Achieving healthy skin and a clear complexion takes more than just facial cleansers and the right SPF. It’s often an inside job, too. Thankfully, healthy recipes for acne help restore balance within the body, promoting clear skin and a happy gut.

After years of trying out different skincare products, from moisturizers to sunscreens, to retinol and oil cleansers, I’ve learned that there’s usually one aspect of skin health that often gets overlooked: food.

If you’ve tried all of the beauty products and been through different prescriptions, it might be time to focus on eating a high-quality, healthy diet. Eating more foods with lots of vitamins, healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and anti-inflammatory ingredients could have a really positive impact on the overall health of your skin (and prevent skin cancer when treated right!). Plus, specific ingredients in foods might benefit specific skin conditions, like acne or eczema. 

It’s no secret that our skin can benefit more from eating less refined sugar and high glycemic index meals. Additionally, trying out some gluten-free options might further reduce inflammation in our body, too. 

Food is thy medicine, and I believe that what you put into your body has more of an impact on your skin than what you put on top of it. Below, I’ve rounded up more than 20 recipes that will help heal and treat acne, giving you better, healthier-looking skin.

Something to note: A lot of these recipes come from my all-time favorite food blogger, The Defined Dish. Alex Snodgrass is from Texas and her recipes are healthy but absolutely fire—and so many of them are acne-safe. Her first cookbook, The Defined Dish Cookbook, is my Bible and I highly recommend you check it out if you’re looking for a plethora of yummy food that’s actually good for your skin (most of the recipes in the book can be Whole 30-complaint).

23 Healthy Recipes for Acne

BREAKFAST

Green Peanut Butter Smoothie

I go through phases of making this smoothie days in a row. It requires only five ingredients and is super easy to make. Obviously, since it’s a smoothie. I like that it makes me feel pretty full, thanks to the peanut butter addition. 

Blemish Blast Blueberry Smoothie

Packed with antioxidants and filled with nutrients such as vitamin C and vitamin K, blueberries help with fighting against inflammation that causes acne in the first place. Paired with some flax and chia seeds to balance hormones, and hemp seeds for extra protein, this smoothie is definitely here to help you stay full throughout the day.

Dark Chocolate Quinoa Breakfast Bowl

I’d never normally consider eating quinoa for breakfast, but this is a super hearty, healthy recipe that’s ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth. I love that you can add more sweetness to the bowl however you’d like. 

Tomato Spinach Egg White Frittata

Any green leafy vegetable makes a great antioxidant meal that’s high in vitamins A and K. Spinach mixed with a high-protein option such as egg whites is a perfect choice for breakfast. It makes you feel fuller, better, and more satisfied throughout the day.

Strawberry Overnight Oats 

Looking for something sweet for breakfast that’s both healthy and delicious? Then look out for these strawberry overnight oats. They’re a simple, quick, and travel-friendly meal for anyone who needs to rush in the morning or is looking for something to eat on the go.

Egg and Sweet Potato Scramble

Eggs are great protein choices, packed with many vitamins and nutrients to keep you full throughout the day. Paired with some sweet potatoes, which are rich in vitamin A, this helps fight against acne and rebuild your skin barrier.

LUNCH

Whole30 Zuppa Toscana

This soup from The Defined Dish is wildly delicious. I love that it’s Whole30 compliant (meaning there is no dairy involved) and is super hearty and filling. It’s perfect for a chilly winter night. Plus, I love that it uses my favorite dairy-free half-and-half alternative. 

Cucumber Basil Gazpacho

Okay, so this recipe has some mixed reviews among my family and friends. I made this gazpacho for my parents a few summers ago in Rhode Island, and they devoured it so quickly that they asked me to make about three more batches for the rest of our trip there. On the flip side, I made this for some of my friends this past summer while vacationing in RI again, and they absolutely hated it haha. One of my friends joked with me and said she hopes I never make that for her again. 

All that’s to say, I think this soup has an acquired taste. If you love basil, and you love gazpacho, I say go for it. It’s so easy and so healthy, too. It’s not super filling though, so make sure you eat it as an appetizer or light snack.

