The media, which has a significant impact, upholds cultural ideals and ideas about beauty. It has frequently placed an emphasis on youth and perfection, but in recent times, viewpoints in favor of body positivity and self-acceptance have been more prevalent.
1.However, research suggests there is still more to be done.
2. Consumer unhappiness with their own physical appearance is on the rise due to societal pressure and idealized pictures shared on social media, which is detrimental to their psychological health and self-esteem.
3.This essay explores the idea of mental and emotional beauty and how it affects how people view themselves. It then looks at how cosmetics companies and goods are changing the psychological health of their customers through a few selected cases.
Emotional Health and Self-Respect
As previously said, social norms have a big impact on how people view themselves and their bodies. Internalizing beauty standards like flawless skin and facial beauty—as seen, for instance, in frequently Photoshopped photos on social media—combined with frequent comparisons can result in negative thoughts, shame, and distress that have a substantial negative impact on one's self-esteem and contentment with their appearance.
1.Such exposure, even for three minutes, can cause severe mood swings with aftereffects that go beyond one's own perspective and impact everyday activities, social and personal connections, and interpersonal communication.
2.Conversely, those who are happier with how they see themselves typically have higher levels of psychological well-being.
3.Ryff's six-factor model7, which defines psychological well-being, shows a strong correlation between self-acceptance and self-concept. One of the most important aspects of wellbeing is self-esteem, which is linked to contentment, self-assurance, and a good view on life. Enhancing one's self-esteem through mental health therapies is essential to self-care because of its strong correlation with one's physical self-perception and bodily satisfaction.
4.The potential for personal care products to boost wellbeing and self-esteem has increased with the rise in popularity of self-care. Beyond surface beautifying, cosmetics now include more comprehensive hedonic, sensory, and emotional aspects.
5.Science has confirmed the usefulness of products, routines,
6.Rituals that promote relaxation, stress reduction, enjoyment, and even cognitive performance.
7.As a well-known spokesperson for beauty standards, it is evident that the cosmetics industry can help change the harmful messages that society perpetuates in order to improve mental health, one's sense of self, and one's self-worth. Here are a few instances of how the industry is doing this.
8.L'Oréal India, Oriflame India, Hindustan Unilever, Procter & Gamble Home Products, NIVEA India, Godrej Consumer Products, Emami, Dabur India, Marico, and Lotus Herbals currently have a majority of the market.
Promoting self-worth and self-kindness
Dove ran a campaign called "Real Beauty Sketches: You Are More Beautiful Than You Think" over ten years ago.
1.The idea of positive self-perception sought to close the gap between women's perceptions of their own beauty and those of others.
An trained sketch artist was employed in the campaign to draw a woman's portrait based on her own description and then another, more open and attractive, painting based on a stranger's description of the woman. Millions of women were moved by the Dove Real Beauty Sketches because they realized that the greatest pressure to be beautiful can come from self-imposed standards.
Subsequently, the Dove Self-Esteem Project introduced additional programs to support women in embracing their individual beauty and addressing the vital issues of wellbeing and self-image. Examples include developing self-esteem-boosting initiatives in partnership with organizations such as the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and the Women's Dermatologic Society. These programs aim to assist young people in overcoming the obstacles of the media-influenced society of today.
These kinds of collaborations elevate the cosmetics industry's all-encompassing approach to beauty by expanding its purview to include fostering good self-perception, promoting mental health, and enabling the next generation to accept who they really are and feel comfortable in their own skin.
Mental Grace and the Change in Internal Dialogue
The skin care brand Ayuna invented the idea of "mental beauty," which encourages customers to change their inner monologue and effectively "think" their way to beauty. The company discussed employing transformation tools, such as an empowering gesture and a mindfulness methodology tailored for cosmetic application, to support a shift in inner dialogue toward positive self-messages in study presented at the IFSCC
1.Women's mental health was improved and the negative impacts of beauty standards on self-esteem and self-perception were offset by encouraging self-acceptance, self-confidence, and a positive self-image. The organization claims that the strategy is not only beneficial to each person's well-being but also an essential step in the direction of a society that is more inclusive and psychologically beautiful. This study supported the idea that using cosmetics on a daily basis can assist in challenging internalized norms of attractiveness that lead to dissatisfaction.
Skin Neutrality and Self Worth: Selfmade, an Indian brand, highlights the idea that emotional health serves as a link between mental and physical health, arguing that beauty is a state of mind. "An emotional health company combining skin care with proven behavioral science to change the way [consumers] take care," is how the company defines itself.
2.One of the core ideas of Selfmade is skin neutrality, or the idea that skin should be appreciated for its functions rather than its appearance. Skin neutrality celebrates the durability of skin with all of its flaws, wrinkles, roughness, and lumps. It highlights the significant relationship between mental health and skin function by drawing on the science of psychodermatology. It also emphasizes the value of holistic treatment by acknowledging that skin issues like sensitivity, dryness, inflammation, and acne can act as early warning signs of mental instability.
The company also explores the science of self-worth, arguing that those who perceive themselves as beautiful are more likely to feel worthwhile. In addition to helping customers improve their skin health and general well-being, the strategy aims to develop emotional intelligence and regulation, which will facilitate improved decision-making, a stronger feeling of self-worth, and a pleasant emotional and mental state.
In summary
1.A new era of psychological and emotional empowerment supported by research has evolved, combining emotional well-being with cosmetics to encourage positive self-perception. It echoes L'Oréal's well-known 1973 tagline, "Because I'm Worth It," which highlights the value and empowerment of consumers.
2.Psychodermatology is becoming more and more connected to skin health and well-being with this exciting and potentially game-changing chapter. It also shows how the cosmetics industry can play a significant part in promoting self-acceptance, self-confidence, and true beauty from within in a society where beauty standards are always changing.
References
1. Bonafide Research's "India Cosmetics Market Outlook, 2023" research offers a summary of the Indian cosmetics market, including data on consumer behavior, trends, and potential future growth.
2. ASSOCHAM and EY's "Understanding Indian Consumers and Their Preferences for Cosmetics": This study investigates Indian customers' preferences and purchasing behavior in the cosmetics market, taking into account the influence of digital platforms and other variables that may have an impact on their decisions.
3. Nielsen's "Indian Consumer and the Beauty Market" research covers consumer trends, the development of the Indian beauty and personal care industry, and the elements that influence product choice and purchasing behavior.
4. Euromonitor International's "Beauty and Personal Care in India" provides information on consumer behavior, market trends, and forecasts for the cosmetic and personal care sector in India.
5. "The Changing Face of Beauty in India: Skincare and Makeup" published by Mintel: This analysis offers insights into consumer views, preferences, and purchase patterns while examining the changing beauty environment in India with a focus on skincare and makeup.
These references can be found by using the authors' or titles of the references. Furthermore, searching academic databases, websites dedicated to market research, or trade magazines may yield comparable research articles, market reports, or surveys.👍
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