The dark side of the glow-up

Bengaluru: As the pressure to conform to beauty standards intensifies across India, experts warn of the hidden health dangers behind quick-fix procedures. Ageless beauty' may be the aspiration, but it’s increasingly coming at the cost of real health. From Botox parties to IV drips promising skin lightening and collagen boosts, India’s obsession with the perfect face and flawless body needs a reality check.

Social media filters, celebrity endorsements, and an unrelenting beauty industry have ushered in a wave of quick-fix treatments that promise transformation but often hide the risks beneath the glow. This growing trend took a tragic turn recently with the sudden death of Mumbai-based actress Shefali Jariwala.

At just 42, Shefali collapsed after reportedly self-administering a Vitamin C drip and anti-ageing injection while fasting. Investigators found several beauty supplements and injectable products at her residence, raising alarm bells across the medical fraternity.

Influenced by celebrity transformations and wellness influencers, many individuals are resorting to an array of skin-boosting injectables, hormonal therapies, supplements, and aesthetic procedures in pursuit of eternal youth.

However, experts caution that many of these popular solutions lack scientific backing and can be deeply harmful if misused. “The desire to achieve a ‘perfect’ look to meet societal expectations is something most people can relate to. But whether it's quick fixes or longer-term treatments, it’s crucial to follow professional guidelines,” warns Dr. Chitralekha, a Bengaluru-based dermatologist. She explains that misuse of even seemingly safe supplements like creatine or protein can lead to renal failure, liver damage, and mental health disturbances.

“Beyond skin deep, these products can disturb the entire system,” she says. Supplements marketed as skin-enhancing or anti-ageing can result in allergic reactions, nerve issues, or even multi-organ strain, especially when consumed without medical supervision. With regulation still lagging in India’s booming online wellness space, consumers often turn to unverified products, many of which escape any form of quality control.

Dr. Shilpa Bhat, Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Director in Bengaluru, adds, “No qualified dermatologist would recommend treatments like IV Glutathione for cosmetic use. These were never designed for beauty, they were for clinical or athletic recovery purposes.” She criticises the influence of celebrities promoting such therapies while maintaining unhealthy lifestyles themselves.

“Even food-based supplements should only be taken under supervision. Overdosing is real, and I’ve turned away clients pushing for excess treatment,” she says. As India's beauty and wellness market booms, the need for stricter regulations, awareness, and medical oversight becomes more urgent than ever.

Dr. Chitralekha emphasises: “These products are often manufactured carelessly, because there’s always a market. Without regulation or safety monitoring, consumers are left vulnerable to false claims and worse, real harm.”