We live in a digital age in which we are constantly surrounded by filtered images. On the television, on social media, on our phones, and in magazines and newspapers. It’s almost impossible to escape from them. Earlier this year the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ordered beauty brands and influencers against using “misleading” filters in social media campaigns.
The advertising watchdog said that filters should not be applied to promote a beauty item that could exaggerate its efficacy. But experts are saying that these new rules need to be applicable in the medical aesthetics industry too.
Which is why Aesthetic Nurse and ambassador for Allergan, Nina Prisk calls for influencers to not use filters to promote cosmetic treatments, emphasising the unrealistic images of body ideals it can promote and the physical and mental damage that can be caused as a result.
Instead, she emphasises that in a world of filtered images, people need to be true to themselves. She offers these tips:
Help people distinguish between social media and reality
It is absolutely vital for both parents and cosmetic professionals to support people and help them to be able to distinguish between social media and reality. By learning what is in fact a real, un-doctored image, rather than one that has been airbrushed or heavily filtered, it will be easier for people to be true to their own body shape and looks.
Maintain realistic expectations of your body
Rather than striving for unrealistic and often unachievable expectations of our bodies, maintain a realistic expectation. We live in an age where it is possible to make changes to our looks, however realism is essential. This will help preserve your physical and mental health.
Don’t just yourself against others
Unrealistic expectations of beauty ideals (especially due to Instagram and heavily filtered images) are fuelling pressure for women of all ages to have fillers. There’s ‘look’ that many women feel they must adhere to and thanks celebrities and social media tweakments have been normalised. Whilst fillers are a good way of changing the shape of your lips and face without going under the knife, as well as fighting the visible signs of ageing, never have them in order to keep up with beauty ideals you’ve gleaned online or in order to simply look better on your social media feed.
Celebrate what makes you different
It may be your height or your quirky face that stands you out from your friends, but try to celebrate this difference rather than hide it. Chances are many people will be envious of those differences that you dislike on yourself.
Ask if you’re changing your body for the right reason
There’s nothing wrong with wanting to change your body for the right reason, and we are fortunate to live in an age where there are a vast number of changes that can be made through exercise, diet, surgical and non-surgical advances. Before you make any changes always ask yourself if you’re doing it for the right reason.
