Gordon Ramsay’s Skincare Advice

December 15, 2025

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Ready for Christmas cooking tips? This year celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay served a side dish of skincare advice for tens of millions of die-hard fans across online media’s top platforms. As one of the world’s most popular food influencers, Ramsay recently shared personal news about having undergone skin cancer surgery in late August 2025 to remove basal cell carcinoma (BCC) from under his left ear. Starting in the skin’s outer layer or epidermis, basal cell most often appears on sun-exposed areas like the face and neck. Although BCC rarely spreads, surgery is typically prescribed to prevent additional tissue damage.

With over 40 million TikTok followers, around 20 million YouTube viewers, and over 19 million on Instagram, the well-known head chef, global restaurateur, TV personality, and social media powerhouse is normally quick to share real-life experiences. As usual, the 58-year old executive producer was comfortably transparent and disclosed reasons for the removal of cancerous skin layers from the left side of his face that did leave a significant wound with extensive stitches for the flap-like reconstruction. Globally-aired in more than 200 countries, the host of Hell’s Kitchen, MasterChef, Kitchen Nightmares, and his National Geographic series Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted, shared photos of the stitches and confirmed that he had Mohs surgery as part of his treatment for skin cancer.

Not a facelift.. but his message has warnings.

Ramsay’s social media posts were as blunt as the Chef's comments at the "kitchen pass" on the popular Hell’s Kitchen TV series. Comically, he assured followers the bandage under his left earlobe wasn’t there because of a facelift, but was placed there to protect fresh stitches. BCC is the most common type of skin cancer and most often is directly linked to sun exposure. Thankfully the British celebrity’s warnings went viral and his message became a global "public service announcement" about the dangers of UV exposure. Additionally, the head chef emphasized today's high cure rates for skin cancers that are detected and treated early.

“Please don’t forget your sunscreen this weekend. I promise you it’s not a face lift!  I’d need a refund.”

Chef Gordon Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay praised his medical team and used the opportunity to urge millions of followers to always apply a sunblock to protect their skin from damaging rays. In keeping with his trademark humor and extremely blunt recommendations to others, the father of six definitely challenged fans as to everyone's daily need for sunscreen. Ramsay also added that he previously had a growth under his right eye, but for years just thought it was a freckle. Mohs micrographic surgery like Ramsay had is the gold standard for treating delicate areas of the face, as it allows for precise removal of tissue while minimizing damage to healthy skin for cure rates with more optimal cosmetic outcomes.

Types of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Since cancerous lesions can continue to grow and may become more dangerous or disfiguring, prompt treatment is vital as it reduces the risk of requiring more extensive treatments. In fact, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation, when basal cell is detected early, it can be treated and cured using standard excision or curettage in more than 93% of cases, while Mohs surgery offers even higher rates up to 99% for more delicate areas. Nonetheless, the earlier skin cancer is detected and treated, the better the outcome. Even in cases where BCC returns, recurring cancerous tumors are most often treatable with similar methods.

The primary subtypes of Basal Cell Carcinoma include:

• Nodular BCC: This common nodular carcinoma presents as a flesh-colored or pinkish bump with a pearly, waxy or shiny surface. It may have a raised or rolled border with tiny (but visible) blood vessels across its surface. But, it also can look like an ulcer or a persistent pimple that doesn’t want to heal.
• Superficial BCC: This flat, scaly, reddish-to-pink patch often resembles eczema or psoriasis. Typically found on the trunk or limbs, this common but slow-growing skin cancer is usually curable with treatments like topical creams or surgical removal by excision or Mohs surgery.
• Morpheaform BCC: This rare subtype is a less common but more aggressive skin cancer that looks like a hard waxy scar with poorly defined edges and pink-to-ivory plaques often mistaken for scleroderma. It is prone to deep growth and can be harder to detect and may need wider surgical margins.
• Pigmented BCC: This variant contains melanin, giving it a dark brown or blue color, or appears as black spots that can resemble a mole or even melanoma. Generally, it is distinguishable by fine blood vessels and leaf-like structures under magnification. Caught early it is highly curable.
• Basosquamous BCC: This rare, aggressive form with characteristics of both basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma often appear as non-healing sores or scaly growths on sun-exposed areas. Due to its risk of metastasis, aggressive management, surgical excision, or radiotherapy may be needed.

Knowing the warning signs of basal cell carcinoma is the first step toward early detection, treatment and cure. “For the most part, you should keep an eye on sun-exposed areas of your face, ears and neck,” says Dr. Michael Steppie Orlando Mohs surgeon and medical director of Associates in Dermatology. “Plus watch for any new growths or sores that refuse to heal. Since types of basal cell can look different, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist if you notice open sores that continue to ooze or crust, a pearly or shiny bump, a red-scaly patch, or scar-like areas without a previous injury.” This most common skin cancer is typically slow growing, so watch for changes.

So how do people get basal cell carcinoma?

