Unrealistic Beauty Standards: Women’s Struggle to Age Naturally
The Eternal Youth Expectation
For years, women have grappled with the paradox of aging naturally while appearing ageless. Older women are seldom seen on screen or celebrated for their age-defying looks. Now, aging “too soon” is also deemed a failure.
Millie Bobby Brown, a 21-year-old actress, recently faced backlash from journalists who accused her of looking too old. As a child star, Brown no longer resembles her younger self, highlighting society’s demand for women to remain perpetually young.
Aging in the Digital Age
The question of when and how women should age has become more complex in the digital era. Social media serves as a gateway to the anti-aging industry, with influencers promoting cosmetic treatments like Botox and fillers to younger women.
One interviewee expressed shock at the young age people are seeking these treatments: “I’m amazed at how young people are, and how they’re getting Botox at 20. It’s quite shocking.“
Aging Online
Even if they avoid invasive procedures, women on social media feel pressured to maintain a youthful appearance through rigorous beauty routines. “BeautyTok” demonstrates high-maintenance activities aimed at reducing daily beauty maintenance time.
The “morning shed” trend shows women removing numerous beauty products they’ve slept in, including anti-aging products like chin straps or wrinkle prevention tape. Many of these women are in their 20s, before any visible signs of aging appear.
While some women view these routines as self-care, the pressures of beauty standards can negatively impact mental health. Over 1 million people in the UK reportedly suffer from body dysmorphia.
The Instagram Face Phenomenon
Social media fosters a culture of commentary on physical appearance, with harsh trends like “how old do I look?” emerging on TikTok. In recent months, older celebrities have been praised for looking eerily similar to their younger selves, while others have been criticized for overfilled faces.
The new requirement for cosmetic work to be “undetectable” has led some young women into debt in pursuit of ageless looks. These investments seem to increase as women grow older.
When can young women age?
The message is clear to all women, not just those in their 20s: do not visibly age, ever. These relentless pressures can only be challenged by embracing natural aging and allowing women to age on their terms.
Nadine Shanahan is a Graduate Teaching Fellow at the University of Liverpool. This article was first published on The Conversation.
