Harleen Deol on cricket, representation and beauty to HELLO! India: “Recovery is just as important for my skin as it is for my body”

Cricket may bring home trophies, wickets and runs but not many realise the high cost of its winnings. Training for long hours under the sun, constant travel schedules during tournaments, pollution exposure and the physical demands of sport has meant that skincare has become as much a part of recovery as fitness and nutrition. Today, conversations around wellbeing for sportspeople continue to evolve and skincare is increasingly being recognised as an important aspect of maintaining overall health. In an interview with HELLO! India's Associate Editor Dayle Pereira-Alemao, Indian cricketer Harleen Deol speaks about her skincare routine, the challenges athletes face outdoors, the impact of pollution on health, and the importance of representation in inspiring the next generation of women in sport.

(Also Read: HELLO! India Exclusive: Mahieka Sharma's beauty mantra is to simply "keep things simple")

HELLO! India: What are the biggest skin challenges cricketers face during a long season?

Harleen Deol: Constant exposure to the sun, sweat, pollution, and frequent travel can definitely take a toll on your skin. During a long season, keeping your skin healthy and hydrated becomes a challenge, which is why having a consistent routine is so important.

HELLO! India: Do you think conversations around pollution and its effects on athletes' health deserve more attention?

Harleen Deol: Absolutely. Athletes spend a significant amount of time outdoors, so we're constantly exposed to environmental stressors. While performance is often the focus, it's equally important to talk about the long-term impact pollution can have on overall wellbeing, including skin health.

HELLO! India: As someone who spends time training and competing outdoors, how has your approach to skincare evolved over the years?

Harleen Deol: When I first started playing professionally, skincare wasn't something I paid a lot of attention to. But over the years, I've realised that spending long hours outdoors exposes my skin to a lot more than just the sun. Today, I focus on protection during the day and repair at night because recovery is just as important for my skin as it is for my body. The Advanced Night Repair Serum & Eye Gel-Crème from Estée Lauder help with that.

HELLO! India: How do you stay focused and confident during challenging phases in your career?

Harleen Deol: I've learnt to focus on what I can control. There will always be ups and downs in sport, but consistency, discipline, and trusting the process help me stay grounded. I try not to get distracted by the noise and instead focus on showing up every day and doing the work.

(Also Read: Sunscreen myths, debunked: What Indian skin really needs)

HELLO! India: What does it mean to you to represent India and be a role model for young girls?

Harleen Deol: It's an incredible honour. Every time I wear the India jersey, I feel a sense of pride and responsibility. If my journey can inspire even one young girl to believe in herself and pursue her dreams, that's something very special to me.

HELLO! India: What precautions do you take to protect your skin when training in polluted environments?

Harleen Deol: I make sure I'm diligent about sun protection, staying hydrated, and cleansing my skin properly after training. Since pollution is something we can't always avoid, I also focus on giving my skin the support it needs to recover overnight with products like the Advanced Night Repair Serum & Eye Gel-Crème from Estée Lauder.

HELLO! India: Have perceptions around women pursuing sports as a career changed within families and communities?

Harleen Deol: Yes, and it's been amazing to witness. There is much greater awareness, support, and belief in women's sport today than when I was growing up. Families are increasingly encouraging young girls to pursue sports seriously, which is a very positive change.

HELLO! India: How important is representation in encouraging more girls to take up sports professionally?

Harleen Deol: Representation is incredibly important because seeing someone who looks like you achieve something makes it feel possible. The more visibility women athletes have, the more young girls can imagine themselves on that same path and pursue sport with confidence.

(Also Read: 5 skincare myths experts want us to leave behind)