Your Free Skin Health Guide

Nourish your skin from the inside out with these vegan-friendly tips on topicals, foods, and supplements. Get our free, easy guide to a glowing complexion!

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Jump to:

• 1. Topicals: What Goes On Your Skin
• 2. Foods: What Goes In Your Body
• 3. Supplements: Boosting Your Inner Glow
• Closing Thoughts
• 💬 Comments

Welcome to We Made This Vegan! Today, we're serving up a free, no-nonsense guide to help you keep your skin looking its best-naturally and from the inside out. Whether you're new to vegan living or a longtime plant-based pro, these tips focus on nourishing your skin with wholesome ingredients and healthy habits. Let's dive in!

1. Topicals: What Goes On Your Skin

The "Yes" List

• Coconut Oil: This everyday favorite is hydrating, anti-bacterial, and can even help fend off certain fungal strains. It's perfect for dry, sensitive spots-just be mindful if you're prone to breakouts.
• Aloe Vera: Known for its soothing gel, aloe is fantastic for calming redness and hydrating the skin. If you're sunburned, it's a tried-and-true remedy.
• Shea Butter: A luxurious fat that comes from African shea tree nuts. It's loaded with essential fatty acids and has well-known moisturizing and calming properties.
• Tea Tree Oil: Long hailed for its antimicrobial punch, tea tree oil can help keep blemishes at bay. Remember to dilute it with a carrier oil (like coconut) if you have sensitive skin.

The "No" List

• Collagen (Topically): Collagen molecules are too large to penetrate skin layers when used in creams or lotions. You're better off taking vegan collagen-supporting supplements (more on that below!).
• Phthalates & Parabens: These chemicals (often found in lotions, cosmetics, or personal care products) are linked to hormone imbalances and other health concerns.
• PEG (Polyethylene Glycol): Often added to skincare for absorption, PEGs can disrupt your skin's protective barrier.

Pro tip: Check out the EWG's "Skin Deep Database" to find products free of harmful chemicals.

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2. Foods: What Goes In Your Body

The "Yes" List

• Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Think citrus fruits, broccoli, peppers, spinach, kiwi, and berries. Vitamin C supports collagen production and fights premature aging.
• Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs): Walnuts, soy, flax, and chia seeds help keep skin supple and plump, while reducing inflammation.
• Beta Carotene Foods: Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and kale convert beta carotene into vitamin A, promoting smoother, healthier skin.
• Vitamin E-Rich Foods: Almonds, sunflower seeds, spinach, and avocados protect the skin's moisture barrier.

The "No" List

• Refined Sugar: Too much sugar breaks down collagen and elastin-bye-bye skin elasticity-and can trigger breakouts.
• Processed Foods: Prepackaged, sugary, or salty snacks spark inflammation, which often shows up on your face.
• Alcohol: Overdoing it dehydrates your body and can lead to dryness and wrinkles. If you do indulge, drink water in between cocktails.
• Dairy: For some folks, dairy can cause flare-ups of acne or eczema. Consider swapping with plant-based options like coconut or almond milk.

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3. Supplements: Boosting Your Inner Glow

The "Yes" List

• Vegan Collagen Peptides: As we age, collagen production dips. Vegan-friendly collagen boosters (made from plant sources) can help keep your skin looking plump.
• Vitamin D: Known as the "sunshine vitamin," it helps repair and rejuvenate skin. If you're low on sun or tested deficient, supplementation can fill the gap.
• Omega-3 Oil: Plant-based omega-3s (e.g., from algae sources) help tame inflammation and protect skin from damage-great for those prone to redness or acne.
• Biotin: Vitamin B7, also known as the "beauty vitamin." A deficiency may lead to brittle hair and red, scaly skin. Look for vegan-friendly brands.

The "No" List

• High Doses of Vitamins B6 & B12: Research shows they can cause or worsen acne when taken in excess. Stick to recommended daily amounts.
• Whey Protein: Derived from dairy, whey can trigger acne through increased levels of insulin growth factors. Opt for plant-based protein powders instead.
• Too Much Iodine: Essential for thyroid function, but over-supplementing (including from kelp or iodized salt) can bring on whiteheads, especially around the face and chest.
• Muscle-Building Supplements: Testosterone and steroids up sebum (oil) production, which can clog pores and cause breakouts.

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Closing Thoughts

Glowing skin doesn't have to cost a fortune or involve complicated routines. Start with plant-powered ingredients-both on your plate and in your skincare line-up-and give your skin the nourishment it deserves. By focusing on simple, natural topicals, nutrient-dense foods, and carefully chosen supplements, you'll be well on your way to a radiant complexion.

Remember, everyone's skin is different. If you have specific concerns or persistent issues, consider consulting a healthcare professional or dermatologist. In the meantime, experiment with these vegan-friendly tips and feel good knowing you're taking a holistic approach-from the inside out!

Have any tried-and-true plant-based skincare secrets? Let us know in the comments. We love hearing your success stories!

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