In Conversation With: Sheridan Joy Austin, Founder of Foraged For You

Beauty conversations once focused heavily on products and topical skincare. What do consumers understand now that they didn't understand five or ten years ago?

Much of our skin health is a reflection of what is going on within us. Whether it be nutrient deficiencies, gut microbiome imbalances, stress, hormonal imbalances and so much more, it can all dramatically impact what we see externally. For example, I think consumers are slowly grasping the idea that zinc is critical for healthier skin due to its ability to support skin repair, collagen production, balanced hormones, healthy blood sugar regulation, reduced inflammation, and may help reduce acne breakouts. I have so many other examples, but we will get to that!

Have we shifted from treating skin concerns as surface-level concerns to seeing skin as part of overall health?

In my world, absolutely. However, most people will go to a skin specialist, and most of the time they aren’t trained to support the skin internally. I think it’s time people recognise that a holistic approach, perhaps from a team of experts, is required if someone is feeling lost in their skin journey. From mineral depletion, to gut imbalances, to lymphatic stagnation, to inflammatory foods being consumed, it all needs to be considered.

Why are beauty consumers increasingly interested in nutrition alongside skincare?

Because they see and feel the difference, finally! Often we are layering on products without considering the impact of internal, food-based vitamin C for wound healing, collagen production and reduced inflammation; zinc and copper combined in natural foods like liver and oysters; gelatine and collagen; vitamin A from liver and cod liver oil; magnesium from the ocean; antioxidants from wild blueberries; and the list goes on.

However, what may become missed is the critical impact that inflammatory foods and/or foods that disrupt our blood sugar balance can also have on our skin.

For me personally, I find that when I have been consuming poor-quality water, sugar, gluten, corn and soy that haven’t been prepared in ways culture and tradition have taught us, such as organic and soaked or fermented forms, it impacts my skin within a few days. And of course, lack of sleep and prolonged stress over time can disrupt our glow.

Can stress, sleep quality and nutritional intake meaningfully influence what we see externally through skin and overall appearance?

Absolutely. Stress and poor sleep can significantly influence skin health, inflammation, hormonal balance, skin barrier function, collagen production and repair. Nutrients provide the building blocks for healthy skin, but sleep and stress determine how effectively those materials can be used for repair and regeneration.

When we're constantly stressed, resources are prioritised towards coping with that stress rather than optimal repair, recovery and hormonal balance. Chronic stress and inadequate sleep can also increase nutrient demands over time.

For sleep and stress, one of my favourite minerals is magnesium. I choose to have The Ocean’s Magnesium for this.

Are consumers becoming more aware of the connection between inflammation, wellbeing and skin health?

Yes, but I do wonder to what extent, and whether people truly understand just how much it may be impacting them. An anti-inflammatory diet is one of the most foundational actions someone can take on their skin health journey. Skin concerns such as acne, rosacea, psoriasis and hives are often associated with inflammatory processes within the body. Inflammation may also contribute to disruptions in gut health, hormone balance and other systems that can ultimately influence what we see externally on the skin.

Supplementation has become increasingly normalised within beauty conversations. What changed?

I think with time, people have begun to witness the impact that nutrients can have on their skin and overall wellbeing. What needs to be remembered, though, is that nutrients rarely work in isolation within nature. Foods provide vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins and countless other compounds that often work together in ways we are still discovering.

While supplements can absolutely have their place, I believe food should remain the foundation where possible. For nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, copper and vitamin A, I generally encourage people to prioritise whole food sources first and use supplementation thoughtfully where needed.

Is "inside-out beauty" becoming less of a trend and more of a long-term shift?

I hope so! Beauty isn’t just something that is aesthetic; it is often a report card of what is happening internally. Strong nails, healthy hair and glowing skin can all reflect nutrient status, gut health, stress levels, an anti-inflammatory diet and more.

I hope, though, that this is all done in a healthy manner, not an over-obsessive manner. We can live a balanced, happy, content life without drastic restriction and two-hour morning routines and still be a healthy, vibrant version of ourselves.

As beauty continues to expand beyond products and routines, conversations around nutrition, wellbeing and overall health are becoming increasingly difficult to separate from conversations about skin. That shift isn't about doing more, it's about taking a broader view of what influences how we look, feel and function. As consumers continue searching for answers beyond the bathroom shelf, it's a perspective that's likely to remain part of the beauty conversation for years to come.