A Naturopath's Personal Approach to Healthy Skin Ageing

If you've ever wondered how a naturopath looks after her own skin, you're not alone.

As a naturopath — and a former beauty therapist — I'm often asked what I do for my skin and how I approach healthy skin ageing.

So, I thought I'd share my own routine, the lessons I've learned over the years, and the habits I believe have made the biggest difference. My hope is that this gives you a few practical ideas you can adapt for yourself — and perhaps helps you avoid a few of the mistakes I made along the way.

The honest truth...

I've been looking after my skin since my early teens. It's simply part of my daily routine, much like brushing my teeth.

I was lucky in the genetics department. My mum had beautiful skin and kept her routine incredibly simple — soap and water, a light moisturiser, and not much makeup beyond a swipe of lipstick. Looking back, there's probably a lesson in that too.

As a teenager, I started using a medicated soap. Why? I have absolutely no idea. I didn't have acne or oily skin, but I assumed that's what teenagers were supposed to use.

Then my friends and I discovered the apricot scrub. If you're Gen X, you know exactly the one I'm talking about.

It felt amazing, so naturally I used it every day. Before long, I had an oily T-zone and blackheads.

Lesson number one: just because something feels good doesn't mean more is better.

Growing up in the sun

Growing up in Australia during the 1970s and 1980s, a tan was almost a fashion accessory. We spent hours riding bikes, walking to school, swimming, and going to the beach.

Everything changed when I was 19 and studying beauty therapy. That's when I first learned what ultraviolet (UV) exposure can do to the skin.

The part that shocked me most? It contributes to premature skin ageing.

I started wearing sunscreen every day and have continued that habit ever since. Thankfully, pale skin eventually became fashionable in the late '80s and '90s!

Working in the beauty industry

Working in the beauty industry gave me access to some incredible skincare products, and I still genuinely enjoy skincare today.

Looking back, I can honestly say that investing time in caring for my skin has been worthwhile. But I've also learned that healthy skin isn't created by expensive products alone. It's the consistent daily habits — and what's happening inside the body — that matter most.

The habits I've kept for decades

These are simply my personal skincare habits. They're not rules, just the routines I've found work well for me.

Cleanse every night

No matter how late I get home, I always remove my makeup, sunscreen, and the day's grime before bed. Night-time is when the skin naturally undergoes repair and renewal processes, and I like starting with clean skin.

Stay hydrated

I aim to drink around eight glasses of water a day. My first glass of water for the day is immediately on rising, a habit of a lifetime. If I have coffee, I usually drink an extra glass of water as well.

Hydration supports many functions in the body, including the skin's protective barrier, and well-hydrated skin often looks fresher and feels more comfortable.

Wash makeup brushes and sponges

This is one habit that's easy to overlook.

I wash my brushes and sponges regularly in warm soapy water and let them air dry. It helps remove old makeup, oils, and bacteria that can build up over time.

Eye cream has been a long-term habit

I've used an eye cream since my early twenties. The skin around the eyes is thinner than the rest of the face, so I've always included it as part of my daily routine.

Shiatsu facial massage

This is probably my favourite ritual.

I learned Shiatsu facial massage decades ago while working in beauty therapy, and I still use the technique today. I massage my face and neck with a small amount of jojoba or sweet almond oil, avoiding the delicate eye area, and then cleanse afterwards.

I enjoy it because it helps me slow down for a few minutes each week. It can also support circulation, encourage lymphatic flow, and gently exfoliate the skin through massage.

Eat plenty of colourful vegetables

This one comes naturally to me because I genuinely love vegetables and salads.

Vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, fibre, and plant compounds that support overall health — and healthy skin benefits from good nutrition too.

My everyday skincare routine

Morning

• Gentle cleanse

• Eye cream

• Serum

• Moisturiser

• Sunscreen

Evening

• Cleanse

• Eye cream

• Serum

• Moisturiser

Weekly

• Shiatsu facial massage once a week (twice if I have time).

Healthy skin starts beneath the surface

As a naturopath, I see skin as part of the bigger picture of health.

While skincare products certainly have a place, I don't believe they can replace the foundations of good health. Digestion, nutrition, sleep, stress, movement, and hormonal changes can all influence how our skin looks and feels.

That's why my approach has always been to support skin from both the outside and the inside.

Understanding the two types of skin ageing

Not all skin ageing happens for the same reason.

Intrinsic ageing is the natural biological ageing process. It happens gradually over time and is influenced by genetics, hormonal changes, and the body's normal repair and renewal processes.

Extrinsic ageing refers to changes influenced by our environment and daily habits. Factors such as UV exposure, smoking, pollution, nutrition, sleep, and chronic stress can all contribute to visible changes in the skin over time.

While we can't stop intrinsic ageing, many extrinsic factors are areas where healthy lifestyle and skincare habits may help support skin health as we age.

This whole-body approach is something I explore in much more detail inside The Natural Radiance Method, where gut health, hormonal wellbeing, nutrition and skin health come together as part of healthy ageing.

The five foundations I focus on for healthy skin ageing

Healthy skin isn't created by one miracle cream. It's supported by lots of small daily choices that work together over time.

These are the same five areas I teach inside The Natural Radiance Method, and they're the foundations I come back to in my own life.

Nourish your collagen network

Collagen naturally changes as we age, particularly during and after menopause. Supporting collagen starts with eating enough protein and including nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, copper, and colourful plant foods that help support collagen production.

Support the skin barrier

Healthy skin needs moisture, but it also needs a strong protective barrier. Ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide (vitamin B3), glycerin, and hyaluronic acid can help support hydration and barrier function, especially during perimenopause and menopause when skin often becomes drier.

Protect your skin every day

If there's one skincare habit I wish I'd started earlier, it's consistent sun protection. Daily sunscreen, wearing a hat, and seeking shade where practical are simple habits that help protect skin from unnecessary UV exposure.

Reduce oxidative stress and support repair

Our skin is constantly exposed to environmental stressors and normal metabolic processes. A diet rich in antioxidants, quality sleep, regular movement, and stress management all help support the body's natural repair processes.

Care for your skin from the inside out

Gut health, hormones, blood sugar balance, hydration, and lifestyle all influence skin health. Looking after the whole body often shows up in the skin over time.

The biggest lesson I've learned over the years is that healthy skin isn't about trying to look 25 forever. It's about caring for your skin in a way that's sustainable, realistic, and supportive of your overall health.

At 60, my goal isn't perfect skin. It's healthy, resilient skin that reflects the way I look after myself from the inside out. And that's a goal that feels achievable at every age.

The information in this article is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace personalised healthcare advice. If you have concerns about your skin or general health, speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner.

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