Ever since Baba Ramdev burst on to the scene, the concept of beauty has also undergone sea change. The inclination has shifted from use of cosmetics to yoga exercises. Being a beauty professional how you do you look at this shift?

It is a shift towards better living. Cosmetics do not solve any deep-rooted problems. Yoga and exercises are more vitalising than the use of cosmetics alone. Thus I cannot decry the worth of yoga, just because it is not directly linked to my profession. Beauticians have been vocal about the use of excessive cosmetics, as cheaper varieties may have harmful chemicals that may have adverse affects on the skin. We have been advocating the use of ayurvedic beauty products, which are not harmful.

This means, you agree with Baba Ramdev as he expects people to give up cosmetics of some particular brands?

You see, the urge to look beautiful is so strong among the people, particularly among young girls that they rush in for whatever brand that is advertised. At a time when strong advertisement generates popularity, rather than inherent quality, it is likely for most people to be trapped into using a wrong product. The advice, to give up the use of cosmetics in general and adhere to exercises, is not a harmful idea.

What is your idea of including yoga in the science of beauty?

Yoga is a very vast subject. It is about health and beauty and even exists beyond all these. Deeper involvement into it leads us to frontiers beyond material concerns. Inclusion of some yoga in beauty therapy would certainly yield positive results. Exercise helps us to relax, improves blood circulation and ensures a healthy mind. A healthy person looks much better, while an unhealthy life style shows. Exercise, including freehand ones, are always included by us in our beauty cures.

Shiv Charan Singh