'Don't apply soap on your face'

Shilpa Shetty, in partnership with Kiran Bawa, opens a flagship outlet of her spa IOSIS Medispa today

Why have you decided to align yourself with wellness and healthy living?
Health living is something that I have always been synonymous with. I wanted to promote and create awareness for a healthy way of living. I practise it myself and hence, I preach it. The medispa is an extension of my personality. I did a beautician's course when I was 15 and have always wanted to open a salon. Kiran Bawa and I have been friends for over 17 years and we share a vision of wellness. She has the experience and I have the name and we decided to leverage it.

What combination would you suggest for healthy living?
It definitely has to be a good combination of a balanced diet and some form of exercise whatever you choose to do, there are many different ways. The key word is discipline.u00a0

What is your one weakness?
Dessert (laughs). I have a terrible sweet tooth. I love rasmalai; people don't believe it. I love hot gulab jamun and Natural's mango ice cream. I am a terrible foodie. But I keep healthy by not curbing myself.

Do you have a DIY spa tip?
Now you don't need to, just go to IOSIS (laughs). Don't apply soap on your face. Wash your face with a warm towel or a cleanser-based face wash that does not have soap. Washing your face with milk is also good. I think it's very important to be healthy from within.

How do you keep yourself rejuvenated while on a hectic schedule?
I go for a massage and now that I have my own spa, I ask the therapist to come in the night. When I am in Bombay, I work out four times a week.