Life Style News

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, has candidly shared her personal journey dealing with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and how it influenced her approach to beauty and self-care during her formative years.

In a recent interview with Vogue India, Sara recounted her early experiences with PCOS, a condition that led to hormonal imbalances manifesting as acne, excessive hair growth, and weight fluctuations. She began noticing these symptoms in the seventh grade, which significantly impacted her self-esteem. "I started getting acne on my face when I was in the seventh grade and didn't know what it was back then," she shared. "It affected my self-esteem because if you have PCOS, your androgens are much higher, so you get more hair growth, acne, oily skin, and you put on weight easily." 

Despite the challenges, Sara's mother, Anjali Tendulkar, played a pivotal role in guiding her through this period. Anjali, a pediatrician by profession, emphasized a minimalist approach to skincare, discouraging the use of heavy makeup. "My mother was strict about having a minimal beauty routine. She never allowed me to use a foundation or concealer, even though sometimes I really wanted to, as I suffered from hormonal acne due to PCOS. She'd stress the importance of using sunscreen and a moisturiser," Sara recalled.  

Sara admitted to feeling self-conscious about her skin, often resorting to makeup as a shield. "When I was old enough to apply makeup, I wouldn't leave the house without it because I thought everyone was looking at my skin," she said. She tried various treatments, including acid peels, retinol, and antibiotics, but found limited success until her mother intervened.  

Anjali's medical insight led them to consult an endocrinologist, who introduced Sara to a regimen of intermittent fasting, weight training, and progressive overload exercises. This holistic approach, combined with a balanced protein intake, helped Sara manage her PCOS symptoms effectively. "Eventually, her hormones balanced themselves out, and she is now free from PCOS," Anjali noted. 

Today, Sara embraces a minimalist skincare routine, focusing on listening to her skin's needs. "I avoid active ingredients at night because my skin is sensitive. If I put an acid or a retinol on my face at night and I'm in the sun the next day, my skin gets irritated," she explained. 

Reflecting on her journey, Sara emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and authenticity. "The more you look for flaws, the more you're going to find them," she said, highlighting the pressures of social media and the unrealistic beauty standards it often promotes. 

Sara Tendulkar's story serves as an inspiration for many young individuals facing similar challenges, underscoring the significance of holistic health, parental support, and embracing one's natural beauty.