Social media is flooded with skincare trends — from “slugging” to “skin cycling.” But do they actually work? Dr (Major) Gurveen Waraich rates six of the most viral beauty hacks to reveal what’s worth your time and what’s just hype.

The world of skincare is constantly evolving, with TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube serving as breeding grounds for viral beauty hacks. From dipping your face in ice water to layering thick ointments at night, these trends often promise glowing, youthful skin — but not all deliver.

To separate fact from fad, dermatologist Dr (Major) Gurveen Waraich shared her expert take on six of the most talked-about skincare and haircare trends dominating social media right now.

🧊 1. Ice Face Dipping (Rating: 5/10)

The trend: Submerging your face in ice water for a few seconds to tighten pores and reduce puffiness.

What the expert says:
Dr Waraich confirms it can temporarily improve circulation, reduce morning puffiness, and make skin look fresher. However, she warns that these effects are short-lived and purely cosmetic. Overuse can even irritate sensitive skin or worsen rosacea.

Takeaway:
✅ Works as a quick refresh
🚫 No long-term benefits

Pro tip: Use a cold compress or chilled jade roller for similar effects with less mess.

💧 2. Slugging (Rating: 7/10)

The trend: Applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) as the final step in your nighttime routine to “lock in” moisture.

What the expert says:
Dr Waraich recommends slugging for people with dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin. It effectively prevents transepidermal water loss, helping the skin barrier recover.

However, those with oily or acne-prone skin should approach carefully — it can clog pores or worsen breakouts.

Takeaway:
✅ Great for dry skin or barrier repair
🚫 Risky for oily/acne-prone types

Pro tip: Try a thin layer over moisturiser instead of full-face slugging.

🌿 3. Rosemary Oil for Hair (Rating: 4/10)

The trend: Massaging rosemary oil into the scalp to promote hair growth.

What the expert says:
While some studies hint at rosemary oil improving scalp circulation, Dr Waraich stresses that scientific proof remains limited. Any benefits are likely modest and slow to appear.

Takeaway:
✅ Safe when diluted properly
🚫 Results vary; not a miracle oil

Pro tip: Use a few drops mixed with carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba), and avoid applying it directly to the scalp.

🔄 4. Skin Cycling (Rating: 10/10)

The trend: Rotating skincare actives—using retinoids one night, exfoliants the next, and recovery products afterward—to balance results and barrier protection.

What the expert says:
Dr Waraich calls this “the most balanced routine” for active users. It allows skin time to heal and rebuild, preventing irritation from overuse of potent ingredients.

Takeaway:
✅ Effective for all skin types
✅ Scientifically sound and dermatologist-approved

Pro tip: A simple 4-night cycle:

• Night 1: Exfoliate (AHA/BHA)
• Night 2: Retinoid
• Night 3 & 4: Recovery (hydration + barrier support)

🎭 5. Face Taping (Rating: 0/10)

The trend: Applying adhesive tapes to “train” skin and reduce wrinkles overnight.

What the expert says:
Dr Waraich strongly advises against it. The adhesive can irritate, tear delicate facial skin, and damage the protective barrier — potentially accelerating aging instead of reversing it.

Takeaway:
🚫 Gimmick, not science
🚫 May cause irritation or micro-tears

Pro tip: Instead, invest in gentle facial massages or retinol-based products to improve firmness safely.

🌾 6. Rice Water for Skin (Rating: 6/10)

The trend: Using water from soaked or boiled rice as a natural toner or rinse.

What the expert says:
Rice water contains antioxidants and soothing compounds. Though scientific data is limited, many find it calming and hydrating — especially for sensitive or irritated skin.

Takeaway:
✅ Gentle and safe for most skin types
🚫 Limited scientific backing

Pro tip: Refrigerate rice water for 24 hours and use it as a toner or mask base for a refreshing DIY treatment.

🌟 Final Verdict: Expert Summary

👩‍⚕️ Expert’s Closing Thoughts

She also advises consulting a certified dermatologist before introducing new actives or DIY remedies, especially if you have sensitive, acne-prone, or reactive skin.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan once again proved why she is regarded as a global fashion icon, as she walked the ramp at Le Défilé L’Oréal during Paris Fashion Week 2025. Dressed in a diamond-studded sherwani designed by ace couturier Manish Malhotra, Aishwarya brought Bollywood’s timeless elegance to one of the biggest international fashion stages.