Lentil Vegetable Soup

This is one of my favorite healthy recipes for acne. I go through phases of making this lentil soup for a week’s worth of lunches. I wouldn’t say it’s the easiest soup to make, as it requires a bunch of ingredients and a considerable amount of time. However, I know that lentils are so good for your gut health and digestion, which in turn will benefit your skin. This is definitely the tastiest lentil soup that I’ve made at home. 

Italian White Bean Soup

I love this soup because it contains beans (high in fiber and great for digestion) and has ingredients that you probably already have in your refrigerator and pantry. Plus, it’s super quick to make and very filling. I like to double up this recipe as I don’t really think the recipe is enough to serve four as is. 

Southwest Delicata Squash Salad

Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc and vitamin E—two essential ingredients for healthy skin. Paired with high-quality ingredients such as kale, pomegranate seeds, avocado, and anti-inflammatory spices, this salad is sure to help build healthy skin while healing gut health and combating imbalanced hormones. A win-win!

Avocado Lemon Green Salad

Avocados are superfoods, meaning that they offer the most benefits among many other ingredients out there. Mixed with a choice of green vegetables and a drizzle of lemon to taste, you got yourself an incredibly tasty lunch! 

Chicken Pine Nuts and Raisins Salad 

Adding protein to your salads offers more satiety and doesn’t spike up those blood sugar levels too much. Your body will benefit from eating a well-balanced meal. With pine nuts and raisins added for additional flavor and nutrients, this salad recipe is sure to keep you full and energized throughout the day.

SNACK

Spinach and Artichoke Avocado Dip

When you think of spinach and artichoke dip, I bet lots of dairy and cheese comes to mind. This is the healthy, skin-loving alternative. It’s a great snack alternative to the heavy, dairy-filled dips and won’t jack up your hormones in the process. 

Quinoa Tabbouleh with Feta Cheese

Light, easy, and oh-so-straightforward, this quick lunch is packed with nutrients and vitamins that will help satisfy any craving you have. While cheese from cow’s milk is not recommended for those dealing with acne (especially hormonal acne), this pick features feta cheese, which is made from sheep’s milk.  

Pumpkin Parfait

Who says healthy recipes for acne can’t be delicious? This parfait recipe is the perfect blend of healthy and tasty. Pumpkin is high in zinc and antioxidants, which makes it a perfect anti-inflammatory choice of meal.

Chia Seed Strawberry Jam 

Chia seeds make a great option for hormone balance and it is recommended in any meal. With very minimal ingredients and a perfect snack, this jam recipe is here to satisfy any sweet tooth craving!

DINNER

Whole30 Lemony Greek Potatoes

This pick is my number one, go-to recipe when I’m hosting folks. Although it doesn’t require a ton of ingredients and is pretty simple and straightforward to make, it does require a bit of time. The chicken usually takes about 45 minutes, while the potatoes take an hour. Yes, it’s a long time, but it is so, so worth it. I promise!

Salmon and Broccoli with Harissa Honey Butter Drizzle

Salmon is so good for your skin, and I wish I ate more of it on a weekly basis, honestly. When I do have it in the fridge, I like to make this delicious option. Note that this does require butter, which isn’t necessarily acne-safe. If you’re worried about that, I would sub in ghee instead.

Chickpea and Kale Tuscan-style Soup

I make this soup all the time—it’s definitely a staple in my healthy recipes for acne roundup. It is so dang easy, so flavorful and delicious, and I almost always have all the ingredients in my fridge. Except for kale—sometimes I do have to go out and buy that one. I love that it’s really filling and features chickpeas, which are protein-packed and have lots of fiber, too. 

Garlic Mash Cauliflower 

If you’re looking for an alternative to those high-glycemic potatoes, then this mash cauliflower recipe is your best bet. Perfect for those who practice a low-carb diet, this garlic mash cauliflower is both tasty and easy to make!

Lemon Herb Roasted Salmon 

Lemons are oh-so-refreshing and when paired with our favorite green leafy vegetable and healthy fat fish, this meal makes the perfect healthy dinner for anyone to try. Drizzle in some olive oil or add whatever choice of protein you have for an extra-filling meal.

Roasted Pumpkin and Brussel Sprouts

A simple, straightforward meal to try, pumpkins and brussel sprouts are here to stay! Why wait until the Thanksgiving season to try out a pumpkin meal when you can try this plant-based meal right now? Perfect for a side dish or eat it as is, you’ll thank me later.