What Shefali Jariwala’s Death Tells Us About Beauty Obsession
- TPP
- Jul 1
- 12 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Shefali Jariwala tragically passed away on June 27, 2025, in Mumbai at just 42, reportedly from a sudden cardiac arrest. That evening, she had been fasting for a puja and allegedly took her usual anti-ageing injection and supplements—potentially causing a dangerous drop in blood pressure and triggering the fatal event. Authorities found various beauty-related vials and medications at her home, prompting a deeper investigation into unregulated cosmetic treatments. Her death has reignited debate on the “price of beauty,” underscoring how the relentless pursuit of eternal youth—through IV infusions like glutathione, fillers, and pills—can exact a dire toll. Experts warn that beauty-driven self-medication, often under qualified oversight, may be more dangerous than its perceived benefits.
In the wake of this tragedy, voices like Mallika Sherawat have called for natural beauty and warned against artificial enhancements—urging audiences to say “No to Botox, yes to life”.
The incident stands as a somber reminder that while ageing is inevitable, chasing youth through high-risk shortcuts can carry a steep—and sometimes fatal—price.
Understanding How Anti-Ageing Drugs Work – A Layman's Guide to the Science of Staying Young
Ageing is a natural process. But what if we could understand why our body ages—and target those reasons to slow it down? That’s exactly what scientists around the world are trying to do with anti-ageing drugs.
But these are not “magic youth pills.” Instead, they work by targeting specific processes inside our body that make us age.
Cellular Senescence – Clearing Out the Zombie Cells
As we grow older, some of our cells get damaged or tired. Instead of dying off, they become inactive—but not harmless. These “zombie cells” stay in the body and release toxic chemicals that harm nearby healthy cells.
Over time, this build-up causes inflammation, speeds up tissue damage, and contributes to diseases like arthritis and even cancer.
Anti-ageing drugs called senolytics help by removing these senescent cells, like a cleanup crew that clears old, harmful debris from the system. This keeps tissues healthier and helps slow down the ageing process.
Think of an office full of retired workers still sitting at their desks, blocking work—senolytics politely show them the door.
Telomere Shortening – Protecting Our DNA’s Shoelace Tips
Every time a cell divides, the ends of its DNA strands—called telomeres—get a little shorter. Telomeres work like the plastic tips of shoelaces: they keep our DNA from unraveling.
But as we age, they wear down. When they become too short, the cell stops dividing, leading to tissue ageing and weakened immunity.
Some compounds, like TA-65, aim to activate an enzyme called telomerase, which can rebuild these tips. This helps extend the cell’s lifespan and delay signs of ageing.
Imagine putting new plastic tips on your old shoelaces to keep them from fraying.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction – Recharging the Body’s Power Plants
Inside every cell, we have mitochondria—tiny “power stations” that create the energy we need to function. But as we age, these mitochondria start to wear out, producing less energy and more waste.
This leads to fatigue, muscle weakness, brain fog, and organ damage.
Anti-ageing research now focuses on boosting molecules like NAD+, which mitochondria need to function properly. NAD+ boosters help recharge energy levels and restore cell vitality.
Think of replacing a worn-out battery in your phone with a brand-new one—it suddenly works better and lasts longer.
Loss of Proteostasis – Cleaning Up the Protein Clutter
Our cells constantly make proteins to do essential work. But ageing disrupts this process, causing more misfolded, broken, or excess proteins to pile up—clogging the system.
This is particularly dangerous in the brain and is linked to diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Some drugs aim to support the body’s natural protein-folding and disposal systems, helping restore balance and cellular order.
Think of it as sorting your laundry: fold the good clothes, throw out the damaged ones, and keep the wardrobe neat.
Oxidative Stress and Inflammation – Fighting the Rust and Fire Inside Us
Our cells constantly face damage from harmful molecules called free radicals—a process known as oxidative stress. At the same time, chronic low-grade inflammation simmers quietly inside us.
Both processes are like rust and fire damaging our body from within—and they get worse with age.
Drugs like rapamycin and antioxidants aim to cool this internal fire and protect cells from damage, reducing the speed at which our organs age.
Imagine using anti-rust spray on a car and fire extinguishers in your house—they protect against long-term hidden damage.
Nutrient-Sensing Pathways – Resetting the Ageing Switches
Our body has smart internal switches—such as mTOR, AMPK, and Sirtuins—that control how it uses nutrients and energy. When food is abundant and these switches are always “on,” the body stays in growth mode, but neglects repair.
Over time, this speeds up ageing. Interestingly, when we fast or eat fewer calories, the body turns on its repair mode. Some anti-ageing drugs mimic this effect by tweaking these pathways, encouraging the body to heal itself more efficiently.
