Lindsay Lohan Discusses Finding Balance and Peace After Relocating From Hollywood to Dubai

Lindsay Lohan Discusses Finding Balance and Peace After Relocating From Hollywood to Dubai

After nearly three decades in the public eye, Lindsay Lohan made a significant life change in 2014 by moving from Los Angeles to Dubai. The actress, known for her roles in hit films like ‘Mean Girls,’ has transformed her life as a wife and a mother while discovering inner peace in her newfound environment.

Now 38, Lohan graces the cover of Elle’s 2025 Summer Issue and shared candid reflections about her experiences in Dubai, shedding light on both personal and professional growth following her departure from Hollywood.

Life in the Spotlight

“It’s hard in L.A. Even taking my son to the park in L.A., I get stressed. I’m like, ‘Are there cameras?’” Lohan revealed regarding her life in Los Angeles. She discussed how the atmosphere in New York feels different, saying, “Everyone has their own thing going on. There’s a different kind of energy in New York. I’d rather have downtime in New York than I would in L.A.”

Lohan shares her one-year-old son, Luai, with husband Bader Shammas. The actress explained her preference for the privacy she finds in Dubai, stating, “In Dubai, I get all of those things. I get the privacy, I get the peace, I get the space. I don’t have to worry there. I feel safe.”

Escaping Paparazzi Culture

Starting her career at the young age of three, Lohan soon became a household name, best known for her film debut in the 1998 rendition of ‘The Parent Trap.’ However, her early stardom came with significant challenges, particularly public scrutiny. Lohan expressed her feelings about being overwhelmed by media attention in her youth. “I feel like some of my work got overshadowed by paparazzi and all that kind of stuff when I was younger, and that’s kind of annoying. I wish that part didn’t happen,” she remarked in an interview with Bustle in 2024.

Her early desire to escape the limelight stemmed from wanting her work to be recognized without the incessant distractions of celebrity culture. “I wanted to disappear. I was like, ‘Unless there’s no story here, they’re not going to focus on just my work,’” she shared.

Reclaiming Her Narrative

In recent years, Lohan has emphasized the importance of taking control of her narrative through social media platforms. “When I first started out in the business, none of us had a say in how to control our own narrative,” she revealed. Reflecting on the modern celebrity landscape, Lohan expressed admiration for individuals who can craft their public personas wisely. “I think it’s really good that, in this day and age, people can say who they are and who they want to be,” she noted.

Lohan’s approach to social media has evolved, as she carefully curates her online presence. “I check everything before I post it. I’ll send it to people because you have to,” she stated. Her advice for handling public perception includes a focus on mental well-being. “You have to take everything people say with a grain of salt and just be you and slow down because everyone’s so quick right now. People just don’t stop. You’ve got to chill.”

Learning the Power of ‘No’

Since relocating to Dubai, Lohan has learned the value of prioritizing both personal needs and professional aspirations. She acknowledged, “They teach you to say ‘yes’ to everything, and that’s not really what life’s all about.” This new outlook led to deeper reflection on her desires and ambitions. “What if I never fall in love? What if this never happens? It took me just taking time for me for all those doors to open.”

Now back in the acting scene with a role alongside Jamie Lee Curtis in ‘Freakier Friday,’ Lohan emphasizes her commitment to self-care as a means to enhance her well-being. “Jamie and I are both very family-oriented people. One of the big things [she’s taught me] is to always take care of yourself first,” Lohan explained.

Nurturing Family and Health

With a busy schedule, Lohan maintains that family remains her top priority. “My husband, my son and me. It’s all about balance and routine, especially when you have a kid,” she stated, stressing the importance of adhering to established daily habits.

Furthermore, Lohan addressed ongoing speculation regarding her physical appearance. She has faced scrutiny due to rumors about cosmetic procedures. In her insightful interview with Elle, she denied having undergone facelifts and instead shared her skincare regimen that contributes to her youthful glow.

“I drink this juice every morning. It’s like carrot, ginger, lemon, olive oil, apple. I also drink a lot of green tea and water,” she explained. Lohan elaborated on her commitment to holistic practices, including a meticulous skincare routine and using ice-cold water on her face each morning. “After having my son, my skin changed. It got really sensitive, and that prompted me to alter my whole routine and diet,” she said.

A New Chapter Ahead

Lohan’s reflections on her health journey highlight her willingness to evolve both personally and professionally while living away from Hollywood. As she transitions into this new chapter of life, her story serves as a reminder of the resilience and adaptability required to thrive beyond the spotlight.

Ultimately, Lohan’s journey from Hollywood turmoil to tranquility in Dubai illustrates the power of transformation. By focusing on personal growth, family connections, and self-acceptance, she exemplifies a narrative of reclamation in the chaotic world of celebrity.