13 Anti-Aging Foods the Beauty Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know About

Your skin reflects what you eat, not the pricey products you slather on. Forget the creams and serums; it’s time to raid your kitchen. We’ve got a list of foods that might help turn back the clock on aging. These aren’t your typical beauty tips, but they could be your secret weapon against wrinkles and fine lines.

Aging woman's face.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon isn’t just for spicing up your latte, it’s a powerhouse in the anti-aging department. This fragrant spice is loaded with antioxidants that fight off free radicals, helping to prevent the signs of aging. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce puffiness and redness, giving your skin a more youthful appearance.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Ever wonder why people in the Mediterranean seem to age so gracefully? Extra virgin olive oil may be one of their secrets. This liquid gold is loaded with antioxidants and healthy fats that fight off the aging process, keeping your skin glowing and combatting wrinkles. It’s like moisturizing from the inside out.

Green Tea

Green tea is your skin’s best friend. It’s stuffed with antioxidants that tackle inflammation and keep your cells dancing happily. A cup or two a day can shield your skin from damage and keep it looking fresh and youthful. Plus, it’s a great excuse for a relaxing tea break and a better option than an afternoon coffee.

Green tea in a clear mug.Photo byPhoto credit: Depositphotos.

Fish High in Omega-3s

Fish like salmon aren’t just tasty; they’re rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that they hydrate your skin from within, keeping it plump and warding off fine lines. These fatty acids also dial down inflammation, helping to prevent redness and puffiness.

Dark Chocolate

If you needed another reason to love chocolate, here it is: the antioxidants in dark chocolate protect your skin from the sun and help it stay hydrated and denser. Just make sure it’s the dark variety (over 70% cacao). Snacking on a square or two can actually fend off signs of aging.

Avocados

Avocados are good for more than just smashing on toast, they’re packed with substances that bless you with bouncy, hydrated skin. The healthy fats in avocados help keep your skin flexible and moisturized, which means you can say goodbye to dry, flaky skin and hello to a smooth, youthful complexion. As if we needed another reason to love guacamole?

Bone broth in a bowl.Photo byPhoto credit: Depositphotos.

Collagen

Collagen is basically the scaffolding of your skin, keeping it firm and wrinkle-free. While your body makes less of it as you age, adding collagen-rich foods like bone broth or using collage peptides can help keep your skin looking firmer and more youthful.

Berries

Berries are tiny powerhouses packed with antioxidants. These little wonders help protect your skin from damage and aging caused by free radicals and the sun. Plus, they’re delicious in just about anything. Eating a handful of berries can be a sweet way to keep your skin looking vibrant and young.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are the unsung heroes of youthful skin. Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that fights aging, they help protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Adding tomatoes to your diet is an easy win for keeping your skin resilient and radiant and pretty easy to do in the summer when they taste great.

Broccoli (and other green veggies)

Broccoli and its veggie friends are like the ultimate skin care routine you can eat. They’re full of vitamins and antioxidants that support skin health, helping to reduce wrinkles and keep your skin looking youthful. It’s time to make friends with your greens.

Roasted sweet potato rounds.Photo byGina Matsoukas/Running to the Kitchen

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not just for Thanksgiving. They’re brimming with beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in your body and helps keep skin smooth and youthful. They’re also as versatile as they are delicious. Whether roasted, mashed, made into fries or used as "toast," you can easily find a way to love a sweet potato.

Turmeric

This golden spice isn’t just for curries; it’s a superhero for your skin. Turmeric’s active component, curcumin, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help keep your skin glowing and youthful. Adding a dash of turmeric to your meals is an easy way to spice up your skin care routine, just make sure to include black pepper with it to activate its benefits.

Nuts

Nuts are the perfect snack to keep your skin looking young. They’re full of essential fats, vitamins, and minerals that nourish your skin and help reduce the signs of aging. Whether you prefer almonds, walnuts, or cashews, munching on nuts is an easy way to support youthful looking skin.