HELLO! India Exclusive: “Good skin and a good mood go hand-in-hand”: Pratibha Ranta shares her skincare philosophy

Amongst the sea of budding stars in Bollywood, up-and-comer Pratibha Ranta has managed to carve a niche for herself as one of the most relatable young faces in the industry. Her critically-acclaimed roles in Laapataa Ladies and Qurbaan Hua  showcased her acting chops on-screen and off it, the young actress was accessible enough to make audiences feel like she'd fit in perfectly as one of the gang. So it's no wonder when Pratibha was announced as the face of Simple Skincare, all we wanted was to speak to her about all things beauty, balance and self-care. Pratibha Ranta speaks to HELLO! India's Associate Editor Dayle Pereira-Alemao about her summer skincare routine, beauty lessons passed down by her grandmother, the everyday habits that have transformed her skin and more.

HELLO! India: How do you transition your skincare routine for the summer season?

Pratibha Ranta: Living in Mumbai, summers are no joke; the humidity is intense! So, how I make my skincare work is with a quick steam session to cleanse and reset. A clay mask is non-negotiable for me during this season; it really helps calm me and my skin. And honestly, hydrating externally and from within is everything, so I make sure I'm drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

HELLO! India: What are the three must-haves in your bag to combat the summer heat?

Pratibha Ranta: A water bottle, but swap the water for coconut water, trust me on this one. A fresh perfume because feeling fresh is just as important as looking it. And a lip balm with SPF is non-negotiable.

HELLO! India: Why was your ambassadorship with Simple Skincare a natural collaboration?

Pratibha Ranta: Simple has genuinely been a part of my life for years. Growing up in Shimla, it was the first face wash I reached for: affordable, effective, and kind to my skin even when I was dealing with acne and sensitivity. It just worked. What really cemented my love for the brand was a spontaneous visit to a friend's hostel, and I walked in to find Simple face wash sitting in room after room. That moment stuck with me. When I'm on set shooting for Simple, I'm not just showing up for a campaign, I'm genuinely recommending it to my entire team. That's the kind of trust I have in this brand.

HELLO! India: Are you a big believer in going minimal or maximal with your skincare, and how do you approach it?

Pratibha Ranta: Less is more, always. I've experimented a lot, and honestly, it's taught me to pull back. New products are tempting (there's something fun about treating yourself to a whole new routine) but your skin doesn't always thank you for it. What I've learned is to find what works and stick with it. For me, that's Simple. It understands Indian skin, it's consistent, and it delivers. That's really all you need.

HELLO! India: What's a beauty tip you learned from your mother or grandmother?

Pratibha Ranta: My grandmother was a working woman, always on the go, but without fail, she drank water constantly throughout the day. Every morning, she'd wake me up with a glass of lukewarm water. That habit has stayed with me. Hydration is the foundation of everything. And beyond skincare, she always reminded me to stay happy and not stress. That one hits differently now that I know how much stress played into my own acne journey. Good skin and a good mood really do go hand in hand.

HELLO! India: What's your skincare non-negotiable?

Pratibha Ranta: Washing my face with a gentle face wash and following a proper night routine focused on hydration before bed, every single night, no exceptions. I also changed to a silk pillowcase and started tying my hair before sleeping, and I genuinely noticed a difference in my skin. These small hygiene habits are so underrated, but they add up in a big way.