What you eat plays a huge role in how your skin and hair look as you age. Your complexion, elasticity, hydration, and hair strength all depend on nutrients that support collagen production, reduce inflammation, and protect against cellular damage.

A diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats, and protein helps slow visible signs of aging, including wrinkles, dullness, dryness, and thinning hair. These foods strengthen the skin barrier, boost hydration, support a healthy scalp, and help fight free radicals that break down collagen. Research shows that antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, a major driver of skin aging. 

Here are the top 10 anti-aging foods proven to support younger-looking skin and healthier hair.

1. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Anti-inflammatory healthy fats for smooth, firm skin

Olive oil contains monounsaturated fats and antioxidants such as tocopherols, beta carotene, and phenolic compounds. These nutrients reduce inflammation, protect collagen, and strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier.

Benefits of olive oil:

• Supports smoother, firmer skin

• Provides anti-inflammatory antioxidants

• Helps protect against environmental skin aging

• Nourishes the scalp and hair strands

If you’re looking for a topical product rich in natural antioxidants and healthy fats, try our Jojoba Hair Repair, which nourishes the scalp and reduces dryness just like healthy dietary fats nourish skin from within.

2. Green Tea

Powerful polyphenols that fight free radicals

Green tea is rich in polyphenols like EGCG, catechins, and gallic acid. These antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect the skin from UV damage.

Benefits of green tea:

• Reduces signs of premature aging

• Helps prevent collagen breakdown

• Supports a clearer, brighter complexion

• Improves scalp circulation

For an antioxidant-rich boost targeted to the scalp, our Ginseng Shampoo combines plant-powered extracts shown to improve micro-circulation and support thicker, healthier growth.

3. Fatty Fish

Omega-3s for plump, hydrated skin and strong hair

Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines provide long-chain omega-3 fats (EPA + DHA), which support skin elasticity, hydration, and barrier strength. Salmon also contains astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant linked to smoother skin.

Benefits of fatty fish:

• Deep hydration and improved firmness

• Reduced inflammation and redness

• Stronger, healthier hair follicles

• Better scalp hydration

If you struggle with scalp irritation or flakes, pair an omega-3-rich diet with our Nettle Shampoo, formulated to reduce buildup, calm inflammation, and support stronger follicles.

4. Dark Chocolate (70%+)

Flavonols that support elasticity and smoothness

Dark chocolate contains flavonols — antioxidants that support blood flow to the skin and help reduce inflammation. Some research shows flavonol-rich cocoa may improve skin elasticity and hydration.

Benefits of dark chocolate:

• Supports smoother skin texture

• Helps reduce wrinkles

• Boosts circulation for a natural glow

To protect your hair from environmental stressors the same way antioxidants protect your skin, try the Juniper Hair Shield, a lightweight leave-in designed to reduce heat and UV damage.

5. Vegetables

Carotenoids + vitamin C for glow and collagen support

Vegetables are rich in carotenoids (beta carotene, lycopene) that help protect the skin from UV damage. They also provide vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production.

Best vegetables for younger-looking skin:

• Sweet potatoes

• Carrots

• Bell peppers

• Leafy greens

• Broccoli

• Tomatoes

Just like leafy greens detox your body, our Rosemary Detox Shampoo helps clarify the scalp, remove buildup, and support a healthier environment for hair growth.

6. Flaxseed

ALA omega-3s for hydration and smoothness

Flaxseed contains lignans and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), antioxidants that support hydration and help strengthen the skin barrier. Studies show flaxseed improves smoothness and reduces dryness.

Benefits of flaxseed:

• Supports plump, hydrated skin

• Provides plant-based omega-3s

• Helps reduce inflammation

For moisture-rich, minimal-ingredient haircare, our Coconut Shampoo Bars deliver deep hydration with lightweight, plant-powered oils.

7. Pomegranates

Antioxidants that protect collagen

Pomegranates contain ellagic acid, punicalagins, tannins, and flavonols — antioxidants that help protect existing collagen and support new collagen formation.

Benefits of pomegranates:

• Reduces UV-related skin damage

• Supports firmer, more elastic skin

• Helps brighten dark spots

To maintain elasticity and smoothness between washes, the Yarrow Styling Serum adds shine, softens frizz, and nourishes the hair naturally.

8. Avocados

Healthy fats + vitamins that nourish skin and hair

Avocados provide monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support hydration and protect cells from free radical damage.

Benefits of avocados:

• Deep nourishment for skin barrier

• Hydrates and softens skin

• Provides shine-boosting fats for hair

For a topical dose of moisture similar to avocado’s nourishing fats, our Meadowfoam Nourishing Oil boosts softness, shine, and hydration without heaviness.

9. Tomatoes

Lycopene for natural UV protection

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a carotenoid that helps reduce oxidative stress and may provide mild UV protection. Lycopene also helps maintain smooth skin texture.

Benefits of tomatoes:

• Supports collagen integrity

• Helps protect against UV damage

• Boosts natural glow

To help protect your hair from UV and heat styling damage, use our Juniper Heat Shield before blow drying or sun exposure.

10. Collagen Peptides

Improved elasticity, firmness, and hydration

Collagen naturally declines after age 25. Supplementing with hydrolyzed collagen peptides may improve firmness, hydration, and skin elasticity.

Benefits of collagen peptides:

• Supports smoother, firmer skin

• Hydrates from within

• Helps strengthen hair follicles

Frequently Asked Anti-Aging Questions

What is the #1 most powerful anti-aging food?

Blueberries. They contain anthocyanins — antioxidants that protect collagen, fight inflammation, brighten skin, and support scalp health.

What is the best vitamin for younger-looking skin?

Vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, helps reduce wrinkles, improves firmness, and repairs UV damage.

What is the best drink for glowing, youthful skin?

Green tea. Its polyphenols help reduce inflammation, protect collagen, and improve elasticity. Water and coconut water also support natural hydration.

Does what you eat really affect wrinkles and hair aging?

Yes. Diet affects collagen levels, oxidative stress, inflammation, hydration, and scalp health. Eating a nutrient-dense diet slows visible signs of aging, while processed foods accelerate them.

Younger-looking skin and healthy, strong hair start from within. By eating more nutrient-dense foods — especially antioxidants, omega-3s, healthy fats, and collagen-supporting nutrients — you can support firmness, hydration, resilience, shine, and long-term skin health.