If you haven’t noticed by now, the whole team here at A bit Hippy are obsessed with all things skin. And while we love to chit chat to you through email, Instagram DM and our live website chat about the best ingredients and products to address your skin concerns, even seahorse stem cells (AKA fluffy marketing buzzwords) aren’t able to reverse the skin effects of a poor diet.

Admittedly, most of us look after our skin for vanity reasons, to look ‘young’ and ‘beautiful’. But for the record, everyone is beautiful and ageing is an outdated concept, thanks! Saying that, don’t start binging on greasy foods and skipping on SPF, ‘cause our skin is the largest organ in our body and protects us from a plethora of diseases. Just like how limiting your caffeine intake helps to improve heart health, our top 5 skin foods help achieve healthy, radiant skin.

1. Avocados

Holy guacamole! There’s no doubt that avocados were the ‘it’ food of the last decade. And while $25 avocado on toast at your local café is overrated, their health benefits are worth the hype in more ways than one.

These vegetable-esque fruits are a healthy source of fats and are rich in Vitamin E, an essential nutrient for skin health. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect our skin from damage caused by free radicals. What are free radicals?

While they sound like a rock band you’d find at your local dive bar (sounds like awesome fun!) they’re actually unstable molecules that can damage our skin cells leading to compromised skin texture, and other skin problems.

2. Blueberries

Blue-, rasp- or any other fruit ending in ‘berries’ are amazing sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants protect our skin from damage caused by environmental factors including pollution and UV rays.

So while you slap on some sunscreen, remember to top your granola with your favourite berries!

Blueberries are also a rich source of Vitamin C, great for collagen production. You’re probably aware of the name collagen, but what is it?

Collagen is a protein that gives our skin it’s structure and elasticity and gives us that ‘youthful’ look. It’s crazy how much companies charge for collagen powder when you can simply purchase a punnet of blueberries!

3. Salmon Alternatives

Don’t fret! We’re women of our word and kept our favourite skin food recommendations vegan but we must remind you of the benefits of Omega 3. Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for healthy skin. Omega 3s help keep our skin hydrated, improving skin elasticity.

If acne is a skin concern of yours or you suffer from a skin condition, be sure to implement Omega 3s into your diet to help reduce inflammation in the body.

Some great vegan sources of Omgea-3s include: Hemp seeds, flax seeds, walnuts, seaweed, canola oil, kidney beans and chia seeds. All available at your local supermarket!

4. Sweet Potato

5. Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds are a popular staple in many vegetarian and vegan dies for a variety of reasons. Nuts and seeds are great sources of healthy fats, Vitamin E and Zinc.

If nuts and seeds aren’t your thing, add some mushrooms or kale to your meals for a daily dose of Zinc. It’s totally worth it, Zinc helps to regulate oil production in the skin and it’s important to do so because excess oil on the skin cause breakouts. Zinc also helps to repair damaged skin and promote the growth of new skin cells.

While these foods are great, remember to eat a balanced diet (including your fave yummy treats) and you’ll see a noticeable improvement in your skin’s overall health and appearance. Plenty of water, minimal sugar and processed goods, a proper skincare routine (we have a few) and a healthy diet will make your skin look and feel its best!

Shop the A bit Hippy range to level up your skin routine.