By Sitha Maliwa:
In a world hypnotised by high-definition filters, airbrushed faces, and the relentless chase for youth, one voice dares to speak the truth: beauty, in its purest form, cannot be bottled, injected, or Photoshopped. It must be lived.
That voice belongs to Dr. Sujata Garach, a Medical Aesthetic and Women’s Wellness expert who has spent decades peeling back the layers of superficial beauty to reveal something far more powerful: wellness as the ultimate glow-up.
“As an aesthetic doctor, I’ve seen firsthand that true beauty begins within,” says Dr. Garach. “What we eat, how we live, and how we manage stress – these elements shape not only our appearance, but our vitality.”
The silent saboteurs of radiance
For Dr. Garach, beauty is not just about clear skin or lifted brows – it’s about resilience. Yet, every day, she witnesses the silent culprits dulling that inner spark.
“Your skin is your body’s largest organ. If your body is dehydrated, inflamed, or under stress, your skin will show it.”
She points to two of the biggest enemies of wellness: smoking and alcohol. “Cigarette smoke damages collagen and elastin, leading to premature ageing, while alcohol dehydrates the skin and disrupts sleep and nutrition,” she warns.
But her approach is not one of shame or rigid perfection. Instead, she offers hope through harm reduction – a gentler, more realistic path to healing.
“It’s not about quitting everything at once. It’s about making small, sustainable changes that reduce the damage and improve your quality of life.”
Small choices, massive shifts
Her philosophy? Small hinges swing big doors.
“Cutting back on sugar, for instance, can help stabilise blood sugar and reduce acne,” she says. “Opt for natural alternatives like fruit, and start reading food labels to avoid hidden sugars.”
For women gripped by the habit of smoking, Dr. Garach offers an empowering alternative:
“If quitting feels overwhelming, consider safer alternatives like nicotine patches, pouches, or gum. Each step away from cigarettes benefits your skin and your lungs.”
And for those leaning on a glass of wine as a daily ritual, she says transformation lies in simple swaps:
“Try replacing that evening glass of wine with a mocktail or herbal tea. You’ll notice the difference in your skin’s hydration and your mental clarity.”
Where beauty breathes: In the heart of nature
There is a poetic simplicity to Dr. Garach’s solution to stress and burnout. It doesn’t lie in the latest anti-aging serum—it lies beneath our feet and above our heads.
“Reconnect with nature. A walk in the park, a few minutes of deep breathing under a tree – these moments ground us and reduce our reliance on harmful coping mechanisms.”
Prevention: The real power move
In her clinic, Dr. Garach urges every woman to become the guardian of her own body. She sees prevention not as a medical term, but a life-saving mindset.
“Prevention is always better than a cure,” she notes. “Many lifestyle diseases are manageable – or even avoidable – if we catch them early. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Be proactive about your health.”
The revolution within
To Dr. Garach, beauty is not some elusive secret reserved for the lucky few—it’s an act of rebellion against a culture obsessed with surface. It is earned, not applied. And it starts the moment a woman chooses to value her well-being over external validation.
“Beauty is not about perfection,” she says. “It’s about energy, balance, and self-care. When you feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside.”
With a message that is equal parts science and soul, Dr. Garach doesn’t just redefine beauty—she reclaims it.
“Embrace the journey. Start with small changes, get support when you need it, and take pride in every step you take toward wellness. That’s where real beauty lives.”- @NewsSA_Online
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