We’ve all heard the saying “beauty is not skin deep” and that if you feel good on the inside you will look good on the outside. But it’s not as simple as that in real life. In fact if you look good on the outside you will automatically feel a lot better on the inside! How we look and how we feel are very closely linked.
It makes sense then to strive to look as good as possible physically. However it is equally important to value yourself as a unique individual, and spend as much effort and time working on your inner beauty as well.
Audrey Hepburn said “True beauty relies on the essence of your inner spirit. Inner beauty is more powerful than any facade we can create ourselves, and in truth a physically attractive woman with a mean spirit will never be beautiful”
That is so true, yet we are not all born with the natural perfection of Audrey Hepburn. If we really want to feel and look our best we’re going to need some help!
Physical appearance does not define your character and value but it affects your confidence and level of contentment, your mood and even energy levels. Your happiness is directly influenced by your self-esteem and the image you project.
Good self-care is a sign of a healthy self-esteem. The more highly you value yourself inside and out, the more you will want to take care of yourself. It is a misconception that people who have aesthetic treatments are people with low self-esteem. People who believe in aesthetic medicine are often confident, well-adjusted, successful people who simply know what they want and need to maintain a positive self-image.
It should not be seen as taboo to look after your skin. Nobody raises eyebrows when you take care of your hair or your nails. Why should it be a secret that you take care of your skin? Regular facials and skin treatments go a long way to improving body image, help boost self-confidence, health and sense of wellbeing.
It is important to maintain a healthy perspective though. Aiming for perfection is self-defeating and a waste of time and energy. Rather aim to be the best “you” you can be. Build on your physical strengths and character strengths. Accept and respect yourself and your unique characteristics. Celebrate differences. Accept your body’s functional nature. Say “thank you” to your hard working hands, be grateful to your legs for carrying you!
Develop a personal style that says “I like me!”
Let go of comparison and competition as there is no one ideal image or shape. Focus on health and wellness. Look as good as you feel…Feel as good as you look.
But most of all strive to keep a balance between your inner and outer beauty.
In conclusion I’d like to once again draw on the wise words of Audrey Hepburn:
For a skin consultation, contact Skin Renewal on bedfordview@skinrenewal.co.za.
For psychologically-related matters, e.g. builing a healthy self-esteem and body image, contact PsychMatters Family therapy Centre on info@psychmatters.co.za.