Like dimming your laptop screen or turning on power-saving mode so it lasts longer during the day.
Ageing Can Be Slowed—But Not Cheated
Anti-ageing drugs don’t offer immortality. But they aim to extend your healthspan—the years you live without disease or disability. The science is still developing, and many of these drugs are in trial phases. But the idea is powerful: understand why we age, and fix the causes from the inside out.
As this field evolves, we’ll face ethical, social, and medical questions—but one thing is clear: ageing is no longer just a mystery—it’s becoming a treatable condition.
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The Hidden Costs of Beauty: Side Effects of Popular Anti-Ageing and Cosmetic Treatments
In a world that increasingly values appearance, the demand for anti-ageing and beauty treatments is booming. From Botox to fairness creams, laser therapies to chemical peels, the promise is clear — a younger, more radiant version of ourselves.
But what often stays hidden behind the glossy advertisements and Instagram filters is the cost these treatments may exact on our health. While many of them offer visible short-term results, they also come with side effects — some minor, some long-lasting, and a few potentially dangerous.
Botox: Freeze the Wrinkles, But at What Cost?
Botox injections, made from botulinum toxin, are one of the most popular ways to erase fine lines and wrinkles. They work by paralyzing facial muscles, giving the skin a smooth appearance.
Side Effects:
Bruising and swelling at the injection site
Headache or flu-like symptoms
Drooping eyelids or eyebrows (called ptosis)
Difficulty speaking or swallowing (in rare cases)
A “frozen” or unnatural look if overused
Long-term concern: Repeated use can lead to resistance, where Botox becomes less effective over time due to antibody formation.
Dermal Fillers: Fuller Cheeks, But Lumpy Risks
Dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid or collagen are injected under the skin to restore volume or enhance features like lips and cheeks.
Side Effects:
Redness, tenderness, or bruising
Lumps or uneven texture
Allergic reactions (especially with synthetic fillers)
Overfilled or asymmetrical appearance
Vascular occlusion – if filler blocks a blood vessel, it can lead to tissue death or even blindness
Chemical Peels: Shedding Skin, Sensitivity Ahead
Chemical peels use acids like AHA (glycolic acid), BHA (salicylic acid), or TCA to exfoliate the skin and remove dead cells, reducing acne, scars, and fine lines.
Side Effects:
Redness, peeling, and irritation
Increased sun sensitivity, leading to burns
Skin discoloration (especially in darker skin tones)
Scarring (with deeper peels)
Skin infections if post-treatment care is ignored
Laser Treatments: Precision with Potential Burns
Laser therapy is used for skin resurfacing, hair removal, and pigmentation correction. While effective, it requires precision.
Side Effects:
Burns and blisters (if settings are too strong)
Redness, swelling, or itching
Pigment changes (light or dark patches)
Reactivation of herpes (in facial laser treatments)
Eye damage if not properly shielded
Anti-Ageing Pills: Slowing Ageing from Inside — but Not Risk-Free
Certain drugs marketed for anti-ageing, like metformin, NAD+ boosters, resveratrol, and others, are growing in popularity, though many are still under research.
Side Effects:
Metformin (diabetes drug now under TAME trial for longevity):
Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Rare risk of lactic acidosis (a serious complication in people with kidney issues)
NAD+ boosters (e.g., NMN, NR):
Some users report fatigue, flushing
Long-term safety is still being studied
Resveratrol (antioxidant from red wine):
Headache, dizziness, or stomach discomfort
Acts as a blood thinner, increasing bleeding risk when combined with other medications
Skin-Lightening Creams: The Dark Side of Fairness
Many skin-lightening products contain hydroquinone, mercury, or corticosteroids — all of which can be dangerous if overused or unregulated.
Side Effects:
Skin thinning and vulnerability to injury
Ochronosis – irreversible bluish-black discoloration
Acne, burning, or allergic reactions
Kidney and liver damage due to mercury poisoning (common in illegal or counterfeit creams)
Beyond Health: These products also reinforce colourism, impacting self-esteem and mental health.
Hair Treatments: Smooth Hair, Rough Consequences
Hair smoothing or straightening treatments like keratin and rebonding use harsh chemicals like formaldehyde.
Side Effects:
Dry, brittle, or damaged hair
Scalp irritation or burns
Formaldehyde exposure → eye/respiratory irritation, allergic reactions
Long-term cancer risk (formaldehyde is a known carcinogen)
Thread Lifts and Cosmetic Sutures: Instant Lift, Lasting Risks
Thread lifts involve inserting dissolvable threads under the skin to lift sagging areas. Though non-surgical, it’s not without risk.
