We always practice beauty from the inside out here at The New Potato, and that goes for consuming the right foods for our skin. We checked in with Dr. Harold Lancer – the Beverly Hills dermatology guru who believes less is more – for three diets for three different skin types…

From Dr. Harold Lancer

Oily Skin

A diet tailored to Oily Skin is largely focused on foods that one should avoid. I often see patients who come in to address oily or uneven skin, acne or clogged pores, and after some discussion I usually find that they have diets heavy in processed, salty, or carb-heavy foods. They may lead busy lives, without much free time to prepare food and end up falling back on easy, readily accessible options. Avoiding ‘fast’ and processed options, while adding whole foods, healthy fats, lots of antioxidants, and low-glycemic, whole-grain carbs back into the diet should balance out the skin and decrease excessive oil production.

Alternatively, oily skin can also be linked to consumption of dairy products. Reducing intake of milk, cheese, butter and cow’s milk yogurt (there are many non-dairy yogurt options available) can help contribute to slowing excessive oil production.

Foods To Eat For Oily Skin: 

Almond Milk

Coconut Milk

Almonds

Sweet Potatoes

Butternut Squash

Pinto Beans

Quinoa

Blueberries

Blackberries

Dried Dark Cherries (no sugar added)

Green Tea

Oily Skin Menu:

Breakfast: Coconut milk or almond milk cultured yogurt with blueberries and almonds and a cup of green tea

Lunch: Arugula salad with roasted sweet potato and quinoa

Dinner: Grilled Salmon with sautéed greens of choice

Combination Skin

A diet tailored to Combination Skin should be well-balanced and focused on keeping the different aspects of skin in harmony. Lean protein, fresh greens, cruciferous vegetables and antioxidant-rich fruits should make up 95% of the diet. Carbohydrates should be limited as much as possible, and when they are consumed should be low-glycemic, high protein carbs like quinoa, brown rice, or millet. Water intake is also very important in balancing skin. Try for sixty-four ounces of water per day.

Foods To Eat For Combination Skin:

Broccoli

Kale

Swiss Chard

Cabbage

Arugula

Spinach

Carrots

Wild-caught Salmon, Trout and Sardines

Chicken

Eggs

Olive Oil

Quinoa

Brown Rice

Millet

Combination Skin Menu:

Breakfast: Asparagus and herb omelette and hot water with lemon

Lunch: Grilled root vegetable salad with protein of choice

Dinner: Baked sweet potato with quinoa and greens

Dry Skin

Dry Skin needs to be nourished with inner hydration. Foods rich in omega fatty acids are important to add into your diet, in addition to drinking plenty of filtered water – a minimum of sixty-four ounces per day.  These are your two best tools to help skin build up and retain moisture in the long-term.

Foods To Eat For Dry Skin:

Salmon

Trout

Halibut

Sardines

Eggs

Avocados

Almonds

Cashews

Olive Oil

Coconut Oil

Dry Skin Menu:

Breakfast: Egg over medium (cooked in olive oil), half an avocado with black pepper

Lunch: Chopped salad with avocado, almonds, cucumbers, and grilled chicken, dressed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and lemon juice

Dinner: Grilled Salmon with mashed sweet potato and sautéed Swiss chard

Healthy Skin Snacks For All Skin Types

Carrots and sprouted hummus

Trail Mix: Almonds, cashews, dried cherries, dark chocolate nibs

Blueberries

Green Smoothie: Kale, Spinach, Frozen Banana, almond butter, almond milk, vanilla extract

Apple with almond butter

Want more skin tips? Check Dr. Perricone’s tips to avoid wrinkles or start incorporating these foods that make your skin glow into your diet.