Does Diet Affect Your Skin? What the Research Says About Nutrition and Ageing

July 10, 2026

The idea that diet shows up in your skin is popular, and there is real science behind parts of it, even if the headlines can overstate things.

What the research says

A review on nutrition and skin ageing describes how vitamins, carotenoids, tocopherols (vitamin E), flavonoids and a range of plant antioxidants have been studied for supporting skin, both applied topically and taken through the diet (Schagen et al., 2012, PMID 23467449). The overall picture is that a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet supports general skin health, rather than any single food being a miracle.

What this means in practice

Aim for a varied diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and healthy fats, without demonising the occasional treat.
Topical antioxidants, like vitamin C, plus daily sunscreen remain the reliable, well-studied levers.
Collagen supplements are studied for skin hydration and elasticity generally, as one supportive option.

At Verdo we stock the Adashiko Ultra Collagen Powder, an ingestible collagen peptide powder, and the Medik8 C-Tetra vitamin C serum.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. The studies cited are from peer-reviewed journals and are provided for educational context. Individual results vary. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist before changing your routine. Verdo Cosmetics makes no therapeutic claims about the products or services mentioned.

Frequently asked questions

Does what you eat really affect your skin?

A review describes how vitamins, carotenoids, vitamin E, flavonoids and plant antioxidants have been studied for supporting skin, through diet and topically (Schagen et al., 2012). A balanced, antioxidant-rich diet supports general skin health, though no single food is a miracle.

What foods are good for skin?

A varied diet rich in fruit, vegetables and healthy fats provides the vitamins and antioxidants studied for skin health. Balance over time matters more than any one superfood.

Do collagen supplements work for skin?

Collagen supplements are studied for skin hydration and elasticity generally, and are best seen as one supportive option alongside a good diet, antioxidants and sun protection, not a cure.

Is topical vitamin C better than eating antioxidants?

They work together rather than competing. Topical vitamin C delivers antioxidants directly to the skin, while a balanced diet supports the whole body. Daily sunscreen remains the foundation.

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