Your next glow-up might be at the farmers market. That’s essentially the philosophy behind Project Happy Face, a mobile dermatology unit that parks at the Bend, OR Farmers Market every Wednesday from May through October. In addition to offering free skin-cancer screenings and Rx acne care, they’re also set up right next to the strawberries and bone broth for some inside-out skin health.
This June, for Acne Awareness Month, Bend, OR physician assistant Amy Snow was joined by San Francisco–based food influencer Nicole Keshishian (aka @KaleJunkie on Instagram) to make the case that what you put on your plate matters just as much as what you put on your face. Snow’s own prescription: “Try to eat 30 different plants a week. To accomplish that, you have to eat the rainbow—and it will make your skin glow more than any cream or serum.” Here’s what’s in season right now, and why your skin will thank you.
Strawberries
These bright red berries are amazing for skin health, Keshishian says. “They are rich in nutrients that support collagen, such as vitamin C, and protect skin from oxidative stress, for a brighter complexion.” There’s more, she adds: “Strawberries are 90 percent water, which hydrates the skin for a dewy glow.”
She recommends adding strawberries to Greek yogurt or a smoothie for a skin boost, such as her version of the viral Erewhon Skin Glaze Smoothie.
Carrots
“The beta carotene [in carrots] converts into vitamin A, which supports cell turnover and regular shedding of dull skin cells,” Keshishian says. This makes perfect sense as retinoids—the gold standard for treating acne and signs of aging—are vitamin A derivatives. Get your dose with Keshishian’s Carrot Ribbon Salad.
Bone Broth
Bone broth is also a hot commodity at the Bend Farmers Market. “They are packed with collagen, which is great for plumpness and hydration of skin,” Keshishian says. This is why Snow often starts her day with a cup of bone broth. You can also use it to recreate Kale Junkie’s Bone Broth Quinoa Tabouleh.
Eggs
When it comes to high-quality protein, eggs are hard to beat; one large egg has 6 grams. What’s more, locally sourced eggs contain no synthetic additives.
“Eggs are rich in essential amino acids to build and maintain collagen, elastin and healthy skin tissue,” Keshishian adds. “Eggs are also loaded with biotin, vitamin A and selenium, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from damage by neutralizing dangerous free radicals.”
