‘What I wish I knew about beauty at 18 instead of 43’: Mini Mathur shares some self-care lessons

TV show host and actor Mini Mathur has always been vocal about issues that impact girls and women. As part of her recent initiative to create awareness about things concerning women's health, she listed a few lessons she learnt only at 43. "What I wish I knew about beauty at 18 instead of 43. Skincare is more about consistency over the years than quick fixes just like most things in life," she shared in a post on her initiative Pausitive's Instagram. (Photo: Pausitive/Instagram)

She captioned the post, "If only my 18 year old self knew that it’s the consistency and not the fads that win. We can send this to our girls so they know better.. but all is not lost and self care has never been more important than it is RIGHT NOW :)" (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Clean your face every night. I know it's 2 am and you have come back from a party and you are tired or watching OTT or reading..but get up and wash that face. Cleansing face at night is a valid point, said Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and certified diabetes educator. Removing dirt, oil, makeup, and pollutants prevents clogged pores and skin irritation. "Skincare is not only about external cleansing; systemic inflammation (from diet, stress, poor sleep, and high sugar intake) also contributes to acne, dullness, and premature ageing. Support clear skin via a diet rich in antioxidants (berries, leafy greens), omega-3 fatty acids (walnuts, flaxseeds, fish), and reducing refined sugars which promote skin glycation and acne," said Malhotra. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Use that big bottle of moisturiser. It's a very bad idea to sleep all night without hydrating your face. Moisture loss increases overnight; hydrating helps barrier repair. But, Malhotra emphasised internal hydration and nutrient intake (vitamin C, zinc, protein, essential fats) are equally, if not more, important for maintaining skin elasticity. "Include hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, citrus fruits, and nuts/seeds that replenish natural oils," said Malhotra. (Photo: Pausitive/Instagram)

Don't bleach and colour your hair too often. I know it looks fabulous but it destroys the quality of your hair and the shine, Mathur shared. "Excess chemical treatments damage cuticle strength, leading to dryness and breakage. Having said that, hair health is strongly tied to nutrition — low protein, iron deficiency, and inadequate B vitamins contribute to loss of shine and hair thinning," Malhotra concurred. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Rub fruit peels on the skin whenever eating that fruit. There's a lot of free skincare in there. According to Malhotra, while fruit peels contain antioxidants and mild exfoliants (AHAs, vitamin C), they can be irritating and unhygienic if not used carefully. "Instead of applying raw peels, eat the fruits. Vitamin C (oranges, guava, kiwi) boosts collagen synthesis from within. Polyphenols in pomegranate and green tea work at the cellular level against free radicals," Malhotra said. (Photo: Pixabay)

Don't forget to drink water. Hydration supports cellular function and helps skin appear plump, Malhotra noted. However, beyond a point (e.g., >3-4 liters daily without medical need), excess water does not "add glow"; water balance depends on electrolytes too. "Adequate hydration + balanced electrolytes (potassium from bananas, magnesium from nuts) help maintain healthy skin and energy," Malhotra added. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

The negative things you say to yourself are not true. So, don't say it. Your body's listening. Your appearance is not the source of your power but it's about you make people feel about themselves. There's nothing as beautiful as confidence and health, Mathur said. (Photo: Freepik)

Concurring, Malhotra shared, "Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which accelerates skin aging, increases acne, and influences weight. Practices like yoga, mindfulness, and stable blood sugar regulation (eating protein- and fiber-rich meals) directly reduce stress impact on skin and hair." (Photo: Freepik)