spice contains the antioxidant curcumin, which prevents dull skin by fighting off free radicals. It’s full of anti-inflammatory properties that control psoriasis and eczema flare-ups. Next time you see that turmeric latte on your local cafe menu, give it a shot. It might just make your skin glow.

2. Fatty fish

Fish rich in omega-3 like salmon, sardines, and mackerel are powerhouses in the skincare game. Omega-3 helps keep your skin barrier thick and supple by reducing inflammation and pumping up collagen production. A lack of this fatty acid can result in dry and flaky skin, so start adding some seared salmon or sushi to your weekly meal plan.

3. Flax, chia, and walnuts

Vegetarian or vegan? Don’t worry, there are several plant-based sources of omega-3s – flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts to name a few. These nuts and seeds benefit your skin in the same way that fatty fish do, decreasing inflammation and locking in hydration. Throw some in your morning smoothie or sprinkle some on your next salad. Your skin will thank you.

4. Avocado

Is there anything avocado can’t do? This mighty fruit is packed with vitamin C, E, biotin, and healthy monounsaturated fats. Vitamins C and E are powerful antioxidants when it comes to preventing UV damage, and taking them together increases potency. Biotin and the natural fats in avocado also help keep your skin moisturized and elastic – all reasons to fuel your avocado toast addiction.

5. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are one of the richest sources of lycopene, a carotenoid found in  red-colored fruits that protects the skin from harmful UV rays. Cooking tomatoes allows lycopene to be more easily absorbed by your body, so now’s the chance to cook that pasta pomodoro recipe you’ve bookmarked.

6. Citrus Fruits

Remember the benefits of Vitamin C that we mentioned? Well, there are few richer sources of Vitamin C than citrus fruits. Think oranges, tangerines, or grapefruit for your next mid-day snack.

7. Leafy Greens

Spinach, kale, and collard greens are all abundant sources of vitamin K. This vitamin is a potent nutrient that aids your body in blood circulation and clotting, in turn combatting stretch marks and rosacea. Many of these greens also have notable amounts of zinc, which is anti-inflammatory and aids in collagen production. Fortunately, it’s easy to throw some greens into your next stir-fry or soup recipe.

---

Instead of burning your next paycheck on expensive skincare products, try investing in these foods to boost your skin health from the inside out.