Glow Up: My Top 5 Natural Skincare Faves (and Why Your Skin Will Thank You!)

Skincare has always been a mix of science, art, and a little kitchen magic for me. While I’ve picked up some go-to tips from Ayurveda, one truth has stuck with me: what you put inside your body is just as crucial as what you apply on your face. So, let me share my top five favourite skincare ingredients—and a few thoughts you might not find on the product labels!

1. Saffron

It’s no secret I love saffron—and not just in my food! Saffron water is a regular part of my routine, but my personal fave? A saffron almond milk cream I whip up myself. If it smells good enough to eat, it’s definitely good enough for my face, right? (Though, let’s keep the taste testing to the kitchen!) Known for its anti-inflammatory and brightening properties, saffron leaves your skin with a warm, radiant glow that only nature can deliver.

2. Niacinamide

Okay, I admit, I may have fallen for the marketing, but there’s something so empowering about that morning moment when I layer on niacinamide serum. It’s as if I’m telling my skin, “I’ve got you.” Whether it’s placebo or not, niacinamide has been proven to strengthen the skin barrier and reduce redness. My skin feels smoother, more resilient, and I can’t argue with that feeling of control in the skincare game.

3. AHA BHA

For a glow that says, “I got eight hours of sleep” (even if you only managed five), AHA and BHA are the overnight heroes. These gentle acids work like magic, exfoliating and brightening as you snooze, so you wake up with that refreshed, smooth look. Just a touch of this combo in my nighttime routine does wonders for reducing dullness and keeping breakouts at bay.

4. Vitamin C

Supplements? No, thanks—I prefer the natural route. I swear by oranges, amla, and other Vitamin C-rich foods, which work just as well to keep skin bright and protected. Nature’s answer to pollution and aging, this ingredient is like a daily dose of sunshine for your skin. It’s simple: eat your Vitamin C, and let the glow follow.

5. Collagen

Forget artificial collagen supplements—nature already offers plenty of collagen-boosting foods. Berries, leafy greens, almonds, and seeds like flax and chia are my go-to’s. Not only are they delicious, but they also give your skin the building blocks it needs to stay plump and youthful. My motto? Stay real, stay natural, stay glowing.

Skincare is so much more than what we put on the surface. It’s about nourishing the body, inside and out, with ingredients that feel good and do good. Embrace these natural wonders and let your skin do its own magic.