Which diet is best for your skin?

It’s a hotly debated topic.

So here are the pros and cons of three popular diets, and which we recommend for a youthful, age defying glow:

Vegan Diet

The pure plant approach to dieting is hugely popular… both for its health benefits and as a way to avoid eating industrially farmed meat.

By ditching animal products and embracing fruits, veggies, and whole grains, the vegan diet is claimed to be great for your health, youth, and skin. 

There is a lot of truth to this: The antioxidants and phytochemicals found in plants do help to protect your skin from damage and premature aging. While the high fiber content nourishes your digestion, which in turn helps the absorption of key vitamins and minerals essential for a youthful complexion. 

But vegans need to be mindful of getting enough essential nutrients in their diet. It’s tough to get enough B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids from plants alone. Which is why supplementation may be necessary to fill the gaps.

Carnivore Diet

The carnivore diet couldn't be simpler.

All you do is eat meat, meat, and more meat!

Proponents of the carnivore diet claim that by eliminating processed foods, and focusing on high-quality meats, you can reduce inflammation, lose weight, and improve skin health. 

It’s true that eliminating processed food helps to lower inflammation, which can age your skin faster. And the healthy fats and proteins in meat can indeed support skin elasticity and collagen production. 

But the lack of fiber and antioxidants in a carnivore diet may leave your skin more susceptible to damage and aging in the long run. So it’s also wise to be top up on vitamins C, E, magnesium, and iodine through supplementation to support your skin health when on the carnivore diet.

Omnivore Diet

The omnivore diet offers the best of both worlds. 

By enjoying a mix of both plant and animal foods and eliminating processed foods, you can limit inflammatory ingredients like sugar, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats. 

The ability to eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids also means the omnivore diet is highly beneficial for the skin. And due to having fewer restrictions, it’s easier to sustain in the long run.

Conclusion - The best diet for your skin is one that eliminates processed foods

While each diet has its pros and cons, what matters most for your skin health is eating a balanced diet that's low in processed foods.

Processed foods that come in a box, tin, or plastic wrapper are loaded with hidden sugars, trans fats, and other inflammatory ingredients. These artificial nasties can accelerate skin aging and cause acne, dullness, and wrinkles. 

Whereas eating a diet rich in colorful fruits and veggies, whole grains, healthy fats like olive oil and nuts, and lean proteins, like fish and legumes, can keep your skin nourished and healthy at any age. 

So rather than follow a diet that’s too restrictive, we recommend embracing a diet rich in variety and low in processed foods. That way you can flood your skin with the nutrients it needs to stay radiant, supple, and youthful-looking at any age.