Shefali Jariwala death: Top aestheticians explain anti-ageing fixation among celebs

India Today

13 hours ago

The fixation around staying younger among people, especially celebrities, has opened a Pandora's box. Actor Shefali Jariwala's sudden death has put a spotlight on the growing trend of using anti-ageing medication.Doctors suggest that anti-ageing took centre stage in the early 2000s after Hollywood became obsessed with looking perpetually young. As Indian celebrities also followed suit, their fans too realised that it's easier done than it looks. All you need is a loose string on your purse.In the popular fairy tale story, the witch had to kidnap Rapunzel to use her magical hair powers to stay younger forever, but celebrity dermatologists suggest that the same can be achieved in thousands. As per sources, while Botox is priced at Rs 5000 onwards, one can get fillers for Rs 15,000 and above. The thread's procedure costs Rs 30,000 to 40,000, while IV infusion is priced at Rs 6000 to Rs 8000.India Today spoke to Mumbai's top celebrity aestheticians, who shed light on the craze for anti-ageing and how one can avoid any kind of complications while undergoing these treatments.The pressure to look 'flawless'Dr Jyoti Aneja (founder of La Grace Luxury Skin Clinic) shared that the rise of high-definition cameras, red carpets, paparazzi and now social media has created an unrelenting pressure to look flawless, at every angle, every moment. She mentioned that what started as a pursuit of vanity has evolved, as people are trying to prolong their vitality to look and perform better in their 40s and 50s."Celebrities aren't chasing youth, they're chasing longevity," she said.But can anti-ageing medicines keep one young forever? The answer is a clear no from Dr Apratim Goel, founder of Cutis Clinic.She mentioned that no medical treatments can stop ageing, but they can slow down certain signs, be it wrinkles, skin sagging, pigmentation or tiredness."But they don't change your biological age. Ageing is natural, and while we can manage it smartly, there is no 'forever youth' pill."She also addressed how unrealistic beauty standards affect mental health."The obsession with flawless skin and eternal youth leads to anxiety, body image issues and low self-esteem, especially among youngsters. People need to understand, beauty evolves with age. Healthy skin is better than white or wrinkle-free skin. We should feel empowered by skincare, not enslaved by it. It is okay to do aesthetic treatments if it makes you feel good, but don't resort to shortcuts."The most sought-after anti-ageing treatments and medicinesGiving a low-down on the most popular anti-ageing medicines and procedures among celebrities, Dr Goel said that celebrities often choose a combination of treatments like Botox for wrinkle prevention, fillers to restore lost volume, laser and RF treatments for skin tightening and pigmentation and skin boosters like Profhilo or NCTF for hydration and skin quality."There are skin-tightening procedures like Endolift, threads, HIFU and Ulthera. Also popular are oral supplements like collagen, NAD+ and sometimes off-label medications like fat burners, semaglutide, metformin or peptides. These should essentially be taken under a doctor's guidance," she added.Dr Aneja also elaborated on the same."Glutathione injections are popular for that lit-from-within radiance. It's a master antioxidant that helps detox the body and brighten the skin by subtly reducing melanin production. NAD IVs, which are like charging your cellular batteries, boost energy, support DNA repair and are often called 'ageing's off switch'. Topical retinoids continue to be the gold standard. These vitamin-A derivatives boost collagen, reduce pigmentation and refine skin texture over time. There's also PRP and microneedling, popularly called 'vampire facials', which use your growth factors to stimulate skin renewal.""Non-invasive lifting treatments such as Thermage, Ultherapy and Morpheus are like a time machine – no surgery, no downtime. Then there are HiFEM + RF bodysculpting treatments (EmSculpt NEO, Emsella), which act as a medical gym from core to floor. They tone muscle and melt fat in one go. Many are also opting for IV nutritional drips, vitamin cocktails, glutathione boosters and hydration bags – wellness on drip for instant revival post-flight or pre-event," the dermatologist said.Know of the risks tooDr Aneja, however, warned that even the safest treatments need the right hands.While glutathione can cause sudden drops in blood pressure and dizziness, especially if done on an empty stomach, NAD IVs' side effects include potential nausea, fatigue or liver strain if not administered carefully.Dr Aneja added, "Misuse over time can lead to fluid retention and insulin resistance. Also, Botox and fillers when botched can cause 'frozen expressions', asymmetry or worse, vascular complications leading to skin necrosis."Amid the sudden death controversy of Shefali Jariwala, Dr Goel also mentioned that in rare cases, these medicines can contribute to severe events like a heart attack or even death, especially if pre-existing conditions or illnesses are present."If taken incorrectly, especially unsupervised IV drips or high-dose vitamins, there are risks. A common trend among celebrities is to opt for these treatments at home without proper medical supervision."She also warned of allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), heart rhythm disturbances, organ overload (liver or kidney), risk of air embolism or infections with home IV use and added that some fat-loss injections or anti-ageing meds can alter metabolism and cause serious imbalances.The self-prescribed menaceDr Goel also touched upon the subject of unprescribed anti-ageing and vitamins being used by people, even celebrities."This is a disturbing trend. Social media pressure, unrealistic beauty standards, a quick-fix mentality, misguidance and a lack of proper regulation of wellness providers have all contributed. Celebrities are constantly in the spotlight, so there's a fear of looking old, and in trying to maintain perfection, many turn to non-medical sources or influencers for solutions, which is risky."Calling out Gen Z for self-prescribing NAD drips or popping anti-ageing pills in their 20s, Dr Aneja also said, "They are using meds their skin hasn't even asked for yet – whether it's glutathione injections, collagen pills or NAD IVs from unverified sources. India's regulations around cosmetic IVs and oral supplements are still evolving. Many products sold online skip medical scrutiny entirely. This makes it essential to consult a board-certified dermatologist. Your skin deserves science, not shortcuts from a viral reel."Both doctors stressed that before taking any kind of medicine, one should always consult a certified doctor or dermatologist. No one should self-medicate or buy products online without a prescription, and one must always ask about product authenticity and source."Go to clinics with proper emergency protocols in place. Start slow, listen to your body and follow up regularly. Anti-ageing is a medical process, not a spa treatment, and definitely not a fashion. Don't compare yourself to filtered faces online, and always believe that confidence is the best glow-up," Dr Goel said.Dr Aneja also added that one should stick to science: use sunscreen, get enough sleep, eat healthily, stay hydrated and work out."Simplify your skincare, avoid stress and laugh more. Graceful ageing isn't about fighting age, it's about embracing yourself, feeling confident and taking care of your skin the right way."- Ends
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