Rebecca Donaldson is UK Editor in Residence Who Wears WhatA model and taste-maker known for her sophisticated beauty and authoritative presence in the luxury sector. Between a fast-paced career of work and travel, Rebecca is equally dedicated to wellness and balance, making conscious living the cornerstone of her personal and professional journey.
I’ve always taken my skin care routine seriously. If my complexion looked dull, I refined my exfoliation. If I experienced breakouts, I reached for targeted ingredients like azelaic acid. If it feels dehydrated, I apply a hydrating serum underneath a rich cream. I have always believed in the power of well-formulated skin care, and I always will.
However, a few years ago, I realized that my skin care products work at their highest level when my skin is holistically supported. When I started paying more attention to eating that prioritized healthy nutrition, I got a lot more out of my skin care products. mine naturally Dry, dehydrated skin looks noticeably more hydrated and healthy. So, these are the changes that I attribute to the change.
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understanding my skin
The first step was to really learn to understand the ways in which my diet was affecting my skin personally (and I say “individually” because it’s important to remember that things are different for everyone). At that time, I had to learn it all through trial and error; However, nowadays, there are tools on the market that would make things easier for me. Things like the Zoe Glucose Tracker could help me see in numbers how my body (and subsequently my skin) responded to days of high sugar intake.
In the morning my skin was always a little puffy, always dehydrated and uneven in color due to sensitivity. I always believed the solution was topical, and I never stopped to consider that my skin might be reflecting something deeper. The turning point came when I had to visit a doctor after experiencing minor stomach problems. While I was given medications to deal with the problem, I also began researching other ways to reduce internal inflammation and support my gut health. I learned that scientific studies on the skin-gut connection are still ongoing and are relatively inconclusive so far. This meant I had to commit to understanding my skin’s relationship with specific elements of my diet.
After several months of paying close attention to the way my skin was reacting to certain foods, I learned three key things.
- Sugar spikes → dullness
- Alcohol → Dehydration + Inflammation
- Ultra-Processed Foods → Reactive, Sensitive Skin
small adjustments
Once I identified my skin “triggers,” I started with small changes. Cutting back on alcohol was the first step — not eliminating it completely, but being more intentional about drinking. Almost immediately, I noticed that in the morning the skin had calmed down: the swelling had subsided and a slight glow had returned. Then I incorporated some healthy options into my diet that I discovered while researching gut health.
Hydration has become a non-negotiable for me. Drinking more water consistently throughout the day seems simple, but the difference is visible. When I have a sugar craving, instead of a fizzy drink, I choose low-sugar kombucha, and more often than not, it satisfies.
Now, my skin feels more supple and vibrant instead of tight or tired. Even makeup artists started commenting that my complexion looked more hydrated than ever.
My 5 Top Skin-Loving Foods
- Bone broth provides collagen-building amino acids, minerals and gelatin, which are thought to help with skin elasticity and hydration.
- Leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, which are rich in vitamins A, C and K to support a healthy gut microbiome.
- Antioxidant-rich blueberries are believed to aid in collagen production.
- Avocados, because they are rich in healthy fats and vitamins E and C, are thought to help increase skin moisture.
- Sunflower seeds, which are rich in vitamin E and are considered powerful antioxidants.
my gentle skin care routine
I like to keep things as gentle as possible to support myself The skin barrier and its natural moisture levels for long-term skin health. These are some of the products I use regularly to keep my skin glowing.
nuface
Trinity+ Starter Kit
facegym
Multi-Sculpt High Performance Contouring Tool
Dermalogica
special cleaning gel
Dermalogica
skin smoothening cream
skin ally
Multi Peptides and GF Advanced Lifting Serum
Heliocare
360 AR Emulsion SPF50+
