I was scrolling through Facebook and I’m stunned by the profusion of beauty products being sold online. From skin whitening to blemish-concealing items, to age-defying creams and gadgets, to products that totally and magically change one’s physical look.

The beauty industry is a colossal worldwide industry that produces billions of dollars annually. It involves everything from cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fashion to cosmetic surgery, dieting, and fitness. According to the SPER Market Research, the Philippines beauty care products market is estimated to reach $6.54 billion by 2032.

Empowering?

While the beauty industry empowers women by allowing them to express themselves and feel confident in their appearance, it can also have negative effects on women's self-esteem and body image. One huge issue is that the beauty industry perpetuates an unrealistic and narrow standard of beauty that is often unattainable for most women.

The media is a major contributor to this problem. It barrages women with images of "perfect" bodies, faces, and hair that are often airbrushed and heavily edited. This creates an ideal that is impossible for most women to achieve and can leave them feeling inadequate and insecure.

Furthermore, the beauty industry often targets women's insecurities. Companies market products with promises of "fixing" imperfections or making women look younger, thinner, or more attractive. This can create a cycle of dissatisfaction with one's appearance, leading to a constant need for products and treatments that promise to "correct" these perceived flaws.

It's important to recognize that these unrealistic beauty standards and marketing tactics can have serious consequences for women's mental and physical health. Studies have shown that exposure to flawless beauty standards can lead to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and even eating disorders.

Is beauty everything?

Physical beauty is not everything to a woman. At least, not to ALL women. It is actually a harmful and outdated stereotype to assume that women prioritize physical beauty above all else. Women, like men, are complex individuals with a wide range of interests, values, and priorities.

Unfortunately, society has long placed a disproportionate emphasis on women's physical appearance, perpetuating the idea that beauty is the most important thing a woman can offer. This harmful stereotype is perpetuated by the media, advertising, and even the beauty industry itself, which aims women's insecurities about their looks.

It is important to recognize that beauty is subjective and that there is no one-size-fits-all definition of what makes a person attractive. It is also essential to acknowledge that women have diverse experiences and are not defined solely by their looks.

Instead of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, it's imperative to value women for their unique talents, skills, and personalities. By celebrating women's achievements and contributions, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society that values women for who they are, rather than just what they look like.

Celebrate different body shapes, skin tones, etc.

I think we need to challenge unrealistic beauty standards and demand more diverse representation in the media and advertising. We need to celebrate different body shapes, sizes, and skin tones, and embrace natural beauty.

Likewise, we need to educate ourselves and others about the harmful effects of the beauty industry on women's self-esteem and body image. By understanding the issues, we can make informed decisions about the products and treatments we consume and advocate for change.