Side Effects:
Pain, swelling, or tenderness
Infection at insertion points
Visible threads under the skin
Uneven or asymmetrical results
Rare cases of nerve damage
Ethical & Regulatory Concerns Beyond Physical Side Effects
Beyond the physical risks, beauty treatments often raise serious ethical and social questions:
Ethical Issue | Explanation |
Lack of regulation | Many creams and fillers are sold over-the-counter with little oversight |
Informed consent gap | Patients may not fully understand long-term risks |
Colorism & insecurity | The industry often capitalizes on unrealistic beauty ideals |
Environmental harm | Chemical waste from salons can pollute ecosystems |
Accessibility divide | These treatments remain unaffordable or unsafe for the poor |
The Beauty Trap: Why Society Is Obsessed with Anti-Ageing and Cosmetic Enhancements
In the 21st century, beauty has become more than a personal preference—it is a currency. Across the world, the demand for anti-ageing and beauty-enhancing products has reached unprecedented levels, fuelled by a complex web of social, psychological, economic, and technological factors. From anti-wrinkle injections and skin-lightening creams to hair straightening treatments and youth-preserving pills, the pursuit of perfection has become a relentless chase.
But why is there such intense stress on looking young, flawless, and conventionally beautiful?
The Cultural Conditioning of Beauty
At the heart of the obsession lies a deeply entrenched cultural narrative: beauty equals value. Across cultures—especially in post-colonial societies like India—fair skin, smooth hair, slim bodies, and youthful appearance have been historically associated with higher status, virtue, and even morality. Colonial legacies imposed Eurocentric beauty ideals that still dominate media and matrimonial ads today. The notion that beauty can open doors to marriage, employment, and respect continues to shape individual choices.
Adding to this is the influence of mass media and advertising. Whether it’s a Bollywood heroine with porcelain skin or an Instagram influencer with sculpted features, the message is loud and clear: you're not enough unless you look a certain way. Filtered photos, AI-edited faces, and cosmetic perfection have become the modern standard—creating unrealistic expectations that often lead to anxiety and self-doubt.
Ageing as a Threat to Relevance
In many parts of the world, especially urban and capitalist societies, ageing is treated as a kind of social decay. For women in particular, ageing is not merely biological—it is reputational. Wrinkles are seen as professional liabilities, grey hair as social invisibility, and sagging skin as a reason to be dismissed. This is why there’s immense pressure to “stay young,” not just for vanity but for survival—in relationships, workplaces, and social life.
In contrast, youth is idealized as the prime of life—full of promise, energy, and visibility. It becomes a social currency, and anti-ageing treatments are marketed as tools to extend one's worthiness in the eyes of others. As a result, looking young becomes not just desirable, but necessary.
The Psychology of Insecurity and Control
On a psychological level, the obsession with beauty is often rooted in insecurity and a desire for control. Ageing represents a loss of control over the body, time, and mortality. Beauty products and treatments offer the illusion of reversing this process. They promise not just smoother skin or brighter eyes, but a symbolic resistance to the inevitability of decline and death.
Additionally, in a world of constant comparison—amplified by social media—our self-worth is increasingly tied to how we appear. The curated perfection of others' lives, often filtered and enhanced, creates a sense of inadequacy that beauty companies are quick to monetize. The industry doesn’t just sell products; it sells hope, approval, and the fantasy of transformation.
Economic Engines of Beauty
The global beauty and anti-ageing industry is worth over $600 billion—and growing. This isn’t just demand-driven; it’s architected. Corporations capitalize on manufactured insecurities by inventing new "problems" (dark underarms, laugh lines, tired eyes) and offering products to fix them. Entire markets thrive by making consumers feel unattractive without their solutions.
Moreover, beauty has become a status symbol in aspirational consumerism. In developing economies, where the middle class is expanding and increasingly exposed to global media, looking polished, modern, and fair is often equated with class and success. For many, beauty products are not just about looking better—they are about belonging to a more "refined" social category.
Gender and Inequality in the Beauty Equation
While beauty pressures affect all genders, they are especially harsh on women. Society often evaluates women primarily through their appearance, with youth, skin tone, and figure playing a disproportionately large role in determining social and professional worth. The language around female grooming is aggressive—anti-ageing, anti-wrinkle, skin correction—while men’s products are marketed as grooming or wellness, with far less pressure to "fix" flaws.
There’s also a caste and class angle to beauty. In countries like India, fairness creams are not just about skin tone; they reflect the deep intersection of colorism with caste privilege and class mobility. In many spaces, “looking upper class” or “urban” is still coded in terms of skin tone and facial features.
