the beauty paradox: unpacking our toxic obsession with youth and appearance [preview]

Why are we so obsessed with looking young, and what does this obsession say about us as a society? From the ads we see on TV and social media to the conversations we have with friends and family, there's a relentless focus on maintaining a youthful appearance. But have you ever stopped to wonder why? Why do we place such high value on looking young, and how does this impact our mental health and self-perception?The beauty industry, worth billions of dollars, thrives on this obsession. It tells us that aging is something to be feared and fought against. We're bombarded with messages suggesting our worth diminishes as we age, leading many to resort to various anti-aging treatments, from Botox to expensive skincare products. But what are the psychological costs of this constant pressure to look young? How does it affect our self-esteem, our sense of identity, and our overall mental health?In today's episode, we're going to unpack these questions and more. We'll explore societal beauty standards and how they've evolved over time. We'll take a critical look at the role of the beauty industry and the powerful marketing strategies that shape our perceptions of beauty. We'll delve into the impact of anti-aging treatments like Botox, examining both the physical and psychological implications. And, most importantly, we'll discuss what all of this means for our personal identity and self-worth.By the end of this episode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the beauty industry's influence on our lives. You'll learn how societal pressures to look young can shape our behaviors and beliefs. And you'll be encouraged to reflect on your own views of beauty and aging, perhaps challenging some of the assumptions you've held for years.UNLOCK THE FULL VERSION OF THIS EPISODE: visit https://www.patreon.com/backfromtheborderline to join the community on Patreon. From here, you'll be able to access all full-length (and ad free!) episodes of BFTB, opening up hundreds of hours of additional bonus content. CONTACT ME CHECK OUT MORE OF MY WORK: To read my Substack articles, access my Amazon book recommendation list, submit a voicemail, or contact me for collaborations, visit backfromtheborderline.com. acast+ https://plus.acast.com/s/back-from-the-borderline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.