Ayurveda, Beauty and the Power of Perseverance

Shahnaz Husain

Shahnaz Husain, a pioneer of the Ayurvedic beauty movement, on natural beauty, holistic wellness, women entrepreneurship and the lessons from five decades of building an Ayurvedic beauty legacy

What inspired you to enter the field of beauty and Ayurveda?

It was my innate interest in cosmetology that inspired me to pursue the field. While studying cosmetology abroad, I came across cases of serious skin and eye damage linked to synthetic beauty products. This prompted me to seek safer, natural alternatives.

Ayurveda and its principles became the ultimate natural solution, which I pioneered. I bottled 300 years of civilisation in a jar and offered safe, effective and holistic beauty solutions.

What daily habits do you recommend for healthy and glowing skin?

Skin and hair care are forms of self-care that allow you to prioritise your well-being and invest in yourself. You are sending a message of self-love and self-respect. I recommend following a proper skincare regime that includes CTMP: cleansing, toning, moisturising and protection with SPF. This should be a daily habit to help maintain good skin health.

Additionally, using natural ingredients such as sandalwood powder mixed with rose water can help polish the skin. You can even add a pinch of turmeric powder to it. Apply it as a mask on your face once a week and rinse it off when dry. You will notice the difference.

What are the most common skincare mistakes that young people make today?

Ignoring proper skin cleansing, sleeping with makeup on and using chemical products are some of the common mistakes. I have also observed a trend among youngsters of applying too many skincare products, which can lead to skin irritation, redness and, eventually, skin damage in the long term.

I suggest using fewer products, wearing light makeup, double-cleansing your skin daily and always removing your makeup the moment you reach home. Before going to sleep, you can massage your face with pure almond oil, which repairs, restores and refines the skin while you sleep.

How can people take proper care of their skin and hair during the summer season?

I believe proper skin and hair care during summer begins with keeping the body cool and hydrated. Drink plenty of water, coconut water and fresh fruit juices. Remember to include cooling foods such as cucumber, watermelon and leafy vegetables in your diet.

Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure by using natural ingredients such as aloe vera, rose water and sandalwood, while cleansing gently to remove sweat and impurities.

For healthy hair, oiling with coconut oil once or twice a week can help prevent dryness and heat damage. Adequate sleep, stress management and avoiding excessive spicy or fried foods will help maintain healthy, glowing skin and strong hair during the hot summer months.

How important is Ayurveda in today's modern world?

Ayurveda is highly relevant in today's modern world because of its focus on preventive healthcare, natural healing and overall well-being rather than simply treating symptoms.

The core principles of Ayurveda emphasise balanced nutrition, healthy lifestyle habits, stress management and personalised care. It helps people cope with modern challenges such as stress, poor sleep and lifestyle-related disorders that can affect skin and hair quality.

By combining ancient wisdom with a holistic approach to health, Ayurveda continues to support physical, mental and emotional wellness in a natural and sustainable way. It is the core ideology behind the modern trends of wellness, sustainability and a holistic lifestyle.

Can you share some simple natural beauty remedies that people can try at home?

During these hot and humid months of summer, I suggest regularly using rose water on your face. You can carry it in a bottle and spritz it on your face to refresh and rejuvenate the skin.

Regularly use aloe vera gel on your face as it can help prevent sunburn and reverse damage, if any. Always apply sunblock every two hours if you plan to stay out in the sun and carry SPF with you. Use pure, Ayurveda-based products to maintain healthy skin.

The intensity of heat is increasing, and it has become difficult to manage without air conditioning. However, air conditioning can also affect the skin. What are the remedies or precautions to protect the skin from its harmful effects?

Prolonged exposure to AC can reduce moisture levels in the skin, leading to dryness, dullness, irritation and premature ageing. It is essential to protect your skin and stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Use a gentle, water-based moisturiser that is easily absorbed by the skin. Remember, it is important to maintain the skin's moisture barrier.

Regularly apply hydrating natural ingredients such as raw milk cream. Leave it on for 15 minutes and rinse it off. You can also apply natural oils such as almond or coconut oil, depending on your skin type. To maintain moisture balance, it is essential to regularly consume coconut water.

If possible, use a humidifier indoors to counteract the drying effects of air conditioning and keep your skin healthy and supple.

What advice would you give to women who want to start their own business?

I advise women to cultivate resilience, never accept defeat as final, and build a legacy rooted in authenticity and purpose. I believe it is essential to sharpen your skills.

Have the courage to carve a unique path rather than simply chasing trends.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from your journey to success?

The importance of perseverance and believing in your vision, even when faced with doubt or resistance, is the foundation for building a successful legacy. Success does not come overnight, especially when you are introducing something new, such as Ayurvedic beauty, into a market dominated by chemical cosmetics.

But my self-belief and the ingrained principles and teachings of my father, Chief Justice Nasirullah Beg, have helped me whenever I have faced challenges in my life.

Patience is a virtue, while integrity and consistency are essential too. True success comes when your work is aligned with a meaningful purpose that benefits others.

What has been the biggest challenge in your life and career?

Not one, but two have been the biggest challenges. One was breaking the gender stereotype of women being homemakers and caregivers. Another was establishing and pioneering Ayurveda in a synthetic and chemically driven cosmetic market.

With discipline, passion, determination and authenticity, along with a commitment to the purity of ingredients and the principles of Ayurveda, I established a legacy of 50 years of excellence and counting.