Participants:
Dr Prakriti Gyawali
MD, FAM Consultant Dermatologist, and Antiageing expert
Niti Joshi
Founder, Dhuku
Sushant Murarka
MD, True Derma Company
Sid Gurung Lopchan
Creator, Peachytonics
Ishtu Karki
Content Creator
How do you define “anti-ageing culture,” and what does it mean to you?
Prakriti: Anti-Ageing has a multitude of viewpoints and as a dermatologist, anti-aging for me is the routine and lifestyle changes as a whole embraced by people to delay signs of ageing from both (visible)-skin and (invisible) internal parts of the body for wellbeing.
Niti: Anti-ageing culture means to focus on trying to look and feel younger, often driven by societal pressures. As a woman with a busy schedule, it sometimes feels like there’s an overwhelming push to keep up with unrealistic beauty standards. I see it as a culture that can distract from more meaningful aspects of life, like personal growth, achievements and well-being. While I understand the desire to maintain a youthful appearance, I believe in prioritising health and confidence over chasing youth. I’d rather focus my limited time on things that truly enrich my life and bring joy, rather than stressing over every sign of ageing.
Sushant: The phrases “remaining youthful” and “how beautiful I am” carry profound significance and are central to the concept of anti-aging culture. This culture encompasses a combination of skincare products, cosmetic procedures, and lifestyle choices—such as yoga, exercise, and healthy eating—that aim to slow down or even reverse the aging process. In today’s world, beauty is often associated with outer appearance and how others perceive us. However, when it comes to anti-aging, many people desire to stay youthful but lack the knowledge of how to properly care for their skin or which products to use. This is where we come in. Our goal is to educate people about their skin types and provide them with the right products to help them take care of their skin and maintain a youthful appearance.
Sid: Ageing is something natural and over the past 2-3 years, social media (especially tiktok and reels) has made it a big deal, catalysed by skincare influencers. To me, anti-ageing is just a way of taking care of my skin and not more than that.
Ishtu: When I hear the term, ‘anti-ageing’ I automatically think of my insecurities. It was always there in our society. Earlier people focused more on complexion and now it’s a trend about wanting to look younger.
Do you believe the anti-ageing industry promotes unrealistic beauty standards? Why or why not?
Prakriti: Anti-Ageing industry has created a beauty standard popularly influenced by celebs. However, anti-aging treatment is not bad in itself, people going overboard is. This is the reason why one needs to choose their doctor wisely and have realistic expectations. I myself believe in providing natural and subtle results.
Niti: The anti-ageing business often promotes unrealistic beauty standards. As someone who’s been working hard for decades, I find it frustrating how these industries push the idea that aging is something to “fix” rather than embrace. It’s like they’re telling us that looking our age is a problem and that’s just not realistic. I’m too busy running my business to obsess over every wrinkle and quite frankly, the pressure to look forever young feels unnecessary. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with self-care, but these beauty standards set by the anti-ageing industry often make people chase unattainable perfection. Ageing should be seen as a sign of experience and wisdom, not something to hide.
Sushant: Yes, I do believe that many companies in the anti-aging industry often make unrealistic promises about skincare. They push the narrative that aging is something to be feared or avoided, which can overshadow the natural process of aging and contribute to a limited and often narrow definition of beauty. Take the concept of “glass skin,” for example. While it promotes a flawless, youthful look, it can set an unrealistic standard for what healthy skin should look like. In reality, true beauty comes from embracing both inner and outer well-being, and that includes respecting the natural aging process rather than constantly trying to defy it.
Sid: The beauty industry certainly pushes the “anti-ageing” unrealistic beauty standards among people, especially younger people. Although skincare products do tend to slow down some signs of ageing, but the influencers and other celebrities do get procedures done which makes them look younger which we can’t deny and that creates a false sense of image amongst the general public. People think that they need to look a certain way at a certain age and if they look older than that age then that harms their self-confidence.
Ishtu: One of the greatest challenges humans face is accepting themselves as they are. Society has conditioned us to seek acceptance, so when unrealistic beauty standards are imposed, many follow them without question, often neglecting the long-term impact. The pressure to conform can lead to a loss of individuality and self-worth, as people prioritise fitting into societal norms over embracing their true selves.
Have you ever felt pressured to use anti-ageing products or treatments? If so, what influenced that decision?
Prakriti: Since I am a Dermatologist and anti-ageing expert, it’s not a pressure but a privilege to have intense knowledge in antiaging and be able to incorporate skincare and treatment that are backed by science. Taking care of one’s skin is of utmost importance since it’s the largest organ of our body.
