When Aishwarya Rai Bachchan shared her tips for glowing skin at 50: Dermatologist decodes how these work

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, at 50, continues to dazzle with her radiant skin and timeless beauty. As a well-known Bollywood celebrity, she’s often in the spotlight, but her approach to skincare remains refreshingly simple and relatable.

In a 2023 interview with Harper’s Bazaar UK, Aishwarya shared her streamlined daily routine, which prioritises hydration, cleanliness, and comfort. “It’s very simple, actually. I’m every woman – we are all racing against time; you’ve got to get up and just get on with the day. So I think the easiest thing and the most effective thing is staying hydrated and hygienic. Be clean! You have to be clean to begin with,” she said.

Aishwarya’s routine includes hydrating and moisturising morning and night, habits that have become second nature since her early days in cinema. “Moisturising has also become a way of life… whether it’s a career day…or not, moisturising at the start and end of the day is natural for me,” she shared. Reflecting on the advice she’d give her younger self, she added, “Just be yourself” and emphasised that “comfort is key.”

But just how effective is this routine? We speak to Dr Swetha Sridhar, assistant professor of dermatology at Lady Curzon and Bowring Hospital Bengaluru.

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How important is hydration for maintaining skin health and radiance?

Dr Sridhar tells indianexpress.com, “Hydration is foundational for skin health because it directly influences the skin’s structure and function. The outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, acts as a protective barrier, and adequate hydration keeps this barrier intact, preventing water loss. When skin cells are well-hydrated, they function optimally, resulting in improved elasticity, reduced wrinkles, and an overall radiant appearance.”

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Dehydration, on the other hand, causes the skin to appear dull, flaky, and prone to damage from environmental stressors, she says. “This ‘glow from the inside out’ that Aishwarya refers to is essentially the skin’s improved ability to reflect light due to its smoother and plumper texture when adequately hydrated.”

Removing environmental pollutants and microbes ensures that the skin remains healthy and can effectively carry out its functions (Source: Freepik)

How maintaining skin cleanliness impacts overall skin health

According to Dr Sridhar, the importance of skin cleanliness “cannot be overstated.” By maintaining good hygiene, individuals can prevent the build-up of dirt, oils, and pollutants on the skin, which can clog pores and lead to inflammatory conditions such as acne or dermatitis.

Additionally, removing environmental pollutants and microbes ensures that the skin remains healthy and can effectively carry out its functions, including acting as a barrier against pathogens, she says. “The skin’s acid mantle, a thin protective layer of sweat and sebum, is crucial for maintaining a balanced microbiome on the skin’s surface. A well-maintained skin microbiome supports the skin’s immune response and prevents infections.”

Moisturising morning and night is a vital part of Aishwarya’s regimen — what are the benefits of this consistency?

“Consistency in moisturising, both in the morning and evening, helps maintain the skin’s protective barrier and retain moisture throughout the day and night. A study published in Skin Research and Technology shows that regular moisturising can improve skin hydration levels by up to 35% over time,” says Dr Sridhar

Specific ingredients to look for in a moisturiser for mature skin

“For mature skin, ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which can hold 1,000 times its weight in water, are particularly beneficial. It acts as a humectant, drawing moisture from the environment into the skin, while ceramides help restore the skin’s lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss,” explains Dr Sridhar.

Anti-aging ingredients, like peptides and retinoids, also benefit from consistent use, she continues, stating that these ingredients help stimulate collagen production and accelerate cell turnover, which are vital processes that slow down with age. “Consistent moisturisation combats the dryness and flakiness that often accompanies ageing skin, giving it a more youthful, resilient appearance.”

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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