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Dr Bhagyashree on why every dadi-nani approved skin food ingredients works for that healthy, festive glow-up!

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Smrithi Mohan
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Skinfood

Skinfood might be a recent trend globally, but Dr. Bhagyashree discusses how Indian ingredients have long been the OG Skinfood, making it a timeless choice. Here's everything you need to know.

It was not long ago that I came across a Reel of someone making jello snacks claiming to promote healthy, glowing skin. While the idea itself felt like a bizarre one, I couldn’t help but wonder, aren’t all foods good for the skin? If not, what makes some foods better than others? Skincare has become a major focus for many people and content creators, emphasising ways to care for our skin with products that may or may not be effective. Watching people explore healthier, cheaper food alternatives to these products is noteworthy. Despite hating the idea of having to listen to our mothers, we know they have been the OG influencers recommending and suggesting ingredients at home for better, glowing skin. Skincare expert Dr Bhagyashree, who discusses skincare, fashion, and lifestyle, is aware of this.

She describes the viral 'skinfood' trend as ingredients, either applied topically or consumed, that are believed to benefit your skin, like honey, yogurt, turmeric, green tea, and so on. Stuff you might already have in your kitchen that’s now getting hyped as skincare superheroes. She justifies the trend, which has taken over globally, as people's effort to choose more natural options that will allow them to have more natural, clean, and minimalist beauty. "Skinfood feels more relatable, less chemical-heavy, and kind of nostalgic. Plus, it sounds comforting to people that the skincare your dadi-nani would approve of is getting a glow-up on Instagram." The fact that this trend also encourages a more affordable way of life, because the ingredients are usually already sitting in one's kitchen, also makes it something everyone wants to try.

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Here's what Bhagyashree needs you to know about SkinFood:

Indian kitchen ingredients that qualify as skinfood:

There are many that you use and may not know about. Methi (Fenugreek) is great for acne & hair, while besan (gram flour) can be used for de-tanning & exfoliation. Haldi (Turmeric), that's an important part of Indian cuisine, is known for being a great glow booster and amla (Gooseberry) can be used for brightening & hair strength. India’s been doing Skinfood before it even had a name, but a lot of these aren’t trending worldwide yet because they’re not as “aesthetic” or well-known outside South Asia.

Are food-based skincare products (like avocado, yogurt, honey, matcha) actually effective or just marketing?

A little bit of both. Yes, some have proven benefits (e.g., honey = antibacterial, yogurt = lactic acid). But effectiveness depends on the formulation, not just the pretty label. Just because there’s an avocado picture on the jar doesn’t mean it’s doing anything. Always check the ingredient list and concentration.

Can eating certain foods improve your skin? What’s fact vs. fiction?

Every food ingredient has its own effect when it comes to skin. It's a fact that hydrating, having fruits, veggies, or Omega-3s (like walnuts & flaxseeds) do help skin from the inside out. Also, reducing sugar and processed foods makes a visible difference. What's not true and is a fiction is that there isn't a single food that will “fix” your skin overnight. You cannot rub a cucumber on your face as a replacement for SPF or a proper skincare routine.

How can you tell which Skinfood trends are legit vs. just aesthetic?

Ask yourself:

● Is there science behind these ingredients?

● Does it actually serve a purpose (exfoliating, hydrating, calming or protecting)?

● Or is it just trending because it looks good in a Reel?

Also, “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.” Watch out for highly fragranced or irritating formulas.

Would you be choosing healthier food options as part of your skin care routine, too? Let us know your thoughts.

Meanwhile, for more suggestions, follow us on  @socialketchup

skinfood Dr. Bhagyashree dr skincare tips