The top foods to boost your skin’s natural anti-aging properties. Nourishing your skin with the rainbow — plus tips and recipes for glowing skin.
Jump to:
- 7 Best Recipes for Glowing Skin
- 1. Hibiscus Sun Tea
- 📖 Recipe
- 2. Glowing Skin Delight
- 📖 Recipe
- 3. Spiced Banana Crunch
- 📖 Recipe
- 4. Green Smoothie
- 📖 Recipe
- 5. Blueberry Oat Smoothie
- 📖 Recipe
- 6. Zucchini Stir Fry (Quick & Easy)
- 📖 Recipe
- 7. Simple Ginger Tea
- 📖 Recipe
- Extra tips for glowing skin
- Nourishing you
- 💬 Comments
Glowing and radiant skin doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
While skincare products and treatments may be helpful, they aren’t the only option or necessarily the best way to improve your skin.
There’s a simple way to boost your skin’s radiance and natural anti-aging properties while enhancing you from the inside out. It’s natural, inexpensive, and contributes to your overall health.
Below, I’ve included the 7 best delicious and healthy recipes for glowing skin. They’re simple, easy, and a perfect way to step into a healthier lifestyle. I’ve also included some of the health and skin benefits each color offers and an easy way to incorporate them into your day.
But first, a few reasons why it works.
I grew up eating a very standard American diet, and I also loved fast food. I’d order a Big Mac and fries with a strawberry milkshake and call it a good day for getting my fruits and veggies in.
Eventually, it caught up with me though. My skin and body started showing the results of unhealthy eating. Once I made the connection, I dug deeper and began researching food, health, and nutrition.
I soon realized I needed to make a change in my diet.
It was a slow and gradual process, but I started incorporating more plant-based foods into my diet. Little by little, I gravitated toward eating mainly from the rainbow as my energy, skin, and weight all improved. The benefits of healthier eating were undeniable.
Though it’s not perfect and never will be, I can always tell the difference if I deviate too far.
Our skin is a telltale sign of how we treat our bodies. What we eat and drink greatly affects our health, and our skin is often one of the first places that shows it. When we don’t get enough nutrients, our skin looks and feels dull and lackluster. We become more prone to acne and wrinkles.
We’re all different, but our skin is a reflection of our overall health.
If you’re just beginning, start small; it‘s not all or nothing. Simply adding in foods from the rainbow each day will offer numerous benefits and results.
The options and combinations are endless, and by no means is this list of foods complete, but it’s a great place to start.
7 Best Recipes for Glowing Skin
Red foods
- Red peppers: Bell peppers are packed with vitamin C, which protects against sun damage
- Tomatoes: Protects against sun damage, reduce inflammation, and promote collagen production
- Red grapes: High in vitamin C, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory
- Pomegranate: Rich in antioxidants and promotes collagen productivity
- Watermelon: High in vitamin C, hydrating, promotes collagen production
- Beets: Hydrating, promotes clear skin, helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Goji berries: Brightens and evens skin tone, improves skin elasticity
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
I love making hibiscus sun tea in the morning and sipping it throughout the day.
It’s an easy and delicious way to incorporate antioxidants, and studies have shown it may help lower blood pressure.
It’s a perfect go-to warm-weather refresher.
1. Hibiscus Sun Tea
📖 Recipe
Hibiscus Sun Tea
Equipment
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 8 cups water
- ½ cup hibiscus flowers, dried
- A squeeze of lemon or lime, optional
- 1-2 tablespoon maple syrup, optional
- Mint, optional
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a large glass jar with hibiscus leaves, citrus, and mint if using.
- Add filtered water and cover.
- Place in the sun for 4–8 hours.
- Strain into an airtight container.
- Add maple syrup if using.
- Serve over ice.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Orange foods
- Sweet potatoes: Promotes collagen production and maintains skin elasticity
- Carrots: Protects from skin damage, are an excellent source of beta carotene, and help prevent wrinkles
- Pumpkin: Promotes skin elasticity, reduces oxidative stress, and antioxidant-rich
- Oranges: Citrus fruits support collagen production and prevent skin damage
- Cantaloupe: Promotes healthy skin cell production, hydrating to promote a healthy glow
- Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and improves skin tone and texture
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
There’s nothing better than a little pick-me-up snack during the day. One of my favorites is fresh-cut cantaloupe, walnuts, and a few pieces of dark chocolate.
It doesn’t get much easier.
