
Skin Positive
I’ve dealt with everything from cystic acne and acne scarring to dry skin, psoriasis, and rosacea since I was 11 years old. By age 20, my acne was so severe that I took Accutane (which I would never recommend), but it didn’t heal my skin because it failed to address the root cause. Fortunately, at 32, my skin is healthier and more radiant than ever—without Botox or fillers. Since gut health plays a huge role in skin health, I credit much of my clear skin to the foods I eat. In this article, I’m sharing my go-to foods and tips for achieving healthy, glowing skin. And if you’re currently struggling with acne, please remember something I wish I had believed back then: You are beautiful, and your acne does not define you.
1. Sea Moss Gel
Sea moss gel is packed with 92 essential minerals that support skin health, including zinc, sulfur, and magnesium, which help reduce inflammation, fight acne, and promote healing. Its natural hydrating properties keep skin plump and moisturized, while its vitamin C and amino acids boost collagen production for a firmer, more youthful glow.
Rich in antibacterial and detoxifying compounds, sea moss helps balance oil production, soothe conditions like rosacea and eczema, and fade acne scars. Whether consumed or applied topically as a face mask, this powerhouse ingredient nourishes the skin from the inside out, leaving it clear, radiant, and refreshed. I eat two tablespoons of sea moss gel per day and even give a lick of it to my dog!

2. Kimchi
Kimchi is a probiotic powerhouse supporting gut health, directly linked to clearer, healthier skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce acne, redness, and irritation, while vitamins A, C, and E promote collagen production, hydration, and a natural glow.
Packed with antioxidants, kimchi also helps detoxify the skin and protect against premature aging. Eating it regularly can strengthen your skin barrier, keep breakouts at bay, and give you a radiant complexion from the inside out! I try to eat a serving of kimchi per day, usually with my lunch.

3. Yogurt
Yogurt is packed with probiotics, which support gut health and help reduce acne, inflammation, and redness. Its lactic acid gently exfoliates the skin, promoting a brighter, smoother complexion.
Rich in zinc, calcium, and B vitamins, yogurt helps hydrate, soothe irritation, and strengthen the skin barrier. Whether eaten or applied as a mask, it nourishes the skin from within, leaving it clear, soft, and radiant!
Personally, I cannot eat dairy because it contributes to a lot of acne. Therefore, when it comes to yogurt I am obsessed with coconut cult. It is very tasty and super rich in probiotics.

4. Tea
Drinking the right teas can help detoxify the skin, reduce inflammation, and boost collagen production for a healthy glow. Green tea is rich in antioxidants (EGCG) that fight acne, protect against UV damage, and slow aging.
Rooibos tea is packed with zinc and alpha hydroxy acids, which help with skin renewal and hydration. Chamomile tea soothes irritation, reduces redness, and promotes a clear complexion, while spearmint tea helps balance hormones and control acne breakouts. Sipping these skin-loving teas daily can help keep your complexion radiant, clear, and youthful! I drink matcha green tea every morning and spearmint tea most nights.

5. Berries
Berries are skin superfoods packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and hydration-boosting compounds that promote a clear, youthful glow. Their high vitamin C content boosts collagen production, keeping skin firm and reducing fine lines. The antioxidants (like anthocyanins and flavonoids) help fight free radical damage, preventing premature aging and sun damage.
Berries also have anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and irritation, making them great for acne-prone skin. Plus, their high water content keeps skin hydrated and plump. Eating a variety of berries—such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries—can help brighten, protect, and rejuvenate your skin from the inside out! I typically eat berries everyday as I put them in my morning smoothie.

6. Sweet Potatoes and Carrots
Sweet potatoes and carrots are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that converts to vitamin A, which supports skin cell turnover, prevents clogged pores, and promotes a natural glow. Their anti-inflammatory properties help reduce acne, redness, and irritation, while their high vitamin C content boosts collagen production for firmer, more youthful skin.
These nutrient-dense veggies also act as a natural sun protectant, helping to prevent UV damage and premature aging. Eating them regularly can keep your skin clear, radiant, and healthy from within! Sometimes I eat a raw carrot salad with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper which really does wonders for the skin and gut. I try to have carrots and sweet potatoes a few times per week.

7. Bone Broth
Bone broth is rich in collagen, which helps maintain skin elasticity, firmness, and hydration, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It’s packed with amino acids (like glycine and proline) that support skin repair, inflammation reduction, and overall radiance.
The minerals and hyaluronic acid in bone broth help keep skin plump, nourished, and glowing while promoting gut health, which is directly linked to clearer skin. Drinking bone broth regularly can hydrate, heal, and rejuvenate your skin from the inside out!
Pro tip: I drink bone broth every morning, rite after I wake up. It is great to drink bone broth before any caffeine to prepare the stomach lining for intaking strong coffee or tea.

