A new functional food trend known as Beautrition is emerging as consumers look to improve their complexion through dietary choices. Moving beyond the recent popularity of protein-maxxing, this trend emphasizes eating specific nutrients to support skin health and beauty from within.

What is Beautrition?

The term describes a marriage of beauty and nutrition, focusing on foods that provide benefits beyond basic sustenance. According to the Whole Foods Market Trends Council, this shift involves consuming nutrients like healthy fats, antioxidants, and omega-3s in various formats.

While these nutrients have always been available, they are appearing in more unexpected ways. Examples include:

  • Sparkling collagen water
  • Sea moss gummies
  • Individually packaged olive oil shots
  • Tinned fish like sardines and oysters

How does this differ from protein-maxxing?

For the past year, social media has been dominated by protein-maxxing, a trend where people consume high amounts of protein to manage weight and build muscle. This movement has seen protein added to everything from soda to chips as brands respond to consumer demand.

However, Beautrition represents a different kind of functional food focus. While protein-maxxing centers on muscle and metabolism, Beautrition looks at a more holistic approach to wellness. It integrates skin barrier care into a broader system that includes what a person eats and drinks to achieve complex appearance goals.

Which foods support skin health?

Various whole foods are being highlighted for their specific roles in maintaining a healthy appearance. For example, oysters provide zinc and copper, which are important for collagen production, while sardines are a significant source of vitamin D and omega-3s.

Vegetables also play a vital role in this holistic approach to wellness. Experts note that cucumbers offer high water content for hydration, carrots provide beta-carotene, and cabbage contains vitamin C and other antioxidants. Incorporating more colorful vegetables into daily meals is considered an accessible way to participate in the trend.

FAQ

Is collagen a part of this trend?

Yes, collagen is increasingly being integrated into various food formats, including teas and sparkling waters, to support skin firmness and elasticity.

Can diet replace topical skincare?

While the trend encourages a holistic view of beauty through nutrition, it is presented as a way to complement wellness rather than a total replacement for traditional routines.