Beauty standards have evolved drastically over the years. In 300 BCE, Aphrodite was the epitome of beauty. Embracing stomach rolls, plump figures, and other authentic features —that aren’t considered “beautiful” now— the Greek goddess defined female Greek beauty standards. During the Renaissance era, high and pronounced foreheads were indicators of beauty and intelligence. As a result, women took extreme measures to conform to this standard, often plucking and even shaving their hairline back three inches! In the late 13th century, foot-binding—the practice of tightly wrapping one’s foot to alter its shape and size— was a right of passage for Chinese women. This was thought to be a way women could enhance their beauty and raise their status among the elite. This practice was far from glamorous. Enduring long periods of constricting one’s feet made it difficult for women to perform daily tasks. This trend resulted in broken feet, poor circulation, and immobility. For centuries, under the societal pressure to be beautiful, women have physically and mentally destroyed themselves. To this, I wonder, at what cost? 

   Now, “baby Botox” is the new beauty fix aimed at teens, with some claiming this injection will eliminate and prevent wrinkles. Social media reinforces the belief among young women that their natural beauty is inadequate. Most recently, social media has created the trend of “baby botox” or “preventative botox.” Originally intended to treat wrinkles, the treatment has transitioned into Botox for teens. According to Jessica Grose’s December 7, 2024 New York Times article, the number of Americans ages 19 and under who have received Botox increased 75 percent—and that number is increasing. Social media has convinced young people that, in order to preserve a supple and youthful appearance, they must get injected. 

   Dermatologists are also to blame, as they ultimately have a say in whether they choose to inject a teen with no visible wrinkles. I understand a doctor’s desire to keep their business alive. However, there are methods to do so without exploiting teens. Instead, they should target a different audience, one that could benefit from Botox.

   We often compare ourselves to models or actors who are seemingly perfect, from their chiseled jawlines to their hollowed cheekbones. For generations, women have endured the stress of trying to conform to an unrealistic aesthetic norm. These expectations can often lead to women allowing social norms to control their mental health and lives overall. 

   What many seem to ignore are the side effects. In order to prevent aging, this so-called beauty trend advises women to start injecting young to maintain a fresh appearance. However, receiving multiple syringes of botox over a long period of time can result in a “frozen face”— unevenness, asymmetry, and paralysis of the face.  Considering the prime motive of “baby Botox,” its effects are counterproductive. 

   Thus, how do we as a society heal the unhealthy and detrimental beauty norms and create a safer space for the new generation? If glamorizing an eternal youth swayed teens into believing that they need Botox, we can glamorize a mentally and physically healthier beauty standard for the future