In an age of reels, trends, and skincare hacks, it’s harder than ever to separate beauty facts from fiction. Hashtag Magazine turned to dermatologists and skincare experts to decode what truly benefits your skin, and what belongs in the bin. Here’s the expert-approved truth your skin has been waiting for. Dr Anupriya Goel is an Aesthetic Dermatologist and Medical Director of Berkowits Hair and Skin Clinics. She is the author of the book, How to Get Glass Skin, published by Penguin House. She actively writes articles in medical journals and newspapers and has more than 20 million views on her YouTube videos. She is a National trainer of anti-ageing procedures like Botox, fillers and threadlift and an international trainer for hair growth treatments. Can climate and pollution directly affect skin health and trigger skin problems? Yes. Climate and pollution have a direct impact on skin health. Extreme temperatures, low humidity, and UV exposure can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dryness, sensitivity, pigmentation, acne, and premature ageing. Pollution particles generate free radicals that increase oxidative stress, damage collagen, worsen inflammation, and aggravate conditions like acne, eczema, and melasma. Is it necessary to change skincare products when the seasons change? In many cases, yes. Skin needs change with the weather. During colder or drier months, the skin tends to lose moisture faster and may require richer moisturisers and gentler cleansers. In hot or humid seasons, lighter formulations, non-comedogenic products, and better oil control are often needed. Adjusting skincare helps maintain a healthy skin barrier year-round. Can a damaged skin barrier cause multiple skin issues at the same time? Absolutely. The skin barrier is essential for retaining moisture and protecting against irritants, allergens, and microbes. When it is compromised, the skin becomes more prone to dryness, redness, acne, sensitivity, infections, and flare-ups

As 2026 begins, Hashtag Magazine speaks to fitness and wellness influencers to learn about their goals, routines, and trends for the year ahead. From mindful movement to holistic health, here’s how they plan to stay strong, balanced, and inspired. Mihir Jogh: Bringing Balance and Clarity through Yoga Mihir Jogh is a seasoned yoga teacher and founder of JogaShala, an online platform rooted in classical Hatha yoga and enriched with modern movement, mobility, and breath work practices. With over 15 years of teaching experience, Mihir is celebrated for his thoughtful sequencing, alignment focus, and ability to make yoga practical, grounding, and relevant to modern life. His work empowers people to find freedom in their bodies, clarity in their minds, and confidence in movement both on and off the mat. New Year’s Resolution for 2026–For 2026, Mihir plans to place self-care at the heart of his life. “This means prioritizing rest, sleep, and intentional travel, and allowing myself time to absorb each experience truly,” he explains. He is also returning to study in an ashram, approaching his own practice with humility and curiosity. Transformative Habits–He recommends a straightforward habit for overall well-being: a daily disconnect. Even a few minutes away from screens, notifications, and constant stimulation through quiet reflection, journaling, conscious breathing, or yoga, which can reset the nervous system and reconnect us with our inner rhythm. Yoga for Stress and Digital Fatigue–Mihir observes that people are turning to yoga not just for flexibility, but to cope with stress, burnout, and digital overload. “Yoga teaches us to slow down, breathe consciously, and respond instead of reacting,” he says. Simple practices like mindful movement, breath awareness, and strategic pauses help regulate the nervous system and cultivate resilience in an increasingly demanding world. Karina Trigubchak: Mindful Movement, Meaningful Strength Karina Trigubchak is a wellness

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on achieving harmony between the body, mind, and spirit through natural methods such as diet, herbal remedies, and lifestyle adjustments. This “science of life” is moving far beyond its Indian origins to become a globally embraced approach to health, attracting millions who seek natural balance. The global market for Ayurvedic medicine and related services was estimated at $17.15 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $85.83 billion by 2033, demonstrating explosive growth. This expansion reflects a global shift toward balanced, natural living. For example, Ayurveda views leisure as essential for well-being. Taking time for sports, socializing, or even playing the wonderland live casino game supports this balance, offering mental renewal through engaging experiences. As this philosophy spreads, it is reshaping health, beauty, and wellness worldwide, moving beyond purely allopathic approaches. Global Acceptance of Ayurvedic Practices The international community is increasingly recognizing Ayurveda as a viable complementary health system. Organizations around the world are taking steps to regulate and promote its use. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) has actively supported the development and regulation of traditional and complementary medicine globally. Official Recognition and Integration The integration of Ayurvedic principles into mainstream health systems is a major trend. Over 80 percent of the population across 170 countries reportedly use traditional medicine, including Ayurveda. Academic and clinical collaborations are also expanding. The acceptance is moving beyond simple acknowledgment into formal regulatory frameworks. Several Western nations now permit registered practitioners to operate legally: The United States National Institutes of Health recognizes Ayurvedic medicine as a form of complementary and alternative medicine. Five nations within the European Union formally recognize Ayurvedic therapy, acknowledging its therapeutic value. India established the Ministry of Ayush to promote education, research, and propagation of indigenous medicine systems

In 2025, bridal beauty is all about achieving glowing skin, embracing individuality, and exuding timeless elegance. Celebrity makeup artist Bianca Louzado, known for her work with some of India’s most famous brides, shares her expert insights on the looks, palettes, and tips that are defining this year’s weddings. What’s the most significant bridal makeup trend of 2025? Fresh, luminous skin with a ‘your skin but better’ finish is dominating this year. Brides want understated elegance soft sculpting, creamy products, and light-reflecting highlights that create an ethereal glow. Brides are still inspired by celebrity weddings. “For Sanjana Ganesan at her wedding with Jasprit Bumrah, I created a fresh, skin-focused look that remains a favourite today. Kiara Advani’s dewy glow and Alia Bhatt’s romantic minimalism are also top references, while Priyanka Chopra’s modern-traditional fusion appeals to brides who want balance. For intimate and destination weddings, soft glam effortless, romantic looks are most popular. But in grand, multi-day North Indian celebrations, traditional glam with bold eyes and vibrant colours continues to shine. Colours & Palettes to Watch Warm peach, muted rose, soft corals Gold, champagne, and bronze shimmer for the eyes Matte berry lips for winter weddings Glossy nude lips for summer ceremonies How does destination wedding makeup differ by climate? Beach weddings: Lightweight, sweat-resistant products with SPF and minimal powdering. Cold climates: Rich hydration layers, creamy textures, subtle highlighter. Dry regions like Rajasthan: Matte long-wear bases with hydrating prep, warm earthy tones. Do’s & Don’ts for Brides See a dermatologist several months in advance and stick to a consistent skincare routine. Avoid experimenting with facials or new skincare products right before the big day. What mistakes do brides commonly make? Over-exfoliating, last-minute treatments, and ignoring the event’s lighting when finalizing looks. Lighting matters more than most people realize. If a trial is