Skin care is not just about the creams you use: Dermat explains why treating skin from within should be your mantra

How to achieve healthy, glowing skin? Focus on nutrition, hydration, and high-quality supplements in your skin care routine for long-lasting results.

You wake up, look in the mirror, and see tired skin. You want glowing skin, so you try different creams and lotions, but they don't work. The truth is that the secret to radiant skin isn't just what you put on the surface, it actually starts from within. Simple products like cold cream and occasional face masks are no longer enough. Real skin health starts from within. Dermatologists agree that skin reflects what is happening inside the body.

What is a dermatologist-recommended skin care routine? (Shutterstock)

By Tavishi Dogra

Tavishi Dogra is a Deputy Chief Content Producer, Health & Wellness, at Hindustan Times. She has over 9 years of experience writing about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, translating medical research and expert insights into practical advice readers can trust.

Career journey and experience
Tavishi began her health journalism journey in 2017, and has since reported for RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, HT Media Labs and Zee. She joined Hindustan Times to simplify wellness subjects by cutting through jargon.

From decoding health trends and interviewing doctors to testing fitness routines herself, Tavishi always approaches content with one filter: “Will this help someone make a better decision today?”

Subject expertise
With 9+ years tracking India’s health conversations, Tavishi knows the gap between clinical advice and daily life. She knows fads from fundamentals and curates science-backed, expert-recommended solutions.

In fitness, she breaks down bodyweight training, recovery, and posture fixes for desk-bound readers. In nutrition, she translates guidelines into affordable, desi meal tweaks. In mental well-being, she focuses on stigma-free, actionable tools — all backed by research, expert input, and lived context.

Education and professional background
Tavishi holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and began her career reporting on public affairs for broadcast. Those early years in policy and TV shaped how she writes today: fast, factual, and human-first.

Editorial Philosophy
I write with one single goal: To simplify health in a world full of noise by finding what’s actually doable, safe, and evidence-based for my readers. I test claims against research and user experiences. When all else fails, I speak to the expert who sees 50 patients a day, not the one with the most followers.

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Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Anjali Ghatge tells Health Shots, “Vitamins, minerals, and hydration are important for skin health. People are starting to realise this. This awareness has led to discussions about the importance of nutrition for skin care. It encourages a new way of thinking that links diet to skin health."

Instead of focusing on the next trendy product promising quick results, people are now looking to long-term skin health. “This change comes from the rise of self-care habits after the Covid-19 pandemic. People have realised what they eat has a big impact on their skin, and it's not just about the creams they put on their faces", says the dermatologist.

How to nourish skin from the inside out?

While a natural diet is important for nourishing the skin from the inside out, HK Vitals, for instance, is also recognising supplements for skin health. “Products like collagen powders, glutathione supplements, and antioxidant-rich blends are especially popular among younger generations”, says the expert.

There has been a noticeable rise in demand for skin supplements, particularly among millennials who are focusing on skin elasticity and health rather than quick cosmetic fixes, according to the Medicina journal. These products use natural ingredients to support the skin's natural repair process, as reported in the journal Cosmetics. “Many users find that combining these supplements with topical treatments and a healthy diet leads to impressive results”, explains Dr Ghatge.

Do supplements actually help skin?

Be careful about relying only on supplements for skin health. While supplements with collagen peptides and vitamin C can help, they should not replace a healthy lifestyle. Factors like stress, lack of sleep, and pollution also affect how our skin looks. It's important to combine supplements with good habits for the best results. “It’s not a miracle pill. It simply provides your skin with a steady supply of what it needs,” says nutritionist Dr Smita Patel. A balanced diet, adequate water intake, and good sleep are key to healthy skin.

How to introduce new skin care into a routine?

To integrate this new skin care approach into your daily life, start with small, easy changes that support your skin from the inside out.

Here are some important strategies to consider:

1. Hydration is key: Start your mornings with a glass of water, adding a slice of lemon for extra vitamin C. Staying hydrated not only supports your internal organs but also helps your skin maintain its elasticity.
2. Incorporate skin-friendly foods: Embrace a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. “Foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish can work wonders for your skin’s appearance and health”, says the nutritionist.
3. Choose quality supplements: Invest in high-quality supplements like collagen powders or vitamin C that have been clinically tested and are known to support skin health. Be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new regimen.
4. Mind your stress levels: Practices such as yoga, meditation, or even a daily walk can help reduce stress. Lowering stress levels contributes not only to your overall well-being but also to healthier skin.
5. Get adequate sleep: Prioritise restful sleep as part of your routine. Our skin rejuvenates during sleep, and lack of rest can manifest as dark circles and dull skin.

(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.)