Not fair, but reality. Dermatologist Dr. Johannes Neuhofer and plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Veith Moser on the current trends in aesthetics. Published by: Verlag Die Bundesländerinnen
The whole beauty thing is pretty unfair. You can take care of your figure, take care of yourself and dress well, but the shape of your face, the length of your legs or your body type - all of that is not within our power to determine. It is particularly unfair because beautiful people seem to have it easier in life.
Between social norms and individuality. Today's society places great value on appearance. Many find their ideals in advertising and social media channels. They suggest how one must look in order to be attractive and desirable. Social media and other advertising channels create great pressure to perform, which we often cannot follow. Even young people are beginning to standardize themselves with fitness, diet and aesthetic treatments. Here it is smooth skin, there it is a flawless body. But the media flood does not give us an answer to the crucial question: What is right for me? What is good for me?
Timeless beauty is in. On the one hand, aesthetic procedures are increasing, while on the other, many people are increasingly rejecting cosmetic surgery such as classic face-lifts and prefer minimally aesthetic treatments. Dermocosmetic products are also on trend. These are creams, serums and lotions for specific skin care, which are usually developed in cooperation with experts under strict quality controls. The focus of dermocosmetics is on the medical effect. Many high-quality products are patented - such as the biochemical process for cell renewal using topical hyaluronic acid. This reconstructs the body's own hyaluronic acid directly in the skin, which ensures deeply moisturized, smoother and radiant skin.
The dermatologist Dr. Johannes Neuhofer and the plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Veith Moser on the current trends in aesthetics:
STYRIAN: Is there a difference between the beauty ideals of men and women?
Dr. Veith Moser: Women find men with darker skin more attractive, but the opposite is true for the "stronger" sex, with men preferring women with lighter complexions. The most important beauty feature, however, is smooth skin. Psychologist Martin Gründl from the University of Regensburg has been studying people's attractiveness for years, looking for factors that determine what is beautiful. Smooth skin is therefore more important than a straight nose or full lips, which otherwise play an important role in a woman's beauty features. The color of hair and eyes plays a subordinate role. The reason for this is that skin is the visible external feature that can be used to determine youth and health. If it glows, you are healthy and vital. If it is wrinkled and saggy, you are old.
Does beautiful skin make you more successful?
Dr. Veith Moser: Yes. The economy pays good-looking people more. Scientific studies show that people who are more attractive, and this includes their skin, are more successful in their professional lives. The income difference between the most attractive and the least attractive third of the working population is at least ten percent. In figures, this means that more than 100 billion euros are redistributed every year "due to beauty." Beautiful skin also makes people more sexually attractive. This is not fair, but it is the reality in our society. This is where we can balance out a little justice, because some beauty factors such as skin can be influenced cosmetically, in contrast to the shape of the face or head.
How much do men care about beautiful skin?
Dr. Veith Moser: The proportion of men who come to my practice has risen to a quarter in recent years and the trend continues upward.
Are women increasingly influenced by the performance maxim of beauty?
irritated?
Dr. Johannes Neuhofer: In order to be successful in society, beauty plays a crucial role alongside a pleasant charisma. This is a great challenge for many women, but also for men. In order to conform to social norms, to be sexually attractive and to appear good, great hurdles are accepted. This can lead to internal pressure, which is particularly stressful for those who are fixated on appearance.
Do you see a connection between beautiful skin and physical attractiveness?
Dr. Johannes Neuhofer: Beautiful skin conveys freshness and youthfulness. Youth conveys fertility, and that is sexually stimulating. Nowadays, women after the menopause also live out their sexuality to the full. Firm, plump skin and a slim body correspond to the current ideal of beauty, and even a 60 or 70-year-old wants to benefit from these advantages. The cosmetic options have become more diverse.
Is there a rural-urban divide?
Dr. Johannes Neuhofer: Beauties in the countryside stand out from rural society, but in my experience they are rarer than in cities. In my practice in Linz, around 80% of the patients who want aesthetic treatment are from the city, because the competition is greater here than in rural areas.