Beauty and health concepts

BEYOND BRUSHSTROKES MARIA VICTORIA RUFINO

- MARIA VICTORIA RUFINO

The obsession with beauty and health has become extreme.

“Health is what sells,” Professor Elizabeth Haiken wrote in her book, Venus Envy: A History of Cosmetic Surgery.

The commercial thrust is evident in how products are marketed. Innovation is the key.

Through years of subliminal programing and media conditioning, people confuse the concept of health with a beautiful face, a slim body, and youth. The multibillion-dollar beauty industry projects the ultimate image of a perfect figure and flawless face. A sexy icon, the perennial image on billboards and ads, makes people aspire to look perfect.

“Wellness” is the term used to market the booming spa and cosmetic surgery subcategories of the beauty industry. Vitamin supplements and quick magic fixes are recommended.

Health and beauty have been intricately linked and promoted by traditional media and social media. Seductive TV and magazine advertisements heighten the desire for eternal youth. The ads entice potential customers to “feed your skin.” The healthy glow comes from nourishing cosmetics, sea extracts, oxygen treatments, and detox flush weekends. Yoga and vegetarian dishes are offered as well.

The consumer (male or female) with disposable income wants infinite ways to look and feel healthy and fit. The industry discovers and formulates innovative products and treatments to meet those needs.

It is the law of supply and demand.