Pic by Rupinder Sharma

In an era of ultra-modern and high-tech solutions for just about anything — from losing weight, to cleansing the skin (even though it may mean scraping off an entire layer of skin) — beauty and good health have seen a transformation over the years. From quick surgeries resulting in shrinking appetites, plump lips and taut skin, you have it all on a platter for a price (and not necessarily just in terms of money).

My constant efforts are to make people — especially children — embrace healthy lifestyles. I have tried to make corporate heads de-stress through meditation and inhalation of natural essential oils and have made great enemies through my sessions with travel planners on creating Do Nothing Holidays (something which is almost impossible for some).

So, what should be the beauty predictions for 2013? To try and bring a bit more of Mother Nature’s magic into our lives. You’ll see the difference for yourselves:

1. There are many ‘arts’ to follow with their never-ending promises — the art of giving, the art of living, the art of spending, the art of meditation.... Try mine — the Art of Breathing. Slow down and listen to your breathing. Did you know that many illnesses and maladies that plague us are due to incorrect breathing? Alter your breathing consciously even if it’s for 20 minutes a day and focus on it. Deep breathe — that is, inhale and exhale deeply and slowly –—and it will relax and rejuvenate both your mind and body.

2. Pollution, unhealthy diets and stressed lifestyles result in dull, dry skin which is made
worse with chemical soaps and washes. Natural alternatives are going to become even bigger this year — ubtans, natural scrubs, exfoliants, loofahs — which provide acupressure and have cleansing properties as well.

3. The use of natural products will always be in vogue specially in India. I would predict a growing demand of products — creams, gels, scrubs and oils — prepared with precious metals and mineral extracts like gold and silver. Bhasms from metals have been used in the Ayurvedic and beauty industry for a long time. Bhasms are purified extracts that helps balance the five elements in the body and also improve and add radiance to the skin besides having anti-ageing properties. The focus is back on the use of these ingredients.

4. I think people will make a more conscious effort to bring back serenity and calmness to their lives. Whether through spa get-togethers — which should be followed like a doctor’s prescription — or taking quiet walks —bonding is in. Listen to Nature and you will hear Nature listening to you. We have already given in to too much noise and pollution in our lives that’s in fact affecting our skin, hair and bodies. It’s time to usher in a radical change.

5. Detox is ‘in’…whether for the skin, body or soul. Replace tea and coffee with herbal teas and natural drinks. Replace fast food with slow cooking and instant skin solutions with a skin discipline programmecomprising natural products thatare chemical-free and have rejuvenating properties.