Technology and the Illusion of the Perfect Self
Modern technology has taken beauty obsession to new levels. Filters, AI skin analysers, augmented reality makeup trials—all offer hyper-personalized perfection, turning the real self into something that constantly needs “correction.” People now wish to look like their filtered versions in real life, leading to an alarming rise in conditions like "Snapchat Dysmorphia," where cosmetic surgery is sought to match one’s virtual image.
Simultaneously, scientific advances have reframed ageing as something to be managed, even “cured.” With drugs like metformin or NAD+ boosters being researched for lifespan extension, the lines between cosmetic desire and biomedical intervention are blurring.
The Ethical Dilemma: Where Do We Draw the Line?
All this leads to profound ethical and social concerns. Are beauty choices truly autonomous if they are shaped by unrelenting societal pressure? Can we call it "choice" if rejection, discrimination, or job loss is the price of not conforming?
The beauty industry also worsens inequality: while the rich can access the latest treatments to stay young and flawless, the poor are left either excluded or exposed to dangerous counterfeit alternatives. Additionally, the environmental damage caused by the mass production of beauty chemicals—often tested on animals or released into water systems—raises further questions.
Most disturbingly, as society becomes obsessed with youth and perfection, we risk devaluing the natural process of ageing and the inherent dignity of being human in all its imperfect forms.
Between Enhancement and Acceptance
The growing emphasis on anti-ageing and beauty-enhancing products is not just about cosmetics—it reflects society’s deeper struggles with self-worth, visibility, and the fear of growing old. While it is natural to want to look and feel good, the danger lies in allowing beauty standards to become tyrannies.
What we need is not just better regulation or safer products—but a cultural shift. One that celebrates diversity in appearance, respects the ageing process, and encourages individuals to value authenticity over perfection.
In a world that pressures us to look flawless, choosing to be real might just be the most radical form of self-love.
Breaking the Beauty Trap: What Must Be Done to End the Obsession with Perfection
Redefining Beauty at the Cultural and Social Level
To address the growing obsession with anti-ageing and beauty-enhancing products, society must adopt a multi-dimensional approach that tackles the problem at its cultural, psychological, economic, technological, and regulatory roots. At the cultural level, we need to redefine beauty by promoting diverse, inclusive, and age-positive representations in media and advertising. Campaigns should celebrate natural ageing, diverse skin tones, and authentic appearances rather than unattainable perfection. Social norms that equate youth with worth must be challenged, and role models who reflect inner strength, wisdom, and individuality should be elevated across popular culture. Public discourse must also actively dismantle ageism and colourism by embracing ageing as a dignified phase of life and normalizing beauty across all ages and appearances.
Healing from Within: Psychological Awareness and Education
Psychologically, there is an urgent need to integrate body image education, critical media literacy, and mental health awareness into school and college curricula to build self-esteem and counteract comparison-driven anxiety. Young minds must be equipped with the ability to deconstruct beauty myths and resist harmful influence from filtered social media content. Counseling and emotional support services should also be widely available for individuals suffering from body dysmorphia, cosmetic addiction, or ageing-related distress. By shifting the focus from aesthetic perfection to self-acceptance, empathy, and emotional wellness, we can create a generation that values themselves for who they are rather than how they look.
Accountability for Industry and Technology
Economically, the beauty industry must be held accountable through responsible advertising, ethical branding, and the enforcement of strict consumer protection laws. Mandatory disclaimers should accompany digitally altered images, and the sale of harmful skin-lightening or anti-ageing products containing mercury, steroids, or hydroquinone must be banned or tightly regulated. Clinics offering cosmetic procedures should operate only with certified licenses, ethical oversight, and genuine informed consent from patients. In the digital realm, social media platforms must label altered content, promote body-positive creators, and prevent algorithms from amplifying perfection-obsessed influencers. Moreover, AI-based beauty applications should be developed with fairness and inclusion in mind, avoiding racial, gender, or appearance-based bias in digital beauty scoring or skin analysis tools.
The Personal Shift: From Perfection to Authenticity
Finally, on a personal level, individuals must engage in mindful consumption, questioning whether beauty choices are autonomous or shaped by social pressure. Rather than chasing anti-wrinkle creams or cosmetic procedures, the focus should be on health, inner confidence, and genuine self-care. Beauty must be redefined not as eternal youth or flawlessness, but as authenticity, dignity, emotional maturity, and resilience. Laws must protect against appearance-based discrimination, and employment, media, and public life must become spaces where realness is respected over unrealistic ideals. Only when society collectively shifts from a culture of visual perfection to one of inclusive acceptance can we break free from the beauty trap—and rediscover the value of being simply, unapologetically human.
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