“The older I've become, the more I've realised that my heritage isn't just something I celebrate—it's something I carry with me every day.”
5 min read
It’s Deeper Than Skin ®
It’s Deeper Than Skin ® is a compilation of interviews featuring diverse multicultural individuals each carrying unique aspirations and desires yet bound by a common passion to create a more joyful, diverse and inclusive space for us all. They inspire, empower and help transform the way we think and feel about beauty, culture, ancient traditions, diversity, mental health, societal standards and more. Through these multifaceted lenses, we learn to celebrate our uniqueness and are reminded once again that our beauty is deeper than skin.
Meet Dilbagh Gill (@dilbaghgill), pharmacist, content creator and proud British Indian of Punjabi Sikh heritage, using his platform to champion intentional living, skincare education and authentic representation. In this conversation for South Asian Heritage Month, Dilbagh reflects on the values that shaped him, from growing up between Punjab and the UK to how his heritage continues to influence the way he approaches beauty, wellness and life. Dive into his story and discover why true confidence is always deeper than skin.
Hi Dilbagh, it’s so lovely to chat with you! To start, tell us a little bit about yourself. We’d love to know more about your background, what you like to do and what inspires you!
Thank you for having me! I’m a pharmacist, content creator and proud British Indian of Punjabi Sikh heritage with a passion for skincare, fragrance, travel and living life with intention.
Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to work across a variety of healthcare settings, experiences that have challenged me, shaped me and ultimately brought me to a place where I feel genuinely fulfilled. Throughout that journey, one belief has stayed with me: people don’t just remember what you know, they remember how you make them feel. Whether that’s in a consultation, a conversation with a colleague or through a piece of content, I’ve always wanted to inspire and build trust.
I think people often see where I am today without seeing what came before it. Both of my parents immigrated to the UK and worked incredibly hard to build a life and create opportunities for me that they never had themselves. Growing up, I witnessed the sacrifices they made, the long hours they worked and the resilience they showed, often without recognition. Their sacrifices became my opportunities, and that’s something I carry with immense gratitude every day. I’m living a life they once only hoped would be possible for me & I never lose sight of that. It reminds me to stay grounded, never take opportunities for granted and recognise that behind most success is a story of quiet sacrifice that often goes unseen.
My social media is really an extension of who I am. It’s a space where I share everything I genuinely enjoy - from skincare and fragrance to travel, great food and the everyday moments that make life feel more intentional & special. Being a pharmacist naturally shapes the way I think: I’m curious by nature and I love understanding why things work. That curiosity doesn’t stop at skincare - it influences how I travel, how I connect with people and how I see the world.
I’m also an only child, which I think made me fiercely independent from a young age. I’ve always loved meeting new people, hearing different perspectives and stepping outside my comfort zone. Travelling has become one of my greatest passions because every destination teaches you something new. Ironically, the more I’ve explored the world, the more I’ve come to appreciate my own Punjabi roots - the warmth of our community, our generosity, our resilience and the values I was raised with.
I hope people leave my page feeling inspired rather than pressured, and reminded that looking after yourself isn’t about chasing perfection. Whether it’s healthy skin, finding a signature fragrance or discovering somewhere new, it’s all part of living a life that’s intentional, joyful and authentically your own.
Tell us something that people may not know about you?
One thing that often surprises people is that although I was born in London, I spent the first two years of my life living with my grandmother in Punjab, India. It meant Punjabi became my first language and growing up in the UK, people were often surprised by how fluent I was and how “clean” my Punjabi sounded.
I was only a toddler, so I don’t remember much from that time, but there is one story that’s become part of our family folklore - we had a pet monkey on the farm!
It’s definitely one of those stories that’s better told over a cup of chai, but it’s also a reminder of the unique start I had in life and the deep connection I still feel to my Punjabi roots. Even though my memories are limited, that early chapter gave me a lifelong connection to my language, my culture and my identity.
As someone from a Sikh background, I’ve come to realise that principles like humility, equality and seva - selfless service - have quietly shaped the way I approach both my career and my platform.
As a British South Asian, are there any rituals, traditions or values from your upbringing that you find yourself appreciating more today than you did growing up?
Absolutely. The older I’ve become, the more I’ve realised that my heritage isn’t just something I celebrate - it’s something I carry with me every day.
Growing up in a Punjabi household, hospitality wasn’t something we talked about: it was simply how we lived. There was always room for one more person at the table, another cup of chai to make and another story to share. Looking back, those moments taught me generosity, community and the importance of making people feel seen and welcome.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve also come to appreciate the Sikh values I was raised with - humility, equality and seva (selfless service). They quietly influence how I approach my work, my relationships and the way I try to show up for others.
Ironically, travelling the world has made me appreciate my own culture even more. Experiencing different traditions has reminded me just how rich my own heritage is. I’ve realised that embracing your roots doesn’t limit you - it gives you a stronger foundation from which to grow. It gives me a quiet confidence, a sense of belonging and a reminder that no matter where I am in the world, I’ll always know where home is.
