There’s a magnifying glass on society and body image fuelled by the growth of social media, influencers, and the growing ability to peer into other people’s lives online and find comparisons to their own. There’s an inherent pressure for some people to meet societal beauty standards that are simply unattainable. What people fail to realise is that the images they see online are often heavily photoshopped – it’s well-known that social media can be toxic in that respect. Is it leading to the end of loving the skin you’re in? Let’s explore.
The Impact of Societal Beauty Standards
Societal beauty standards dictate what is considered attractive, often promoting a narrow and unrealistic ideal. Media, advertising, and social media platforms frequently perpetuate these standards, leading individuals to compare themselves to an unattainable norm. This constant exposure can fuel negative body image, as people feel inadequate or flawed when they don’t fit into these predefined ideals.
The Other Side Of The Coin
There’s another side to the coin, and that side is a movement of people encouraging people to do what they want to do to their bodies if it means they love the skin they’re in. Whether it’s penile fillers or lip fillers – should people judge someone based on what they want to do with their body? Absolutely not. Plus, there are so many cosmetic procedures that enhance people’s ability to love the skin they’re in – perhaps the title of the article should have been: has the ability for people to love the natural skin they were born become more attainable?
The Internalisation of Negative Body Image
It would be unfair to say that society and social media have curated the toxic world of beauty and self-image that’s almost crippling society. There’s an element of internalisation of negative body image that stems from bullying, body shaming, and traumatic experiences that bring into question someone’s body image. There’s also a natural element of self-judgement and criticism that extends beyond the personal image – work, lifestyle, finances, etc.
Cultivating Self-Love and Acceptance
Despite the challenges posed by societal beauty standards and negative body image, it is crucial to prioritise self-love and acceptance. As they say, beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. There’s not a one size fits all package that defines beauty – sure, there are idealisations, but in modern society, there’s no such thing as a norm. Recognising this is the first step towards embracing the skin you’re in. Here are some strategies to foster self-love:
- Practising Self-Care: Whether you’re a male or a female, self-care is essential. Women are more likely to indulge in self-care through pamper nights, but men must also realise the importance of caring for their body – be it a fresh shave and face cleanse, a new haircut, or exercise.
- Challenging Negative Thoughts: Identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about your body. Replace them with affirmations that emphasise your unique qualities, strengths, and inner beauty.
- Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influences: This one is essential. If you surround yourself with positive people and positive influences who uplift you and encourage you, you can love the skin you’re in.
- Limiting Media Exposure: Take breaks from social media and other media platforms that perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards. Instead, consume content that promotes body diversity, inclusivity, and self-love.
Is loving the skin you’re in coming to an end? It’s perhaps more appropriate to say that the way you love the skin you were born with is changing. Whether you’re a natural lover or whether you like the idea of a cosmetic treatment or two to enhance the natural beauty that was already there, loving the skin you’re in is simply changing.