Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This well known saying has been used to describe everything from art to human beauty to natural phenomena. The heart of this statement is simple: not everyone agrees on what is visually pleasing. When it comes to human beauty, this is perhaps truer than anywhere. Beauty theory seeks to understand, interpret, and predict what beauty trends will look like today and tomorrow.
From the perspective of estheticians, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists, beauty theory not only helps us to understand what our patients want, but also how we can best serve them moving forward.
What is Beauty Theory?
Beauty theory is as much a philosophical debate as it is a practical concern. Philosophers going back to Plato and beyond have posited what can be considered true beauty. In fact, the debate continues to this day as to whether beauty is in the eye of the beholder or if there is actually an intrinsic set of features which make people, places, and things objectively beautiful. The only thing for certain, when it comes to beauty theory, is that there is no consensus.
Beauty theory, as it pertains to human beauty, is particularly fluid. Different cultures have long-standing beliefs when it comes to beauty standards. Even different generations within the same cultures can have vastly different ideas to what they find beautiful in men and women. And of course, each individual will have his or her own preferences when it comes to finding beauty in themselves and others.
It is our job as professionals in the beauty industry to understand these different perspectives and utilize them in our work. Here are some of the beauty standards we have seen in recent years that are expected to continue into 2020 and beyond.
Symmetry and Proportion
Perhaps the most well known fixture in beauty standards is the idea that symmetry = beauty. In fact, multiple scientific studies have confirmed that we have a propensity to find symmetry attractive. While the majority of these studies have focused on facial symmetry, this concept can also be applied to other parts of the body where symmetry and proportion are considered desirable. Symmetry is a key consideration when performing facial procedures such as rhinoplasties.
It has been suggested the symmetry is amongst the most global beauty standards for a simple reason: symmetry suggests that the individual is in good health. Consider that many common health conditions may lead to degenerative discs, imbalanced, joints, and more. Consider also that the human body develops from a single cell outwards. Symmetry has been linked to good health even before a person is born. Pretty powerful stuff for something we can determine by drawing a digital line on somebody’s face!
Natural Beauty Continues to be a Trend
Whether we are talking about natural hair, natural beauty products, or embracing our natural tones, natural beauty will be a huge market driver in 2020. In fact, even amongst those who are interested in cosmetic procedures, an emphasis on retaining a “natural” look is amongst the highest desired results. Breast augmentations, facial procedures, and esthetic procedures have all evolved in recent years to account for this trend.
Natural beauty trends have even disrupted traditional skincare, hair care, and cosmetics markets with consumers looking to avoid ingredients like parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances, and so forth. When it comes to estheticians, being cognizant of these trends in making recommendations for procedures and products will remain a key focus in the coming years.
Aging Gracefully vs. Fighting Against Time
Along the same lines of searching for natural beauty over artificial beauty, the latest beauty standards favor aging gracefully over overt anti-aging procedures. Don’t get us wrong, there are still many women and men who would kill to look 10 or 20 years younger. The difference here is in the way many individuals are going about those choices. For example, where traditional facelifts and Botox injections were favored in the past, more options for non-invasive cosmetic surgery have allowed doctors and patients to almost set the degree to which they wanted to turn back the clocks.
These advanced procedures are quite popular for individuals who would love to retain some of their youthful appearance without fighting against their true age. This trend is perhaps most notable with a generation of aging celebrities who have seen the good and the bad from generations prior. We expect this trend to become a mainstay when it comes to beauty theory.
Come Discuss Beauty Theory and More at SCALE 2020!
To learn more about beauty trends, beauty theory, non-invasive procedures, laser tech, and much more, join us from July 22-25, 2020 for our annual Music City Scale Conference! SCALE is the premier multidisciplinary meeting for aesthetic medicine, surgery and dermatology in the United States. Join other industry professionals to discuss industry trends, emerging technologies, and much more.
What started as a small gathering amongst colleagues 14 years ago has turned into the biggest party of the year within the field of aesthetic dermatology. Join us alongside hundreds of attendees and industry vendors to find out what you’ve been missing!
