You don’t need a 10-step skincare routine to make your skin glow. You can apply all the creams you want, but if your nutrition is off, your skin will show it. What you eat (and how you sleep) is the foundation of healthy skin—and a plant-based diet can be a true gamechanger.
In this blog, we dive into why your skin thrives on plant-based proteins, antioxidants, fiber and micronutrients, especially during the summer months. Because healthy eating doesn’t just benefit your body, it helps your face radiate too.
Your skin starts in your gut
A healthy glow starts from within—and mostly, in your gut. When your gut microbiome is balanced, nutrients are absorbed more effectively. And that’s something you’ll literally see in the mirror. Ingredients like acacia fiber—found in everything from supplements and protein bars to face masks, creams, and yes, in Jake—play a key role in supporting your gut flora. A well-functioning digestive system is essential for absorbing the nutrients that feed your skin from the inside out.
Antioxidants, vitamins & skin cell renewal
Plant-based food is naturally rich in antioxidants and essential vitamins that have a direct impact on the health of your skin. Think of:
- Vitamin C, which boosts collagen production—crucial for firm, supple skin.
- Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin against damage from sun, pollution, and stress.
- Vitamins A & K, which support skin cell renewal and help even out skin tone, especially in cases of redness or dullness.
When you regularly eat plant-based (whether that’s through veggies, fruit, nuts, or just a shake like Jake), you give your body consistent access to the building blocks it needs to strengthen your skin from within.
Less inflammation = more balance
What you don’t eat can be just as important. Many processed foods contain added sugars or artificial ingredients that can trigger inflammation—and it often shows up in your skin as breakouts, redness, or a dull tone.
Plant-based diets are naturally lower in these inflammatory triggers, and richer in nutrients that help calm the body. That means:
- Less risk of breakouts
- A more balanced, calm complexion
- Better hydration regulation from the inside out
Scientific research backs this up: diets high in refined sugars and ultra-processed foods are linked to inflammatory skin conditions like acne. On the flip side, plant-based diets have been shown to support lower inflammation levels, healthier gut microbiota, and better skin health overall—especially when it comes to conditions like eczema, redness or dull skin tone.
Protein does more than build muscle
Protein isn’t just for your muscles—your skin relies on it too. It’s made up largely of collagen and elastin, two protein structures that keep your skin firm and elastic. To build, maintain and repair these, your body needs amino acids: the building blocks of protein.
If you’re not getting enough, or not getting the right type of protein, it can affect your skin’s strength and recovery. That’s why it’s important to choose high-quality, complete proteins, like the pea protein used in Jake. This plant-based protein contains all essential amino acids, and research shows it comes close to animal protein in terms of nutritional quality and absorption. It’s also easy on digestion and gut-friendly—perfect if you avoid dairy or follow a plant-based lifestyle.
Don’t forget to drink water
Food is key, but without proper hydration, not much happens. Water keeps your skin hydrated, helps flush out toxins, and supports nutrient absorption.
Drink enough water (especially in summer), and think of it as the highway your skin nutrition travels on.
Bottom line: Your glow starts within
Don’t overfocus on expensive creams or trendy cleanses. With a balanced diet, you give your skin what it actually needs. Combine it with proper hydration, a little sunshine (with SPF, please), movement and rest—and your glow will follow naturally.
Jake helps you get there:
100% plant-based and complete
Rich in vitamins, protein and fiber
Ideal when you don’t have time to cook
Kucharska, A., Szmurło, A., & Sińska, B. (2022). Diet and acne: A systematic review. Nutrients, 14(1), 61. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14010061
Shah, B., Newman, J. C., & Chiu, W. (2023). Associations Between Plant-Based Diets and Markers of Inflammation. Nutrients, 15(3), 457.
Thistle Health. (2022). 3 Ways Plant-Based Diets Affect the Health of Your Skin.
https://www.thistle.co/learn/thistle-thoughts/3-ways-plant-based-diets-affect-the-health-of-your-skin
Rutherfurd, S. M., Fanning, A. C., Miller, B. J., & Moughan, P. J. (2015). Protein digestibility-corrected amino acid scores and digestible indispensable amino acid scores for various protein sources. Journal of Nutrition, 145(2), 372–379.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (z.d.). Nutrition and Healthy Skin.
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/nutrition-and-healthy-skin
Voedingscentrum. (z.d.). Vitamines en mineralen.
https://www.voedingscentrum.nl
The Vegan Society. (z.d.). Plant-based diets and inflammation.
https://www.vegansociety.com
Tomova, A., Bukovsky, I., Rembert, E., Yonas, W., Alwarith, J., Barnard, N. D., & Kahleova, H. (2019). The Effects of Vegetarian and Vegan Diets on the Gut Microbiota. Nutrients, 11(10), 496. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11102496
