Is Our Beauty Language Doing More Harm Than Good?

Rethinking Buzzwords in the Age of Wellness and Longevity

In the bustling world of skincare and wellness, language shapes our perceptions and aspirations. Terms like "glow," "perfect," "bio-hack," and "glass skin" dominate social media feeds, product labels, and influencer endorsements, promising transformative results. But what if these words, laden with unrealistic ideals, are subtly eroding our mental health and self-image over time? As we navigate an era obsessed with longevity and holistic health, it's worth questioning whether it's time to professionalise the terms around skincare and body health. By shifting to more neutral, evidence-based language, we could foster a healthier relationship with our bodies—one free from unattainability, and potential harm.

The Power—and Peril—of Skincare Terminology

Words are very powerful; they influence how we view ourselves. In skincare, buzzwords often evoke an idealised, almost superhuman standard. "Glow" implies a radiant, otherworldly luminescence that's hard to achieve without filters or editing. "Perfect" sets an impossible bar, suggesting flawlessness in a naturally imperfect organ like skin. "Bio-hack" treats the body as a machine to be optimised, potentially encouraging risky experimentation. "Glass skin," popularised by K-beauty trends, envisions poreless, translucent perfection that's genetically unattainable for most.

But these aren't isolated examples. Other unrealistic terms abound: "anti-aging" frames ageing as a battle to be won, implying youth is the only desirable state. "Flawless" dismisses natural variations like texture or pigmentation. "Poreless" ignores that pores are essential for skin function. "Ageless" and "eternal youth" promote denial of natural life stages. "Clean beauty" subtly shames other products as "dirty" or toxic, fostering unnecessary fear. Terms like "snatched skin" or "doll-like" evoke manipulated, artificial ideals, while "detox" for skin oversimplifies biology, suggesting the body needs constant purging. These phrases, often rooted in marketing hype, create a narrative where anything less than perfection is failure.

The Long-Term Psychological Toll

The constant barrage of such language isn't harmless. Research shows that exposure to unattainable beauty ideals can lead to negative body image, anxiety, and depression. For instance, terms emphasising "perfection" or "flawless" can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy, particularly among young people influenced by social media. Numerous studies on beauty norms found that these ideals significantly impact self-esteem and mental well-being, often leading to dissatisfaction and body dysmorphia.

In the skincare realm specifically, the teen skincare craze—fueled by buzzwords like "glass skin"—has been linked to increased mental health pressures, including low self-esteem and unrealistic beauty standards. TikTok's amplification of these terms contributes to a culture where skin concerns become obsessions, potentially triggering disordered behaviors. Over time, this unrealistic language can erode confidence, promote comparison, and even deter people from embracing natural ageing processes essential for longevity-focused wellness.

Moreover, words like "bio-hack" imply quick fixes through sometimes, unproven methods, which might encourage harmful practices without professional guidance. In an age where wellness emphasises sustainability and mental balance, such terminology risks turning self-care into self-criticism.

Time to Professionalise: Advocating for Gentle, Realistic Language

Perhaps it's time to borrow from medical and scientific fields to professionalise skincare discourse. Instead of hype-driven buzzwords, we could adopt terms that are accurate, empowering, and non-aggressive. For example:

• Replace "glow" with "healthy radiance," acknowledging that skin's natural vitality comes from balance, not perfection.

• Swap "perfect" for "balanced complexion," recognising individual variations.

• Ditch "bio-hack" for "evidence-based optimisation," emphasising safe, researched approaches. The word hack is aggressive and intrusive and definitely should have no place within the terminology of heath

• Move from "glass skin" to "resilient barrier," focusing on skin's protective function.

• Use "nourished skin" over "anti-ageing," celebrating care at any age without fighting time.

• Opt for "healthy pores" instead of "poreless," educating on biology rather than erasure.

This shift aligns with calls for antibias language in health care, where words matter in reducing stigma and promoting well-being. Professional terminology, like that used by dermatologists (e.g., "exfoliation" or "barrier repair"), provides clarity. In wellness and longevity contexts, this could encourage sustainable habits, reducing the mental strain of chasing ideals.

Words as Tools for True Wellness

As we pursue longer, healthier lives, the language we use in skin or healthcare shouldn't undermine our efforts. Unrealistic terms like "glow," "perfect," "bio-hack," "glass skin," and their counterparts may seem motivational but often breed discontent and harm. By professionalising our vocabulary—favouring realistic, non-aggressive words—we can cultivate a more compassionate approach to body health. Let's prioritise terms that heal rather than hype, protect rather than hack, fostering genuine self-acceptance in the wellness era.

What do you think? Have certain skincare words affected your self-view? Share in the comments, and let's discuss building a kinder beauty and healthy narrative.