The concept of gaining wellness and beauty advantages from specific foods is not a novel idea; after all, we are essentially defined by what we consume. However, clean eating and clean beauty have taken center stage in today’s food and beverage discussions. Obtaining vital vitamins and minerals for skin health from whole foods, such as antioxidant-rich berry smoothies and nourishing bone broth soups, is evolving beyond mere trendiness. “It’s merging nutrition with aesthetics,” noted Patsy Ramirez-Arroyo, a food and sustainability consultant. “Younger consumers are increasingly asking, ‘How can I integrate skincare with healthy nutrition?'”
The promise of enhancing skin health, bolstering the immune system, and supporting the microbiome is significantly influencing various sectors of the food and beverage industry. According to Ramirez-Arroyo, “Personalized nutrition will see considerable growth, fueled by technological innovations and an intensified focus on health.” Companies are likely to introduce customizable product lines, develop AI-driven nutrition applications, and create functional foods with specific health benefits. Functional foods geared toward improving cognitive health and emotional well-being are expected to rise in popularity, featuring ingredients like adaptogens, nootropics, and mood-enhancing botanicals.
For example, Lifeway Foods Inc., a supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic products, recently launched its Probiotic Smoothie + Collagen, a functional beverage designed to enhance skin health through its kefir cultures. Younger consumers, who are driving this trend, are more discerning about their food choices and demand greater transparency and benefits from their products, according to Ramirez-Arroyo. A Mintel survey revealed that 37% of U.S. female consumers would be willing to pay extra for sports drinks that offer benefits beyond athletic performance. The survey indicated that skin-friendly ingredients like collagen and antioxidants ranked as the top two interests among women.
Collagen powder surged in popularity in the late 2010s, resulting in a market valued at $5.1 billion in 2023. Research has shown that collagen supplements can improve skin hydration and elasticity in older adults, potentially reducing wrinkles and promoting thicker hair. While many men experience balding, women also face hair loss or thinning as they age. Other ingredients praised for their skincare benefits include calcium citrate, Omega fatty acids, zinc, lycopene found in tomatoes, and vitamins C, E, and A.
Ramirez-Arroyo anticipates that adaptogens derived from mushrooms, particularly Lion’s Mane, will gain traction in 2025 due to their purported stress-reducing and immune-supporting properties. A small study involving 30 women over 90 days indicated that consuming oral aloe vera gel increased collagen production and improved skin elasticity. In another study with 30 men, researchers observed that adopting a healthy lifestyle and dietary changes led to longer telomeres in their DNA. Telomeres are the protective caps at the end of DNA strands that shorten with each replication, contributing to the aging process.
Giuseppe Valacchi, a professor of regenerative medicine at North Carolina State University, states that consuming antioxidants like vitamins E and C stimulates an enzyme in the body that helps prevent oxidative damage, which accelerates skin aging. Snack foods infused with beneficial ingredients meant to combat aging, hydrate skin, and prevent acne are anticipated to be a popular trend by 2025. “A pepper has its benefits, but I’m not fond of them. Yet, when you incorporate all those ingredients into a bar, it becomes something tastier and still healthy. This approach opens up options for a broader market,” said Ramirez-Arroyo. In this evolving landscape, the integration of calcium citrate ingredients in various products may also enhance their appeal and efficacy.