8. Salmon
Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep skin hydrated, plump, and free from inflammation. It’s also rich in collagen-boosting vitamin C and zinc, which promote skin healing, reduce acne, and prevent premature aging.
The astaxanthin in salmon is a powerful antioxidant that protects against UV damage and fine lines, keeping skin smooth and youthful. Eating salmon regularly can help you achieve a radiant, clear, and healthy complexion from within! I eat wild caught salmon 2-3 times per week.

9. Papaya & Pineapple
Papaya and pineapple are tropical powerhouses for clear skin, thanks to their natural enzymes and high vitamin C content. Papaya contains papain, which gently exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and brightens the complexion.
Pineapple is rich in bromelain, an anti-inflammatory enzyme that reduces redness, fights acne, and promotes even skin tone. Both fruits help boost collagen production, keeping skin firm, smooth, and radiant from the inside out!

10. Grapefruit Juice
Grapefruit juice is packed with vitamin C, which boosts collagen production, keeping skin firm and youthful. Its antioxidants and lycopene help fight free radicals, reducing signs of aging and protecting against sun damage.
The juice’s natural acids gently exfoliate the skin from within, promoting a brighter, clearer complexion. Plus, its high water content keeps skin hydrated and glowing!

Tips for Healthy Skin
After struggling with acne for years and finally healing my skin holistically, I’ve learned so many valuable skincare tips. Here are my top ones!
Dry Brushing : One contributing factor to acne may be that your lymphatic system needs some help detoxing the body. To help the body detox, I have started dry brushing my body before I take a shower. Dry brushing is a powerful detoxifying practice that helps clear the skin by exfoliating dead skin cells, unclogging pores, and promoting lymphatic drainage.
The gentle brushing motion boosts circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin for a healthy, radiant glow. By stimulating the lymphatic system, dry brushing helps flush out toxins that can contribute to breakouts and dull skin. It also aids in reducing inflammation, preventing ingrown hairs, and improving skin texture, making it an excellent addition to any clear-skin routine!

Double cleansing at night: This is a game-changer for clear, healthy skin because it ensures all dirt, oil, and makeup are fully removed, preventing clogged pores and breakouts. The first cleanse, usually with an oil-based cleanser, dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum.
The second cleanse, with a water-based or gentle foaming cleanser, removes deeper impurities, sweat, and bacteria, leaving the skin fresh, balanced, and ready to absorb skincare products. This method helps prevent acne, minimizes congestion, and promotes a smoother, more radiant complexion!
Using SLS free toothpaste: Using SLS-free toothpaste can help prevent breakouts, especially around the mouth and chin. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a harsh foaming agent found in many traditional toothpastes that can trigger skin irritation, perioral dermatitis, and acne for some people.
By switching to an SLS-free formula, you reduce the risk of clogged pores, redness, and inflammation caused by residue around the lips and jawline. Opting for a natural, fluoride-free, or gentle toothpaste can support clear, healthy skin, especially if you're prone to breakouts in this area!

Taking a Gut Test: Last year, when I was having a relapse with some gut issues, I resorted to taking a Viome gut health test to see if I was eating things that didn’t agree with me. When the results came back, I was shocked to learn that some foods I ate regularly, like garlic and onion, were causing my issues. Once I removed them from my diet, my symptoms cleared up, and so did my skin! If you are having trouble with your skin, I recommend looking at your diet first with an at-home gut test.
Monthly facials: Monthly facials help keep skin clear by deeply cleansing pores, exfoliating dead skin cells, and promoting cell turnover, preventing breakouts and congestion. Regular professional treatments also boost circulation, hydrate the skin, and target specific concerns like acne, inflammation, or dullness, leaving your complexion refreshed and glowing. I SO look forward to my monthly facials at Sana Skin Spa in Wynwood.
Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy helps clear skin by reducing inflammation, speeding up healing, and stimulating collagen production, which can minimize acne scars and prevent breakouts. It also boosts circulation and fights acne-causing bacteria, promoting a smoother, healthier complexion over time.I use my red light every morning after I wake up and also when I meditate.
Glowing in 2025
Achieving healthy, glowing skin isn’t just about the products you apply—it starts from within. By nourishing your body with skin-loving foods like fatty fish, berries, leafy greens, and collagen-rich bone broth, you provide the essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your skin needs to thrive. Pairing a nutrient-dense diet with smart skincare habits—like double cleansing, dry brushing, and choosing gentle, non-irritating products—can help you maintain a clear, radiant complexion long-term. Remember, consistency is key! Treat your skin with care, fuel your body with the right nutrients, and watch your natural glow shine through. ✨
Sending Healing,
Bri
