Secret of 71-year-old Kamal Haasan's glowing skin is eating sesame oil. Health experts explain if it is safe

Kamal Haasan needs no introduction, but his glowing skin needs proper research. Many people, including my parents, often wonder what keeps the Tamil superstar looking so youthful even at 71. Well, we have an answer to this, along with experts nodding to it. The actor continues to impress not just with his performances but also with his energy and appearance. Recently, his daughter Shruti Haasan shared a simple yet interesting beauty secret that she says comes straight from her father.

Kamal Haasan's secret to glowing skin

During a conversation with Tweak India, Shruti spoke about her personal wellness habits and how oil plays a big role in her routine. “I believe in eating oil. Putting oil all over my body, my hair. I’m like an oil junkie,” she said. She went on to reveal that the practice is inspired by her father. According to her, the routine is quite simple and not a complicated recipe.



“It’s not a recipe, it’s just sesame oil, mixed with a bit of coconut oil, and it’s actually my dad who told me that sesame oil really works for our skin and hair,” she added.

Sesame oil has been used for centuries in traditional diets and skincare routines. According to a 2022 report on ScienceDirect, sesame is one of the oldest oilseed crops known to humanity. Despite its relatively small share in global oil production, it is packed with nutrients. It contains lignans, tocopherols, phytosterols, and several natural antioxidants, all of which are believed to support overall health and well-being.

What are the benefits of sesame oil? Experts weigh in

Health experts also seem to agree that these oils can be beneficial when used correctly. In an interview with The Economic Times, metabolic health coach and co-founder at The Good Weight, Govind Lohia explained that consuming the right type of oils can be safe for most healthy adults. He said that oils like sesame and coconut can be part of a healthy diet if consumed in the right form and quantity. He stressed that quality matters, highlighting that cold-pressed oils retain their nutrients, unlike refined versions that often lose their beneficial properties during processing.

He further explained that virgin coconut oil, when consumed, is quickly converted into energy by the body due to its medium-chain fatty acids. This means it is less likely to be stored as fat and can instead support energy levels. In addition, he noted that it may help improve good cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and support the absorption of essential vitamins like A, D, E, and K, all of which contribute to better skin and hair health.


Dr Neha Shah, an obesity specialist and co-founder at The Good Weight, also agreed to the same. She explained that cold-pressed sesame oil contains compounds like sesamin and sesamolin, which can support liver function and help manage cholesterol levels. Paraphrasing her explanation, she said that these antioxidants work within the body to reduce oxidative stress, which in turn can protect skin cells and improve overall health over time.

However, both experts highlighted an important point, moderation is key. Oils, while healthy, are calorie-dense.
"A very important point to remember is these are calorie-dense foods, roughly 120 calories per tablespoon, so they work best in moderation and as part of a balanced diet, not in addition to an already high-fat intake", said Dr. Neha Shah.

The idea of using food as a beauty tool is not new, but the emphasis on natural and traditional ingredients is gaining popularity again. In the case of Kamal Haasan, his glowing skin may not just be about external care but also what goes into the body. His daughter’s revelation has once again brought attention to simple, time-tested practices that focus on overall wellness.

While sesame oil and coconut oil do offer several benefits, experts advise individuals to consult a professional before making significant dietary changes, especially if they have underlying health conditions. What works for one person may not always work the same way for another.

In the end, the takeaway is simple: a balanced approach, the right ingredients, and consistency can go a long way. Stay tuned for more such tips.

Meanwhile, on the work from, Kamal Haasan was last seen in Mani Ratnam's magnum opus Thug Life. The movie received mixed reviews and did not perform well at the box office.