Inside Bollywood’s new beauty revolution

For many years, the search for perpetual youth in Bollywood was associated with Botox and fillers. Flawless complexions, chiseled cheekbones, and wrinkle-free foreheads became the norm for on-screen beauty. However, the tide is turning. Today's discourse is changing from short-term solutions to long-term skin health. A rising number of Bollywood celebrities are adopting holistic beauty, preferring clean skincare, Ayurvedic treatments, and modern non-invasive technology to injectables. 

Beauty trends, which are aggressively followed by stars, have been ever-evolving. Celebs elevate definitions of beauty with delicately molded characteristics and move towards a more natural, illuminated appearance. Kareena Kapoor Khan and Alia Bhatt have been promoting the concept of keeping skin as the top priority, which focuses on maintaining the beauty and health of the skin rather than suppressing the flaws with the help of makeup.

Deepika Padukone, noted for her appealing dark complexion, has publicly discussed the importance of skin hydration, having nutritious food, and working out regularly as the secret behind her flawless skin. 

Similarly, Anushka Sharma, who has been quite outspoken regarding natural beauty, encourages minimum or no makeup looks and promotes the use of ecological cosmetics which do not cause harm to not only your skin but also to nature. This transition toward sustainable beauty has inspired women throughout India to invest in regimens which enhance the long-term health of their skin rather than switching to products which will work for the time but be harmful in the long term.

Skincare solutions evolve in parallel with scientific developments. Things like peptides, stem cell-based serums, and formulas which boost collagen have transformed over the years. Bollywood's prominent actors frequently opt for procedures that improve their natural appearance.

Non-invasive procedures like light therapy, microneedling therapy and radio frequency procedures have grown in prominence among stars like Malaika Arora and Shilpa Shetty.

Rather than relying on procedures which include injecting substances, these procedures boost the creation of collagen, which assists in maintaining youthful skin. At-home cosmetic equipment, such as LED light therapy masks and microcurrent therapy tools, are increasingly making their way into celebrity skincare therapies, enabling non-surgical alternative treatments for tighter, brighter, youthful skin. 

Skinimalism, or the belief that less is more, has become an established style in Bollywood. Long gone are the days of applying cakey foundation and heavy contouring. This approach encourages self-acceptance by encouraging women to appreciate their unique qualities rather than striving for artificial beauty standards. This new wave of honesty and openness is resonating with people, indicating that true elegance is founded on confidence and self-care. 

Various Bollywood celebrities have been supporters of Ayurvedic skin care procedures, which are healthy for the skin with no side effects. Gua sha, facial massages and regular exfoliation using ayurvedic elements like turmeric, sandalwood, etc., have become essentials in celebrity beauty regimens.

Shilpa incorporates yoga and oil massages into her daily routine, guided by Ayurvedic principles. She emphasizes the importance of a daily routine for overall well-being.
Similarly, Anushka Sharma practices oil pulling, which is an Ayurvedic technique that helps in toning facial muscles and boosting blood circulation.

Luxury Ayurvedic products like Forest Essentials and Kama Ayurveda are becoming celebrity favorites, introducing centuries-old formulas to the modern skincare industry. These products utilize the power of saffron, ashwagandha, and rose water, which have been used by Indian royalty for years.

The world of high-end skincare is fast developing, with Bollywood A-listers leading the way. Exclusive therapies, including cryotherapy facials, exosome therapy, and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments, have supplanted Botox as the go-to answer for young skin.
The future of beauty in Bollywood is about enhancing rather than removing. With developments in tissue regeneration procedures and DNA-based remedies, the emphasis has been evolving towards customized remedies that help each one uniquely. Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly prevalent in the health and beauty sector to work on regimes for skin issues and to develop skincare regimens with long-term benefits.

Actresses who have been promoting no-makeup looks, like Taapsee Pannu and Radhika Apte, are making way for a more inclusive environment and enhanced approach towards aging. By embracing slight wrinkles and inevitable changes, they are interrogating the notion that beauty has a limited lifespan, which instead is contradictory to what they assume beauty to be.

In a culture that formerly valued perfect appearances, Bollywood is now embracing genuineness, good health, and integrative skincare. Beyond Botox is more than a passing trend; it's a transition in society concerning beauty. And as Bollywood's leading stars continue to influence millions around them, one thing is obvious: one's real beauty is eternal, and it all begins with self-love and self-care. 

Text by Aliza Noor