9 Best Foods for Age-Defying Skin and Hair

Did you know that there are specific foods that contain the vitamins needed to improve your skin and hair?

What you eat is one of the biggest factors in your overall wellness, and it actually makes a huge difference in how you look! Nutrients that keep your skin supple and your hair full and shiny are found in some common, easy-to-find foods. 

Let’s explore the best foods that can naturally help improve hair, skin, and nails as you age.

1. Pomegranates

Young woman peeling a pomegranate and holding a glass of pomegranate juice.

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This beautiful fruit is considered a hair and scalp superfood for its antioxidant properties and UVA-blocking agents that prevent premature aging of your skin and hair.

Pomegranates help strengthen your hair follicles—in fact, pomegranate extract is sometimes used as a natural remedy for hair loss. Pomegranates also contain ellagic acid, which serves as a natural moisture sealant and makes your skin feel softer throughout the day.

Add some fresh pomegranates to your cart or drink pomegranate juice, which has the same benefits.

2. Carrots

Fresh carrots on a wooden table.

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Rich in beta-carotene, carrots promote healthy hair and nail growth. How? All of that beta-carotene turns into the antioxidant vitamin A in the body, which is what your hair, skin, and nails need to stay healthy and vibrant.

Veggies like spinach and broccoli are also great sources of Vitamin A, too.

3. Avocados

Half of an avocado with pit showing in the middle.

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Good news for all you avocado-toast loyalists: aside from containing healthy fats, avocados contain vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants—the go-to triple threat for better skin.

They’re also packed with potassium, which can counteract the bloating effects of salt (which causes puffy eyes or skin) by pushing excess sodium out of the body.

Give These Avacado Recipies A Try:

4. Red Bell Peppers

A bright red bell pepper cut in half on a wooden table.

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Bell peppers of all colors are chock-full of nutrients, but red peppers, in particular, contain mega doses of vitamin C and carotenoids, which help increase skin circulation and fight the signs of premature aging.

Throw some red peppers in your morning omelet, slice them up and dip them in hummus, or add them to your next stir-fry.

Red Pepper Recipes to Try:

5. Almonds or Almond Butter

handful of almonds

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Almonds are rich in biotin—your hair’s best friend—and ample amounts of vitamin E, which serves as a natural skin moisturizer and nail strengthener. Almonds are also a great source of calcium, which gives your nails extra nutritional support.

6. Salmon

Top view of salmon filets on a concrete background.

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Salmon and tuna are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, all essential nutrients for healthy hair. The special protein in your hair, keratin, is responsible for giving hair its strength and flexibility, so consuming a diet rich in protein will work wonders. Omega-3 fatty acids aid in promoting hair growth and add sheen and luster, too.

Salmon Recipes To Try:

7. Spinach

Person holding a bowl full of raw spinach.

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Popeye was onto something with all of that spinach—it’s one of the healthiest things you can eat but also particularly helpful for your skin and nails.

It contains vitamin C and beta-carotene, which help protect your skin from the aging effects of UV rays.

Add a handful of spinach to your morning smoothie, use it as a base for your salads, or sauté spinach with garlic and a bit of salt for a tasty veggie side to your dinner. 

8. Eggs

Bacon and egg cups on a white plate.

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Eggs are a terrific source of 4 important nutrients for hair growth: protein,  biotin,  zinc, and selenium.

Egg Recipes To Try:

9. Berries and Citris

Freshly picked blueberries in a bowl

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Berries are packed with nutrients, including vitamin C and antioxidants. The body uses vitamin C to produce collagen, a protein that helps strengthen skin, nails, and hair.

Try These Recipes:

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