The sherwani was not just a garment but a cultural statement—an androgynous couture piece that married Indian heritage with Parisian high fashion. Studded with diamond detailing, embroidered with precision, and styled with dramatic cuffs, the outfit struck the perfect balance between ornament and armour.

A Couture Moment that Paused Paris

Paris is no stranger to spectacle, but Aishwarya’s appearance was more than just a show—it was a cultural handshake between India and global couture. The sherwani’s diamond-studded embroidery glittered under the runway lights, reminiscent of starlight scattered across the night sky. The back of the sherwani featured cascading scalloped diamond motifs, a subtle nod to the nau lakha haar, seamlessly integrated into the design rather than treated as an accessory.

This wasn’t fashion as clothing; it was fashion as storytelling—a translation of Indian craftsmanship for a global audience. The audience’s reaction was telling: applause, stunned silence, and a wave of adoration across social media.

Manish Malhotra’s Vision

Designer Manish Malhotra, who has long championed Indian aesthetics on global platforms, described the look as a fusion of heritage and modernity. His design philosophy with this sherwani was to celebrate the regality of Indian attire while presenting it in a fresh, fearless form suitable for Paris’s avant-garde runway.

On his social media, Malhotra shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of the look, which quickly went viral. Fashion critics across the globe hailed the creation as a couture masterclass that blurred the line between jewellery and clothing.

Beauty that Complemented the Couture

Aishwarya’s beauty look was understated yet powerful, allowing the sherwani to command attention. Her hair flowed in soft, natural waves, framing her face without stealing focus from the couture. The makeup palette leaned toward earthy glam—dewy foundation, sculpted cheekbones, and a pop of bold red lipstick. Her eyes carried a perfect balance of shimmer and sharp liner, bringing a touch of drama without overwhelming the look.

This careful styling reflected the runway strategy: restraint paired with statement, heritage merged with modern glamour.

Why This Walk Matters

For Aishwarya Rai, this was more than just a fashion appearance. It was a global reassertion of Indian couture on one of the most influential runways in the world. Her walk demonstrated that tradition, when presented with conviction, is not static—it evolves, inspires, and challenges expectations.

In a fashion industry often chasing novelty, Aishwarya reminded everyone that true style lies in timeless storytelling. Her sherwani was not simply worn; it was performed—making Paris Fashion Week 2025 a moment that will be remembered in the annals of both Bollywood glamour and international fashion.

The nine-day Sharadiya Navratri festival began today with grand celebrations across India, as devotees gathered in temples to worship Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms. The auspicious festival, which symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, is marked with prayers, fasting, and cultural festivities such as Garba and Dandiya.

Devotees throng temples across India

From Delhi to Mumbai and Madhya Pradesh, temples were filled with spiritual fervor on the first day of Navratri 2025.

• Delhi: Large crowds gathered at Kalkaji Temple, Jhandewalan Temple, and the Shree Adya Katyayani Shaktipeeth Mandir in Chhatarpur, where morning aarti was offered with chants and devotional hymns.
• Mumbai: The historic Mumbadevi Temple witnessed the sacred Kakad Aarti ceremony, a traditional ritual marking the beginning of festivities.
• Madhya Pradesh: Thousands of devotees visited the famous Maa Baglamukhi Temple in Nalkheda, Agar Malwa district, believed to have links to the Mahabharata era, adding to its spiritual significance.

The significance of Navratri

Navratri is one of Hinduism’s most sacred and vibrant festivals, dedicated to worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga, collectively known as Navdurga. Each day is devoted to a different form of the Goddess, symbolizing aspects such as strength, courage, purity, wisdom, and compassion.

This year, Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana and the worship of Maa Shailputri on September 22, 2025, and will conclude on Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on October 2, 2025.

Devotees observe fasts (vrat), install a kalash at home or temples during shubh muhurat, chant mantras, and perform aarti seeking blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual strength.

Navratri traditions and celebrations

• Fasting & Puja: Devotees abstain from grains and non-vegetarian food, offering fruits, sweets, and special vrat meals to the Goddess.
• Cultural festivities: In Gujarat and Maharashtra, traditional Garba and Dandiya nights bring communities together with colourful attire, music, and dance.
• Durga Puja Pandals: In West Bengal and eastern India, grand Durga Puja pandals are set up with artistic idols of Maa Durga, attracting lakhs of devotees.

A festival of unity and devotion

Navratri transcends regions, blending spirituality with cultural celebration. From the Himalayas to the coastal temples of South India, the Goddess is invoked with devotion and splendour, making Navratri not just a religious occasion but also a festival of togetherness, joy, and cultural pride.