Basal cell carcinoma is primarily caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds. This radiation damages the DNA within your skin's basal cells that triggers uncontrolled growth. Because of this connection to sunlight, it most frequently appears on areas of the body that are regularly exposed, such as the face and neck. While BCC is most common in people over 50, it can affect younger individuals with a history of extensive sun exposure. Having had blistering sunburns, particularly as a child, significantly raises your risk. You are also more susceptible if you have fair skin that burns or freckles easily, light-colored eyes, or blonde or red hair. A family history of skin cancer or specific genetic syndromes, such as Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome, can increase susceptibility. Additionally, factors like a weakened immune system, previous radiation treatments, or exposure to arsenic can contribute to the development of the disease.

Skin Friendly Meals for Holiday Chefs

For many people, the Holidays are synonymous with cookies, pies, rich cheese-filled dishes, festive drinks, and traditional casseroles. To make the adjustment to skin-friendly cooking, choose foods that include cancer-fighting nutrients like antioxidants, phytochemicals, healthy fats, and fiber that is typically found in a variety of colorful whole fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and nuts. Additionally, AI says for heatlhy home cooking use quality whole-food ingredients and flavor layering, plus make your Holiday meal a marathon not a sprint. Since many traditional Holiday recipes can induce a food coma, prioritize your ingredients and use smart cooking methods. For this year's Holiday menu, check out the skin-friendly strategies below:

Healthy Holdiay Main Courses

• Herb-Rubbed Turkey: Focus on simple but fresh ingredients for a traditional turkey. Use olive oil (or avocado oil) and a generous amount of fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme, which are rich in antioxidants. Avoid deep-frying as high heat can create inflammatory compounds that clog pores.
• Soy-Free Vegan Turkey: For a plant-based Holiday option, consider a high-protein, soy-free "turkey" alternative made from chickpeas and vital wheat gluten, flavored with nutritional yeast and smoked paprika. Moreover, your soy-free vegan turkey can be wrapped in rice paper to add an optional crispy "skin".
• Christmas Turkey Breast: A simple turkey breast seasoned with olive oil, garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning offers a dairy-free main course option that cooks quickly and stays tender. This excellent source of protein is rich in collagen-boosting amino acids and zinc with less fat and calories.
• Lean Holiday Protein: Not a turkey eater? Lean proteins like fish or chicken breast can be prepared with fresh herbs and vegetables for a light, healthy meal. Salmon, mackerel and tuna are packed with skin-plumping omega-3s and chicken breast are high in niacin, which is crucial for skin health.

Skin-Friendly Christmas Sides

• Savory Sweet Potato Casserole: Consider a savory approach over a sugary one. Sweet potatoes are great for skin health due to their high beta-carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, and antioxidants that boost glow and help fight sun damage. But overall healthiness will depend on ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Stuffing: A robust stuffing made with gluten-free bread cubes, fresh herbs (sage, rosemary, oregano), and pumpkin seeds is an allergen-free side dish for sensitive skin diets. If you have sensitivities, it can help manage issues like acne or eczema for those intolerances.
• Simple Roasted Vegetables: Roasting carrots, celery, onions, and other seasonal vegetables with a little olive oil provides essential nutrients and fiber without added irritants. Bright colors indicate high levels of nutrients and carotenoids, which help protect skin cells from damage.

More Food Tips for Skin Health

• Prioritize Healthy Fats: Healthy fats help maintain moisture and plumpness by strengthening the skin’s natural barrier and reducing inflammation. Omega-3s (fatty fish), monounsaturated fats (avocados, olive oil) and nuts (like pecans) support skin integrity and are linked to lower cancer risk.
• Avoid Refined Sugar and Dairy: These ingredients can trigger inflammation, boost oil production and breakdown collagen. Many skin conditions are exacerbated by dairy and high sugar intake, so choosing vegan and sugar-free recipes can prevent clogging of pores to help maintain clear skin during the holidays.
• Use Fresh Herbs and Spices: Herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage add incredible flavor profiles and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove add flavor and cancer-fighting phytochemicals. Plus, fresh herbs and spices reduce the reliance on salt, sugar and artificial sweeteners when cooking.

This Holiday Season, be mindful of your choices and food preparation methods. After all, the skin is your body’s largest organ and it relies on many metabolic processes that support the bidirectional chemical signaling your gut-brain axis needs to maintain balance for overall wellbeing. It is indeed the choices you make throughout the month that can help to maximize absorption of important nutrients from the wide selection of whole foods (and a reduction in overly processed foods with added sugar and unhealthy fats) to support your Holiday goals for healthy feeding of your skin. On a final note, don't forget to stay well hydrated with plenty of water or green tea to balance out the festivities, and avoid consuming too much alcohol or too many sweet drinks.

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Healthy eating during the Holidays doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor, and applying sunscreen for protection doesn’t reduce your outdoor fun. You can enjoy nostalgic past-times and delicious meals with friends and loved ones by simply making better choices. With a thoughtful routine and the right skincare products, you can fend off winter holiday dryness and keep your skin looking its best year round. Call 800-827-7546 to schedule a skin check for the New Year, or use this website’s convenient “Contact Us” form to make your next appointment online at one of our dermatology offices in Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, Clermont, Davenport, Dr. Philips, Hunter's Creek, Kissimmee, Mount Dora, Ocoee, Poinciana, or St. Cloud.