Deconstructing The Beauty Industry Hype with Jessica DeFino
Nov 21, 2023
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Jessica DeFino, a beauty culture critic, discusses the science of skincare, the wellness industry's impact, and the disappointment of 'anti-aging'. They delve into unsettling beauty trends, natural skin repair, and practical takeaways without a lengthy routine.
Skincare products often impede the natural functions of the skin and may not be necessary for maintaining healthy skin.
The pursuit of preventing aging through injectables leads to a never-ending cycle of age anxiety and potential long-term side effects.
Maintaining overall well-being through hydration, nutrition, and stress management can have a greater impact on skin health than skincare products.
Deep dives
Skincare and the Skin's Inherent Abilities
Skincare products that promise aesthetic results often impair the inherent abilities of the skin to self-clean, self-moisturize, self-exfoliate, and self-protect. Basic skincare needs include cleansing once a day, moisturizing, and using SPF during the day.
The Problem with Preventative Anti-Aging
Preventative anti-aging products and injectables are marketed based on the fear of aging and the desire to prevent it. However, there is no one way that a person ages, and the pursuit of preventing aging leads to a never-ending cycle of age anxiety. In addition, preventative injectables can have long-term side effects and damage the natural functioning of the skin.
Concerns about Injectables
Injectables like Botox and fillers present potential risks and adverse effects. They can lead to muscle atrophy, visible veins, recruitment of other muscles leading to new wrinkles, and difficulty in connecting and empathizing with others due to the impact on nonverbal cues. Long-term effects and risks of injectables are not well-studied.
The False Hype of Skincare Products
Skincare products, such as cleansers, moisturizers, and exfoliants, are marketed as essential for maintaining healthy skin. However, the idea of a skin barrier, which includes dead skin cells, sebum, and natural moisturizing factors, is often disrupted by these products. The obsession with repairing the skin barrier has led to the rise of barrier repair creams. While some specific circumstances may require external products, most individuals can repair their skin barrier by simply reducing their skincare routine and allowing their skin to self-repair. The focus on skincare can create unnecessary problems and expenses, and often masks the underlying issues of stress, sleep deprivation, and overall health.
The Influence of Nutrition and Internal Factors on Skin Health
The health and appearance of our skin are influenced by internal factors, such as hydration, mineral content, and the presence of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Drinking enough water and maintaining adequate mineral levels, obtained through a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, are crucial for optimal skin health. Omega-3 supplements can also support the skin barrier as the body cannot produce these fatty acids on its own. Stress management, good sleep, and proper nutrition play key roles in maintaining healthy skin, often superior to the effects of skincare products. Prioritizing overall well-being and focusing on internal factors can lead to long-term benefits for skin health.
Jameela is joined by beauty culture critic Jessica DeFino in a candid conversation about where her current research and journalism is taking her, after years of covering a multi-billion dollar beauty industry for major women’s magazines & beauty apps in the US. The two discuss the science of skincare products VS the science of skin, why the wellness industry makes you feel bad about yourself and the inherently disappointing pursuit of ‘anti-aging’. You’ll hear about current beauty trends that are unsettling your skin with longer term (and unknown) effects, some of the natural ways your skin repairs itself plus some practical takeaways (without a 12 step routine).
