Foods for Healing Skin

Whether you're dealing with psoriasis, acne or melanoma, certain foods can aid skin conditions and promote healing. Foods for healing skin are most potent in their purest forms. Avoid over-processed or over-cooked foods that have lost nutrients during manufacturing. Consume fresh foods rich in antioxidants, according to the Mayo Clinic, to prevent disease and to heal skin. Eat a variety of natural foods to obtain an array of vitamins and minerals to promote healing.

Fruits and Vegetables

Many fruits and vegetables provide powerful antioxidants, including vitamins A, C and E. Antioxidants combat free radicals to protect against disease, heal skin and "play a critical role in keeping skin healthy," say doctors and researchers at Duke University and SkinCeuticals. Most citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, naturally have vitamin C for healthy skin. Especially rich in vitamin C are acerola cherries, according to the Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia. Fresh, frozen and refrigerated fruit juices have more vitamin C compared to canned juices. Some fruits containing vitamin E include, avocados, mangoes and blackberries, says 100 Best Health Foods. Spinach, broccoli and other leafy, green vegetables also include antioxidants for healing skin. Broccoli especially provides a strong defense against skin cancer, according to 100 Best Health Foods. The Cleveland Clinic recommends eating leafy, dark green vegetables or yellow or orange vegetables daily for healthy skin and wound healing. Kale provides the most antioxidants compared to other vegetables, says 100 Best Health Foods. However, check with your health-care provider before eating kale as it can affect the thyroid.

Nuts

Several types of nuts also provide skin healing through antioxidants and other nutrients. Brazil nuts provide antioxidants, including vitamin E, and are also beneficial for anti-aging and maintaining healthy skin, says 100 Best Health Foods. Hazelnuts provide antioxidants, such as vitamin C, and walnuts help prevent skin complaints. The mineral copper is found in nuts and also promotes healing processes in the body and helps with the formation of new skin, according to the Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia. Find copper in a variety of nuts as well as leafy, green vegetables, legumes and some fruits.

Foods Rich in Zinc

Fish, dairy, eggs and meat are sources of the antioxidant zinc. Zinc is a crucial mineral and antioxidant for healing skin. It's involved in several important systems within the body, according to the Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia, and is "directly related to growth and repair" of the body. Zinc promotes the immune system and helps heal burns and other wounds. All body tissues contain zinc, according to Duke University researchers and doctors. It also protects against the harmful effects of UV radiation and the risk of cancer. Fresh tuna contains the antioxidant zinc as well as vitamin E; lobster is rich in zinc and antioxidants; oysters provide important zinc and help to heal wounds and boost the immune system, says 100 Best Health Foods. Salmon also provides protection for certain skin conditions. Rich in zinc, oysters and salmon are more nutritious when farm-raised. Red meats, such as beef and lamb, and dairy products, including yogurt and cheese, are sources of zinc for healing skin. Other foods containing zinc include eggs, peanuts, yeast and beans, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Find zinc in some fortified cereals, whole grains and brown rice.