2. Glowing Skin Delight
📖 Recipe
Glowing Skin Delight
Equipment
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 1 ripe cantaloupe
- 2 pieces dark chocolate
- A small handful of raw walnuts
Instructions
- Cut your cantaloupe and slice it to your preference.
- Break apart a few chocolate pieces and place them on a plate.
- Add in walnuts.
- Store the remaining cantaloupe in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Yellow foods
- Mangos: Promotes skin elasticity, helps renew skin cells, and protects from premature aging
- Yellow peppers: Antioxidant-rich, helps maintain skin elasticity
- Apricots: Help renew skin cells and promote collagen production
- Pineapple: Helps brighten skin and promotes collagen
- Lemon: Antioxidant-rich and helps reduce signs of aging
- Bananas: Supports skin renewal and helps support collagen production
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
Fruits are an easy and delicious way to get your fill of yellow foods for the day. Below is a simple but so very satisfying recipe for glowing skin.
3. Spiced Banana Crunch
📖 Recipe
Spiced Banana Crunch
Ingredients
- 1 sliced banana
- ¼-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 5 chopped walnuts or pecans
- Drizzle of maple syrup, optional
Instructions
- Lay out sliced bananas on a plate.
- Sprinkle cinnamon over the banana slices.
- Top with nuts.
- Drizzle with maple syrup if using
Nutrition
Green foods
- Spinach: High in B vitamins and promotes youthful, glowing skin.
- Kale: Packed with antioxidants and reduces skin inflammation.
- Swiss chard: Helps protect skin from UV rays and pollution.
- Broccoli: Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and supports collagen production.
- Avocado: Nourishes and moisturizes the skin and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Kiwi: Supports collagen production and assists in firmer skin.
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
Have you tried a green smoothie? It's a perfect way to start introducing more leafy greens into your diet. Green smoothies offer all kinds of good-for-you nutrients — a perfect way to start your day.
4. Green Smoothie
📖 Recipe
Green Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-½ cups frozen fruit, strawberries, mangoes, blueberries, etc.
- 1 banana
- 1 or more cups greens, spinach, romaine, kale, chard, or parsley
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoon flax seeds
- Chia or hemp seeds, optional
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients except chia/hemp seeds on high until smooth.
- Top with chia or hemp seeds if using.
Nutrition
Blue/purple foods
- Blueberries: Promotes collagen production
- Blackberries: Helps keep skin firm and smooth
- Purple grapes: Helps protect skin from free radicals and promotes collagen production
- Eggplants: Packed with antioxidants and helps reduce under-eye bags and dark circles
- Plums: Helps reduce under-eye bags and dark circles
- Purple cabbage: Helps reduce fine lines and is an excellent source of vitamin C
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
There’s nothing better than a delicious, antioxidant-packed treat-like smoothie for an evening snack. Blueberry Dreams is a perfect way to calm and refresh with soothing cinnamon and oatmeal at the end of a long day.
5. Blueberry Oat Smoothie
Find tips and tricks on my full dairy-free blueberry oat smoothie post!
📖 Recipe
Blueberry Banana Oatmeal Smoothie
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen blueberries
- 1-1/2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk
- 2 frozen bananas
- 1-2 Medjool dates, depending on sweetness preference
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup oats
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender
- Blend until smooth and creamy
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Frozen bananas add lots of creaminess to a smoothie, so I always have them on hand. If you’re using fresh blueberries or bananas, add a cup or two of ice.
- Sweetener swap: If you don’t have Medjool dates, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or your favorite sweetener. Adjust to taste depending on how sweet your fruit is.
Nutrition
White/tan foods
- Mushrooms: Supports skin health and reduces inflammation
- Onions: Helps protect skin from damage
- Garlic: Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory which may help improve acne
- Nuts: Hydrates skin and helps protect skin from sun damage
- Sunflower seeds: Rich in nutrients and boosts energy
- Ginger: Promotes a healthy glow and helps reduce inflammation
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
I’m a big believer in starting our day with a healthy breakfast for nutrition, energy, and positive momentum. And while a warm bowl of blueberry oatmeal or green smoothies are my favorites, I also love savory breakfasts. Especially when they’re loaded with garlic! Here’s one of my favorites.
6. Zucchini Stir Fry (Quick & Easy)
Find tips and tricks on my full healthy zucchini stir fry post!
📖 Recipe
Zucchini Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 2 small zucchinis, sliced (approximately 3 cups)
- 5 cremini mushrooms, Sliced. OR shiitake. (approximately 1 cup)
- Pinch of salt, for seasoning zucchini and mushrooms
- 1 tablespoon oil or water for cooking
- ¼ cup pine nuts, optional
- Stir Fry Sauce
- 2 teaspoons black or white sesame seeds, optional
- Rice or noodles, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Set aside.