As someone who’s built a platform in beauty and wellness, have there been moments where you’ve felt underrepresented, and how has that shaped the way you show up online today?
Definitely. Growing up, I rarely saw South Asian men represented in mainstream Western media, let alone in skincare campaigns. When we were included, it often felt like an exception rather than the norm. Representation matters because it quietly tells people, “You belong here too.”
One of the biggest shifts over the past decade has been the rise of social media and the creator economy. It has given so many more people the opportunity to share their own stories, represent communities that were previously overlooked and create content that speaks to their lived experiences. We no longer have to wait for traditional media to decide whose voices deserve to be heard—we can help shape those conversations ourselves.
At the same time, we’re seeing more men than ever taking an interest in their skin, health and overall wellbeing, and I think that’s something to celebrate. Looking after yourself shouldn’t be viewed as vanity—it’s a form of self-respect.
As a pharmacist, I see skin for what it is: the body’s largest organ. We don’t question brushing our teeth, exercising or looking after our heart health, so why should caring for our skin be any different? Good skincare and grooming are simply part of looking after your health.
I hope my platform encourages people to see skincare as something that’s inclusive, accessible and grounded in confidence rather than perfection. Healthy skin isn’t exclusive to one gender, one skin tone or one background, and neither should the conversation around it be.
We often talk about identity through the lens of how we look. But what does actually feeling good in your skin mean to you?
For me, feeling good in your skin has very little to do with perfection. Growing up in a South Asian community, I think many of us can relate to the unsolicited comments that were almost considered normal - whether it was about your skin, your weight, your height or any perceived “flaw.” They often came from a place of familiarity rather than malice, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t leave an impression. You quickly learn to develop a thick skin.
As I’ve got older, though, I’ve realised there’s a difference between having a thick skin and having a healthy relationship with yourself. Real confidence isn’t about becoming immune to other people’s opinions - it’s about no longer allowing them to define your worth.
Of course I love skincare science - it’s one of my greatest passions - but I don’t believe our value should ever be measured by our appearance. Looking after your skin isn’t about trying to become someone else; it’s an act of self-respect. It’s about investing in your health, taking time for yourself and feeling comfortable in the person you already are.
The older I get, the more I realise that the people who leave the biggest impression aren’t necessarily the most conventionally attractive - they’re the ones who make others feel seen, valued and confident. That’s the kind of beauty I think lasts.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self about confidence, what would it be?
Stop worrying so much about what other people think. Confidence isn’t something you suddenly wake up with one day. It’s built every time you do something that scares you, speak up when your voice shakes or choose authenticity over approval.
I’d also remind my younger self that comparison steals far more than joy - it steals potential.
What is your current skincare ritual?
I’m a big believer that consistency beats complexity. My mornings usually start with a gentle salicylic acid based cleanser, a hydrating serum, ceramide based moisturiser and a lightweight SPF50+ sunscreen - without fail.
In the evening, I’ll double cleanse if needed, use a retinoid on most nights, follow with hydrating products to support my skin barrier and finish with a moisturiser. I also love an overnight face mask once a week!
Healthy skin isn’t built overnight - it’s built through simple habits repeated consistently. Great skin is holistic; the products you use matter, but so do quality sleep, good nutrition, movement and managing stress. A healthy body and a happy mind will always reflect in your skin.
Are there products or steps you find yourself coming back to again and again?
SPF will always be non-negotiable. I also think retinoids have earned their reputation - they’re one of the most well-studied ingredients we have.
Beyond that, I never underestimate a good ceramide based moisturiser. People often chase the latest active ingredient, but healthy skin starts with a healthy skin barrier.
If you could make one change happen in the beauty industry what would it be?
I’d love to see the industry move away from selling insecurity. Beauty should be about empowering people, not convincing them they’re constantly falling short.
I’d love to see more honest education, greater representation and a celebration of individuality. The best beauty brands don’t just improve your skin - they improve your relationship with yourself.
I’ve always believed success is most meaningful when you use it to lift others up. If my platform can help people feel more confident, more informed and more comfortable in their own skin, then that’s something I’m incredibly proud of.
And some rapid fire questions:
One skincare ingredient you’ll defend forever?
Retinoids.
One skincare trend you hope sticks around?
Skin barrier health and simplified skincare routines.
One skincare trend you’re ready to leave behind?
Calling every new ingredient a “miracle.”
Favourite Sachi Skin product?
Ursolic Acid & Retinal Overnight Reform.
Current song on repeat?
My current song on repeat has to be Rosalia - Chicken Teriyaki - I can’t stop playing it. It’s so catchy and I most definitely am annoying those around me!
What’s bringing you joy lately?
Planning my next trip, taking myself on solo dates & discovering new coffee shops and admittedly, falling down the rabbit hole of Korean skincare innovations.
Finish the sentence: I feel beautiful when…
I’ve had eight hours of beauty sleep and a good cup of coffee!