By Lauren Rashap

What is a Skin Care Dinner?

It’s not a 14-step topical routine. It’s not another “miracle” serum. It’s a “Michelin Star” meal, yet simply prepared and designed to support vibrant skin from the inside out—paired with connection, intention, and a little ritual.

If you’ve read my book Vibrant Skin at Any Age, you already know my philosophy: Your skin is not separate from your health—it’s the messenger. In nutritional science we refer to the this as the gut-skin axis.

In fact this is how I advise and treat my clients by scrutinizing the GSA pathways, biomarkers and lifestyle factors for inflammation, blood sugar balance, digestion, mineral status, sleep, stress, and detox capacity. So when your skin feels dull, reactive, dry, breaking out, or suddenly “older,” it’s not always about finding a new product. Sometimes it’s your body asking for support.

Here’s why skin-care dinners are having a moment: women are done with being sold complexity, although I’m still a fan of red light, GHK-CU peptides, certain lasers and cosmetic touch ups. Yet the real the truth is—your glow is built at the cellular level. It comes from:

  • Protein (your skin’s building blocks)
  • Healthy fats (for barrier repair and hydration)
  • Polyphenols (for brightness and protection)
  • Complex “caring” carbs (because blood sugar shows up on your face)
  • and the most overlooked “skin-care tool” of all: a regulated nervous system

When you sit down, breathe, eat slowly, and enjoy your food in good company, your body shifts into repair mode. Digestion improves. Inflammation calms. Nutrient absorption increases. And yes—your skin benefits.

So if you want to try this trend at home, here’s the Lauren formula:

  1. Protein first (wild salmon, eggs, chicken, Greek yogurt if tolerated)
  2. Add color (berries, herbs, greens, crucifers)
  3. Use good fats (olive oil, avocado, walnuts, tahini)
  4. Choose smart carbs (sweet potato, squash, quinoa—paired with protein + fat)
  5. Add a fermented moment to heighten digestion (try my spicy sweet chopped veggies)
  6. Finish with a glow dessert (coconut chia pudding with berries, yogurt + walnuts + pomegranate, or dark chocolate + sea salt)

Skin-Care Dinner Party Menu
Theme: Glow + Calm Inflammation

Welcome Sip:

  • Sparkling water + citrus + a pinch of mineral salt (optional) + fresh mint

Starter:

  • Pickled cucumber ribbons (or lightly steamed zucchini ribbons) with lemon, olive oil, dill
  • Optional: a small bowl of olives – anti-viral

Main:

  • Wild salmon (or Branzino) with a fresh herb mix: parsley + basil + thyme + lemon zest
  • Roasted turmeric heirloom cauliflower with olive oil + sea salt
  • Herb infused Quinoa or roasted sweet potato rounds (your “smart carb”)

Side:

  • Arugula salad (or sautéed greens if you prefer cooked) with high phenolic olive oil + balsamic + toasted walnuts + pomegranate + shaved parmesan

Glow Dessert:

  • Chia pudding with cinnamon + berries

or

  • Blueberry Dark Chocolate Bark with pistachio and flaky salt. (Seems decadent but only 10 minutes to make ahead then chill)

After-Dinner Ritual:

  • Fresh mint or ginger tea + 60 seconds of slow breathing

This is what Vibrant Skin at Any Age is all about: taking the science and turning it into something you can actually live—daily practices that support your skin long-term.

If this resonates, I invite you to make one dinner this week a skin-care dinner. Light a candle. Put your phone down. Add herbs. Add color. Add protein. Add joy.

Your skin is always listening.

Lauren Rashap is a clinical nutrionist.
lauren@laurenlivinghealthy.com