- Heat a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil or water.
- Add sliced zucchini and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes, or until slightly softened.
- Add mushrooms, pine nuts, and another pinch of salt. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender.
- Pour in the sauce, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil.
- Stir in the cornstarch mixture, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 1 minute.
- Turn off the heat. Serve over rice or noodles if desired. Top with sesame seeds and green onions, a drizzle of sesame oil, and/or add chili paste or Sriracha if desired.
Notes
- 1–2 teaspoon sesame seeds (for topping)
- 1–2 chopped green onions (for topping)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon chili paste or Sriracha
- Rice or noodles
Nutrition
Anti-aging beverages
- Water: Promotes skin elasticity, flushes toxins, and gives skin a healthy glow.
- Green tea or matcha tea: May help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and prevents skin damage.
- Coconut water: Can help reduce age spots and blemishes.
- Beet juice: Anti-aging and anti-inflammatory.
- Carrot juice: Promotes glowing skin and helps prevent acne.
- Ginger tea: Anti-inflammatory and soothes and calms skin.
- Aloe vera juice: Hydrating and promotes skin healing.
An easy way to incorporate into the day-to-day
I love taking time out each morning to enjoy a healthy drink. I often have a matcha tea latte or ginger tea. It’s a nourishing and healthy routine.
7. Simple Ginger Tea
📖 Recipe
Simple Ginger Tea
Ingredients
- 4 cups filtered water
- ½ inch ginger root, peeled
- Honey, OR maple syrup, optional
Instructions
- Fill a teapot or a small pan with 4 cups of water and add the ½ inch of peeled ginger root.
- Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once it reaches a boil, turn off the heat and cover the teapot or pan.
- Allow the tea to steep for 10–15 minutes. The longer it steeps, the stronger the flavor will be.
- Pour the tea into your favorite mug through a strainer to remove the ginger pieces.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, add honey or maple syrup to your liking.
Nutrition
Extra tips for glowing skin
A few easy add-ins and tips to contribute to radiant skin.
- Top your smoothies or oatmeal with chia seeds and hemp seeds. They offer healthy fats, nutrients, and protein and are easy to incorporate (check out my steel cut oats recipe here).
- Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen production. Eat a variety of citrus fruits each day. Lemon water, lemons with green juice, or a simple and easy orange.
- Olive oil nourishes your skin and helps reduce inflammation.
- Instead of white bread, which often lacks nutrients, choose whole grains like whole wheat, brown rice, oats, or quinoa. They’re a good source of vitamin E, which is nourishing and protective of your skin.
- Amla is a rich source of vitamin C and nutrients. It’s also anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. Try making your own face masks with amla, or try adding some to your smoothie.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day; it’s key to youthful skin and that summer-kissed skin glow.
- Red wine and grape juice are excellent sources of resveratrol, which may help slow down the aging process. But too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing, so it’s important to keep alcohol consumption low or choose grape juice.
Nourishing you
Glowing, radiant skin doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
Eating from the rainbow is a natural way to boost your skin’s radiance and contribute to your overall health. It’s a simple, delicious, and easy way to get a natural glow.
If you’re ready to make a change and embrace holistic health, start slow and make it a gradual process. Remember, it’s not about being perfect. Simply add in more plant-based foods from the rainbow each day, and you’ll see the benefits and results.
If you’re tired of your skin feeling dull and lackluster, I hope you’ll try these 7 best delicious and healthy recipes for glowing skin. They’re simple, easy, and a perfect stepping stone to radiant skin and a healthier lifestyle.
Julie Gaeta is a plant-based recipe creator, certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach (INHC) with advanced training in hormone health, trained yoga instructor, former restaurant owner, and mom of nine who’s been plant-based for over 20 years. She’s cooked approximately 4,382 pots of beans and reinvented comfort food more times than she can count. She’s completed multiple half marathons and a Tough Mudder because she can’t resist a new adventure — and apparently, she can’t vacation without cooking either, since her juicer (beets and greens, too) and pasta pot always come along. Julie’s work has been featured in HuffPost, Yahoo, YourTango, Mamamia, MSN, Redfin, Better Humans, and The Good Men Project. Through her blog, coaching, and weekly newsletter, she helps others simplify wellness, build lasting habits, and feel good again — one grounded, delicious choice at a time.
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