Across the world, different cultures perceive and celebrate beauty in different ways. What one culture prefers isn't always the same for another, and different countries tend to focus on different types of aesthetic and beauty treatments for that very reason.
Understanding Culture
Often people refer to "Western standards of beauty", which is a bit of a catch-all term. It doesn't really differentiate between different Western cultures - American ideals aren't always the same as British, and European styles are different again. There are some overarching themes, though. Youth and beauty are often inextricably linked, which is why anti-ageing treatments are so popular.
Treatments like Botox, PRP, and Thread Lifting are designed to reverse signs of ageing like wrinkles and sagging skin, while Dermaroller and IPL Skin Rejuvenation bring youth back to the skin by improving its texture and tone, and that's why these are often the most popular treatments in the UK and US - though sometimes the US focuses more on plastic surgery than non-surgical treatments.
In the majority of Western cultures, being slim is the cultural ideal, and weight loss is a huge industry. Women in particular, feel a certain pressure to conform and often struggle with stubborn areas of fat that are hard to dislodge. Alternatives to surgical treatment include CoolSculpting - a safe and effective way of freezing fat with impressive results.
In some cultures, having beauty treatments, or non-surgical aesthetic treatments, is no big deal, while in others it's frowned upon. In Brazil, looking a certain way is extremely important, and visiting the salon at the very least is a weekly activity. Similarly, in some cultures, there's a pride to be had in talking about your latest treatment, while in others you might have something done but would never admit it (which is when finding a practitioner who can be discreet and subtle with their work is important).
Beauty Through Time
In years gone by, being overweight was the highest accolade - because it indicated wealth and the ability to procure fine foods. Just think about Henry VIII for a perfect illustration. Today food is so plentiful that we don't have the same need to demonstrate wealth in this way, and being thin is valued far more highly - though that's not the case in some cultures where fuller figures are perceived as more attractive.
Being pale was another sign of wealth back in the day, demonstrating that you didn't have to be outside working for a living. Nowadays, we seem to prefer
the look of a tan, and spend time, effort and money either tanning naturally, using sunbeds, or (more safely) with fake tan. Well, our ancestors used
to do something similar - they'd use makeup to turn their skin white. Unfortunately, it was poisonous titanium paint - not exactly safe!
Fitting In versus Standing Out
When you belong to a culture that perceives beauty in one way, but you live in an environment where other beauty standards are upheld, it can be difficult to feel like you fit in. Having facial features, body shape, or hair growth patterns that don't conform to the style of beauty in your environment can be frustrating. There's nothing wrong with choosing which parts of each style and culture you personally wish to
We think everyone should be able to feel beautiful in their own skin, which is why we offer beauty treatments to suit all different types of people and achieve different types of beauty. If your hair growth bothers you because "Western" beauty revere smooth, hairless skin, you could always opt for Laser Hair Removal (our version is suitable for all skin tones).
Bizarre Treatments to Try (or not)!
There are plenty of weird and wonderful treatments out in the world that hasn't yet caught on over here. There's a resort in Japan with a "red wine pool", where you can bathe in the antioxidant properties of wine, which apparently firm the skin and reduces the effects of sun damage. Or you could go for the very adventurous "fire facial", where towels soaked in a secret concoction are applied to the skin and then set on fire - don't try that at home!
Head to Indonesia for a "snake massage", which is possibly as adrenaline-fuelled as it sounds, or try the new "beer bath massage". Alternatively, try the Italian metabolism-boosting treatment of being wrapped in the hay before soaking in a hot water bed.
So, while plenty of treatments from around the world have found their way to our shores, like saunas and mud masks, we have a feeling that these ones might be a step too far for many of us here.