Natural Remedies And Insider Secrets For Glowing Skin from Dr Joseph Hkeik, An Aesthetic Doctor.
Dr Joseph Hkeik is one of Australia’s most respected aesthetic doctors, and he has lifted the lid on remedies outside clinical treatments that can help improve the skin.
Glowing skin is not easy to maintain when travelling, but these simple remedies, habits and insider secrets are easy to implement and can really help. And when you have had injectables, adopting these habits can help the treatments settle in quicker and ensure you get the best out of your skin.
With clinics in Sydney’s Double Bay and Mayfair London, Dr Hkeik debunks some of the myths around what does and doesn’t work for skin including nutrition, saunas, gua sha, skin products, natural oils an even red light therapy to explain in simple terms how the skin can be improved.
- What are the most effective natural ways to refine skin texture and reduce roughness?
A consistent skincare routine with gentle exfoliation, deep hydration, and a strong skin barrier is key. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and antioxidants help smooth and refine texture. For a more advanced transformation, certain injectable treatments like Profhilo Structura can deeply hydrate the skin while stimulating collagen and elastin production, resulting in smoother, firmer skin. - Can diet really impact skin texture? Which foods make the biggest difference?
Absolutely, a diet can impact skin texture. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin C supports collagen production and strengthens the skin barrier. Hydration is also crucial—drinking plenty of water and consuming water-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelon really do help keep skin plump and radiant. - Do facial massage, Gua Sha, or other natural techniques improve skin tone and texture over time?
Yes. These techniques boost circulation, support lymphatic drainage, and help sculpt the face, enhancing glow and reducing puffiness. However, they work best as complementary practices rather than standalone solutions for deep skin remodeling. - How do essential fatty acids (like omega-3s) contribute to smooth, hydrated skin?
Omega-3s help reinforce the skin barrier, reducing inflammation and preventing dryness, making them a crucial part of any skin-boosting diet. - Are there herbal remedies or plant-based treatments that refine skin and minimise pores?
Yes—green tea, witch hazel, and niacinamide can help refine pores and regulate oil production. However, achieving long-term structural improvement requires deeper hydration and collagen stimulation.However, true structural improvement requires deeper hydration and collagen stimulation, which is where Profhilo Structura excels. - Beyond drinking water, what are the best natural ways to deeply hydrate skin from within?
Electrolytes, healthy fats, and hyaluronic acid-rich foods like bone broth help, but topical and injectable treatments like profhilo provide more intensive hydration. - How does gut health influence skin hydration, and which probiotics support a strong skin barrier?
A well-balanced gut microbiome enhances nutrient absorption, reducing inflammation and strengthening the skin barrier. Probiotics like lactobacillus and bifidobacterium can support healthier, more resilient skin. - Can regular sauna use improve skin hydration and texture, or does it have a drying effect?
Saunas boost circulation and detoxification, promoting a healthy glow. However, they can dehydrate the skin if not balanced with proper hydration and skincare. - What are the best natural oils or plant extracts for locking in moisture and reinforcing the skin barrier?
Squalane, jojoba oil, and ceramide-rich plant extracts help prevent moisture loss and strengthen the barrier for long-term hydration. - Does drinking collagen or bone broth improve skin hydration, or is topical skincare more effective?
Collagen supplements can support skin health over time, but they don’t replace targeted hydration treatments, which work at a more advanced level by stimulating collagen production within the skin. - Which natural foods and supplements have been scientifically proven to boost collagen production?
Vitamin C, zinc, and amino acid-rich foods like fish and bone broth all aid in collagen synthesis, supporting skin elasticity and firmness. - How effective are topical collagen-boosting ingredients like vitamin C, peptides, and bakuchiol (a retinol alternative)?
These ingredients encourage collagen production and improve skin quality, but their penetration is limited compared to treatments that work from within.

- Do facial exercises or face yoga actually help maintain skin elasticity and prevent sagging?
They can enhance muscle tone and definition but don’t rebuild lost collagen in the same way as targeted treatments. - What are the real benefits of red light therapy for skin rejuvenation?
Red light therapy stimulates collagen, reduces inflammation, and enhances skin repair. While beneficial, it works best as part of a broader skincare and treatment plan. - How does sleep impact collagen production, and what habits promote firmer, plumper skin overnight?
Deep sleep triggers melatonin and human growth hormone production, both of which aid in skin regeneration. A good nighttime routine, including proper hydration and skincare, enhances these effects. - What role does lymphatic drainage (through massage or dry brushing) play in skin health?
It helps flush toxins, reduce puffiness, and promote a brighter complexion. - What are the best natural detoxification methods for achieving clearer, more radiant skin?
Hydration, fiber, sweating, and liver-supporting foods like dandelion root and turmeric all aid in skin detoxification. - Can ice baths improve skin texture and hydration?
Yes! Cold therapy stimulates circulation, reduces inflammation, and can enhance overall skin tone. - Which antioxidant-rich foods best protect skin from environmental damage and aging?
Think “eat the rainbow”—berries, green tea, and dark leafy greens provide powerful protection against oxidative stress. - Beyond skincare, what lifestyle changes can dramatically improve the look and feel of the skin?
A holistic approach—including diet, hydration, sleep, stress management, and professional treatments—offers the most significant and long-lasting skin improvements.
