Certain Foods May Support Healthier Skin, Studies Find

Almonds, salmon, and mangoes show potential skin benefits in clinical research.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:18pm

Emerging research in nutrition science suggests that specific foods like almonds, salmon, and mangoes may help reduce wrinkles, improve skin hydration, and support overall skin health when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. Clinical studies have found measurable improvements in skin appearance among participants who incorporated these foods into their daily routines.

Why it matters

As dermatological and nutritional research shifts toward examining diet as a long-term contributor to skin health, these findings highlight how certain foods may support the skin's structural integrity and visible appearance, in addition to the use of topical skincare products and sun protection.

The details

Studies have found that almonds, which are rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, can reduce wrinkle severity by 16% and facial pigmentation by 20% when consumed daily. Salmon, high in omega-3 fatty acids and the antioxidant astaxanthin, has been shown to increase skin hydration, decrease UV-induced stress, and improve elasticity. Mangoes, containing carotenoids and flavonoids, can reduce deep wrinkles by 20% when consumed in moderate portions, but larger servings may have the opposite effect.

  • In a 24-week study, postmenopausal women saw improvements in skin appearance after consuming almonds daily.
  • Participants in a 16-week study experienced reductions in wrinkle depth after taking astaxanthin supplements.

The players

Vivien Fam

Lead researcher on a study examining the effects of mango consumption on skin wrinkles among postmenopausal women.

Dr. Alejandra Carrasco

Researcher who described findings from studies on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on skin health.

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What they’re saying

“Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to increase skin hydration, decrease UV-induced skin stress, decrease photo-aging, and provide photoprotection.”

— Dr. Alejandra Carrasco (Natural News)

“That's a significant improvement in wrinkles.”

— Vivien Fam, Lead researcher (Natural News)

“This shows that while some mango may be good for skin health, too much of it may not be.”

— Vivien Fam, Lead researcher (Natural News)

What’s next

Researchers say these findings should be interpreted within the broader context of balanced dietary habits, as skin health is influenced by numerous factors. However, the growing body of research suggests that regularly consuming certain nutrient-rich foods may help support the skin's structure and appearance over time.

The takeaway

The studies highlight a shift in dermatological and nutritional research toward examining diet as a long-term contributor to skin health, in addition to the use of topical skincare products and sun protection. Incorporating foods like almonds, salmon, and mangoes into a balanced diet may help maintain healthy skin as part of a comprehensive approach to skin care.