The evidence that soy foods, like tofu and edamame, can help support healthy aging has continued to grow. In fact, a recent clinical trial found that consuming soy protein can help improve wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin hydration.

Key Takeaways

• Eating two servings of soy foods daily (e.g., a cup of soy milk or tofu) may improve skin hydration and reduce signs of aging.
• Soy nutrients like isoflavones may help support collagen and hyaluronic acid production.
• Soybean oil skin benefits include moisturizing dry skin and delivering antioxidants, while tofu and edamame provide plant protein and isoflavones that help with texture and tone.

Clinical Evidence: How Soy Helps Support Skin Health
A recent randomized controlled trial found that postmenopausal women with Fitzpatrick skin types I, II, and III who consumed 30 g of soy protein powder containing 50 mg of isoflavones per day, for a total of 24 weeks, experienced:

• Decreased fine lines and wrinkles
• Reduced hyperpigmentation and dark spots
• Better skin hydration

These results support a growing body of research showing that soy foods may help mediate wrinkle severity and pigment intensity, which may be related to their antioxidative, collagen-promoting properties.

Why Soy Works: Nutrients that Feed Your Skin
Whether you (or your clients) are consuming tofu, soy milk or edamame, soy has high contents of nutrients like lecithin, which are known to hydrate and repair the surface of the skin.

Isoflavones
Isoflavones, a naturally occurring plant compound that plays a key role in skin health, are an antioxidant that are abundant in soy foods. They can help improve skin texture and tone while reducing the appearance of aging by stimulating the synthesis and concentration of collagen and hyaluronic acid levels in the body.

Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an antioxidant, helping protect cells from damage throughout your body. It’s found in our skin oil, which creates a natural barrier to keep moisture in your skin so that it stays soft.

Vitamin E may also reduce sun damage by absorbing UVB rays and reducing your skin’s inflammatory response.

Lecithin
Soy lecithin has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which play a vital role in maintaining the elasticity of your skin while repairing your skin’s barrier and helping to maintain cellular structure.

How Much Soy Protein Do You Need to Help Your Skin?
Just two servings of soy protein each day (like a cup of soy milk or a cup of tofu) is enough to reap its skin-enhancing effects.

Frequently Asked Questions about Soy and Skin Health
Is soybean oil good for your skin?
Yes. Soybean oil skin benefits include deep moisturization, delivery of omega-6 fatty acids, and antioxidants like vitamin E that help protect against free-radical damage. When used as a cooking oil, unrefined soybean oil can help keep skin soft and hydrated.

What are the benefits of tofu for skin health?
The benefits of tofu for skin come from its plant protein and isoflavone content. Consuming tofu may help repair skin tissue, improve elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles by supporting collagen and hyaluronic acid production.

How does edamame help your skin?
The nutrients in edamame offer benefits for the skin, including antioxidant protection, better hydration, and delivery of essential fatty acids and plant protein. Regularly eating edamame may help maintain a smoother, more even complexion.

Is soybean oil bad for your skin?
Soybean oil is not bad for your skin when used in moderation. Problems may arise only if it is heavily refined or consumed in excess through fried foods.

Choosing minimally processed, cold-pressed soybean oil maximizes its natural skin-nourishing properties.

What nutrients in soy foods support skin health?
Soy foods supply isoflavones, vitamin E, and lecithin. Isoflavones stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis, vitamin E protects against free radicals, and lecithin strengthens the skin barrier, all of which may contribute to smoother, firmer, well-hydrated skin.

Easy Soy Smoothies for Radiant Skin
Check out these tasty, dietitian-endorsed soy smoothie recipes that will help you and your patients blend more soy into your diet for healthy, radiant skin.   

Soy Glow-Up Smoothie 
This “glow-up in a glass” is packed with skin-enhancing nutrients such as 14g of soy protein and antioxidants like vitamins A and C from soy milk and fresh fruits, which may help skin shine from the inside out. With 24 mg of natural isoflavones from soy in each glass, this smoothie is sure to leave you and your patients glowing. 

 
Skin Boosting Soy Smoothie 

Looking to give skin a bit of a boost? This delicious and hydrating smoothie will help get your clients camera-ready. Packed with skin-nourishing vitamins like A, C and K as well as nutrients like 6g of soy protein, 7 g of fiber and 19 mg of isoflavones, this smoothie is sure to leave skin feeling radiant and smooth while the soy protein works to instantly improve wrinkles, pigmentation and hydration. 

For more skin-enhancing soy smoothies and other healthy drink ideas, visit SoyConnection.com/Recipes.