The Secret to Unlearning Beauty Standards

Unlearning beauty standards is challenging in a world constantly telling us our skin needs to be “corrected.” We’re taught that uneven skin tone should be “fixed,” dull complexions must be “brightened,” and dark circles must disappear. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking our skin is something to improve, constantly criticized for not meeting an idealized, flawless standard.

Redefine beauty from external validation to self-acceptance.

Empower yourself by asking: Who benefits from me feeling insecure? Consider the underlying message when you see an ad, a magazine cover, or media promoting a specific look. Is it empowering or makes you feel like you need to change yourself? Replace ‘flaws’ with ‘features.’ Let go of terms like ‘fixing’ or ‘correcting’ and instead embrace words like ‘nourishing’ and ‘honoring.’

Remember, the ultimate goal is not to erase who you are but to honor it through self-acceptance.