The 7 beauty lessons we should all be teaching our daughters
It's no surprise that in a world driven and obsessed with social media, young girls are growing up to have unprecedented body issues that families never had to manage before. A recent report by Mintel revealed that 'appearance-related stress is rocketing among young women: more than four in ten (42%) of women aged 16-24 have experienced stress that is related to their appearance, in 2018 compared to a quarter (26%) in 2016'.
Social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and You Tube - as well as reality TV shows like Love Island - all add fuel to the body-confidence fire and have helped cultivate an unhealthy obsession with image 'perfection'. The constant exposure to unrealistic ideals of beauty is having a strong impact on young women, who increasingly report their physical appearance as a factor of stress and discontent. The statistical increases in beauty treatments such as teeth whitening and breast augmentation have worringly increased since Love Island grasped the nation's attention.
"Triggers for body dysmorphia have historically been connected to an experience of trauma, emotional issues during childhood, low self-esteem or parents and peers that judge or criticise appearance," advises behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings. "I think the current increase is down to high expectations fueled by shows like Love Island and super-thin models, celebrities and fashion houses creating an unrealistic and often unattainable, perception of the ‘perfect’ body," say Hemmings.
As well as social media, we now live in a world that is pro- cosmetic surgery and extreme dieting. "In the past, women would have a face lift or a body tuck on the down-low as you wouldn't want people to know," says Hemmings. Now? Women candidly talk about their treatments, almost celebrating the fact that they have gone under the knife or had an injectable.
Thankfully brands are starting to make a change and work together to encourage young girls and boys to be body-positive. Beauty brand Dove have long been on a ploy to re-educate teenagers and provide help and support to parents. So far, the Dove Self-Esteem Project has positively impacted over 29 million young lives across 140 countries worldwide by holding workshops in schools.
The beauty lessons we should be teaching our daughters
Images on social media are often fake. "Understand that many of the images seen on social media are distorted, either by filters or photoshop," says Hemmmings.
Confidence is key. Healthy self-esteem and body confidence is the most attractive thing.
Be unique. Individual style is something to be proud of.
Enhance what you have. "If you have sensitive skin or acne it’s better to enhance your good features rather than cover your face with heavy bases," says Sisley Make-up Ambassador, Tania Grier.
Less is more. Even for young girls with good skin it’s best to keep it fresh and simple.
Drink lots of water and don’t smoke. Stay away from sun beds and keep alcohol to a minimum.
Smile! You're beautiful.