There is a fundamental problem in how we approach beauty. We have confused beauty with appearance. And this misalignment between how we look at beauty and how businesses look at it causes a lot of problems.
The American Academy of Dermatology notes that more than 15,000 substances can cause allergic skin reactions, a reminder that what we put on our skin deserves as much attention as how it makes us look. Consumers need to educate themselves rather than rely on advertising alone.
Over time, I have come to understand that beauty involves far more than makeup or skincare. It requires us to understand our individual needs, question the claims we encounter, and make informed decisions about the products we use. It requires knowledge and discipline.
Price Alone Doesn't Determine Quality Or Effectiveness
Yet cosmetology is often dismissed as superficial. I find that unfair. Good professional guidance can help people care for their skin and avoid spending money on unsuitable products.
My own experience makes this lesson personal. I live with eczema, dermatitis, and sensitive skin. I have spent considerable money trying to address my skin concerns. Some products have helped, but I have learned that price alone does not determine quality, suitability, or effectiveness.
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Consumers Must Scrutinize Products
The American Academy of Dermatology explains that products marketed as “natural” can still cause contact dermatitis. I encourage people to read ingredient labels and scrutinize product claims. If a skin problem is persistent or serious, a dermatologist is the right person to consult.
I worry that consumers are encouraged to buy first and ask questions later. Advertisements can make a product appear indispensable, while dramatic promises of rapid results exploit our desire for an easy solution.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration states that cosmetic claims must be truthful and not misleading, although cosmetics generally do not require FDA approval before reaching the market. Consumers need reliable information, and businesses must take their claims, formulations, and product safety seriously.
When a cream promises to reduce wrinkles within weeks, I want people to ask what evidence supports the claim, whether the product suits their skin, and what limitations might apply. Consumer education should be part of the beauty conversation, not an afterthought.
Defining our worth
But the consequences extend beyond irritation or wasted money. When we repeatedly buy products in pursuit of an ideal appearance, we risk treating our natural features as problems to be corrected.
I find it troubling that this pressure can begin long before adulthood. In 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported that 32 percent of teenage girls on a popular social media platform, who already felt bad about their bodies, said that it made them feel worse.
None of this means I consider makeup or skincare unimportant. I enjoy taking care of my appearance, and feeling comfortable in my skin can give me confidence. Beauty treatments can be enjoyable and empowering.
The problem begins when we allow them to define our worth. If we teach people only how to look beautiful, we leave out the very things that make beauty meaningful.
Annabelle Molyneux is a licensed cosmetologist, beauty writer and founder of PrettyInPalette, a shopping and education platform. All opinions are the author’s own.