What you eat shows up on your skin

No serum in the world can fully compensate for a diet that's working against your skin. That's not a judgment — it's just biology.

The good news is that eating for skin health isn't complicated or restrictive. Michael Pollan said it best: eat food, mostly plants, not too much. Turns out that's pretty good skincare advice too.

Protein

Collagen is a protein. To make it, your body needs adequate protein from your diet. Aim for 20 to 30 grams per meal from sources like fish, eggs, legumes, Greek yogurt, and lean meats. Most people aren't getting enough, and their skin reflects it.

Colorful plants

Berries, deep greens, orange vegetables — these are loaded with antioxidants that protect collagen and support skin brightness from the inside out. Aim for 30 or more different plant foods per week. More variety means more diverse antioxidant protection.

Healthy fats

Omega-3s from fatty fish, avocado, olive oil, and nuts reinforce the skin barrier from within. They reduce inflammation and help skin hold onto moisture. The "dry skin no matter what" problem is often a fat deficiency in disguise.

Water and sleep

Unglamorous but non-negotiable. Skin needs water to maintain plumpness and elasticity. Sleep is when your skin does most of its repair work — collagen synthesis increases, cell turnover accelerates, and inflammation drops. Ten cups of water daily and seven to nine hours of sleep is the most effective skincare routine nobody talks about.

The topical work matters. So does this.

Elixir no. 1 handles the topical side. The rest is up to you — and honestly, it's not that hard. Shop Elixir no. 1 →