What Is the 'Inside Outside' Approach to Skincare & Why Do You Need to Know About It?

The ‘Inside-Outside’ Approach Explained

Let’s break it down: what is the ‘inside-outside’ approach, and why does it matter when it comes to our skincare routine? All skin concerns can be stressful, and that’s why here at Skinstation, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to combat a dull, listless complexion. From acne, all the way through to anti-ageing, having a combined inside-outside approach is recommended.

When we think about what we put on the outside of our bodies in terms of skincare, many factors come to mind. But crucially we need to do the same for our insides. Ever heard of the phrase, you are what you eat? Well, the inside-outside approach is exactly that. It’s all about balancing your external routine, with your internal - whether that’s sleep, exercise, and even, yes, diet. In 2023, we need to work on combining our internal rebalancing treatments with our external therapies (such as skin care) to target our concerns more directly and effectively.

How to Heal Your Skin From the Inside First

First things first, our skin is sensitive. It’s the biggest organ of the body, and therefore, needs a lot of protection - which naturally, should come from the inside out. So, let’s talk about what we put in our bodies. 

The first thing that comes to mind is probably food. Diet is important - it’s not just about how much we eat, but also what we eat, and don’t worry, there is a long list of healthy food that you can be putting on your plate this new year that will help you hit those all-important skin goals. 


We recommend turning to vitamin C-rich foods, such as mangoes, tomatoes, passion fruit, kale, almonds, and green tea as your first port of call. Vitamin C is an essential part of many people's skincare routine as it optimises skin health and promotes that naturally glowing complexion we are all after. One of our favourite Vitamin C serums for brightening is the Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum.

Sugar, processed sugar that is, breaks down our natural collagen and elastin stores. This is the essential protein that gives our skin shape, firmness, and general structure. Once our collagen levels have been attacked over a long period of time, our skin may begin to look wrinkled, dull, and tired. Not to mention, overconsumption of sugar can fuel those dreaded acne and blemish breakouts. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the occasional treat, but just be aware the next time you are looking for something to soothe your sweet tooth, opt for something fruity instead.

Also within your diet, it’s essential to drink plenty of water. Water keeps your body hydrated and in turn, helps your skin maintain its elasticity. Individuals who make it a habit to drink plenty of water daily actually can suffer less from scars, soft lines, ageing of the skin, and general wrinkles.

With a healthy diet, comes the balance of exercise. We all know that eating your 5-a-day is only part of the way towards a harmonious lifestyle. Exercising has great benefits for both your skin and your body. But, the next time you hit the gym, remember to properly cleanse and clean your pores before breaking a sweat. A great cleanser to use post-gym is the Barbara Sturm Enzyme Cleanser.

Not only can the gym be full of nasty bacteria, but sweating with a full face of makeup, or even with product residue still present on your face, can clog up your pores and cause problems for your skin in the future. If you are a long-time sufferer of acne, you know what we are talking about! 

Not only can the gym be full of nasty bacteria, but sweating with a full face of makeup, or even with product residue still present on your face, can clog up your pores and cause problems for your skin in the future. If you are a long-time sufferer of acne, you know what we are talking about!  

Another way to externally care for your skin is to deduce what skin type you have. If you have oily skin, you may find that some products can worsen acne breakouts, whereas if you have a dry type, many cleansers may worsen your skin concerns. Get to know your skin a little better before shopping around for products. Here at Skinstation, our Skin Experts have created a quiz which can help you identify which skin type you may have. 

No matter the skin type, we recommend stepping into 2023 with a new list of ‘inside outside’ habits that will not only make your skin glow but also will benefit you from the inside out!