Niti: No, I haven’t felt the need to use anti-ageing products or treatments. As a working woman, my focus has always been on staying healthy and energetic, not obsessing over wrinkles or grey hair. I do understand why people feel pressured to use anti-ageing products or treatments because of society and media advertising fear of ageing.
Sushant: I don’t feel any pressure to use anti-aging products; rather, it’s a combination of passion for my business and personal interest. I take the right supplements and incorporate skincare into my daily routine with face wash, sunscreen, and a night-time moisturiser. After my bath, I also use extra virgin coconut oil. For me, skincare is a balanced approach that includes the right supplements, healthy food, yoga, exercise, and effective cosmetic products. I emphasise the term “right” because each of us has different needs in terms of vitamins and minerals, and our skin often reflects these internal deficiencies. It’s essential to address those first. Knowing your skin type—whether it’s dry, normal, oily, or a combination—is also crucial. Only then can you choose the right products that will truly be effective.
Sid: I wasn’t pressured I just started doing it on my own will, but that doesn’t mean others are not pressured into it. Either directly from their friends or families or indirectly through social media, we have all experienced that. I decided to use it because I am in my mid-twenties and I think that’s the perfect time to start such products.
Ishtu: I have never felt the pressure to use any anti-aging products or treatments. I have accepted the way I look so using products and treatments is more about taking care of myself than the pressure of looking young.
Do you believe the anti-ageing industry is exploiting people’s insecurities, or is it simply meeting a demand?
Prakriti: I think it has contributed in both ways. Especially through social media it has set an unrealistic beauty standard where young people are getting interventions like surgeries to look younger or change one’s already beautiful face. However, it has also given an opportunity to people who have disfigured themselves in an accident or so, to look and feel good after cosmetic alterations. It can greatly help people to boost their self-esteem, confidence level and improve quality of life.
Niti: The anti-ageing industry can be seen from both perspectives. On one hand, the industry often emphasises the fear of ageing, which can trigger people’s insecurities about their appearance. On the other hand, many people consciously choose these products and treatments to feel confident and take control of how they age and that’s their personal decision. Ultimately, it comes down to individual choice. Whether someone uses anti-ageing products for empowerment or simply because they enjoy them, the key is respecting each person’s decision as to how they want to age. I believe the anti-ageing industry is exploiting people.
Sushant: In any industry, where there is demand, innovation, creation, and supply follow. The anti-ageing industry is no different. The demand for such products is growing day by day. What was once considered a concern for people over 45 has now become a trend among even 20-year-olds looking to defy the ageing process. The industry is meeting this growing demand, though it’s important to be cautious about the promises being made.
Sid: It is a mix of both. The marketing done by beauty companies to promote their anti-ageing products feeds off of people’s insecurities and people fall victim to that thus, creates more demand. This demand is bigger from teens than people in their 20’s nowadays and that is astounding.
Ishtu: In today’s world, the desire for external validation, especially through social media, has influenced people of all ages. Kids want to use adult products to fit in, and older individuals resist the natural process of ageing, leading to a growing demand for anti-ageing products. This dependency on looking good for others has fuelled the beauty industry’s expansion. Instead of embracing authenticity and self-acceptance, many are drawn to products and treatments that promise a youthful appearance.
In what ways do you think adult insecurities about appearance and ageing might be shaping parenting practices, especially in how children are introduced to beauty and skincare?
Prakriti: From the aspect of skincare in children, it’s very important that we have knowledge about skincare from an early age. This can protect skin and prevent unwanted skin problems in future. Basic skincare is enough in children or teens, but one shouldn’t get overwhelmed by marketing or social media and use all sorts of products that are not an absolute necessity.
Niti: As a mother of two sons, I’ve always focused more on health and fitness than on outward appearance. While I understand that insecurities can shape how we parent, especially when it comes to self-image, I’ve made a conscious effort to let my kids age gracefully and feel good about themselves without putting too much pressure on how they look.
I believe that if we let our insecurities dominate, we risk passing them on to our children, making them overly concerned about appearance. For me, it was more important to introduce my sons to the idea that taking care of their bodies, through healthy eating, exercise and staying active which is the key to feeling good at any age. Parents should be mindful not to project their own insecurities onto their children, as it can shape how they view themselves. Instead, it’s crucial to nurture a balanced perspective on self-care, focusing on well-being rather than appearance.
Sushant: Media, whether it’s television, movies, or digital platforms, plays a significant role in introducing insecurities, not just in adults but in children as well. I’ve often wondered why there is such an obsession with white skin and fairness, particularly in Asian cultures. This influence is pervasive and affects how parents approach beauty and skincare with their children.
Sid: A lot of adults are getting their faces done and younger people also look at them and may get influenced to tread on that path. As for parenting, you see on social media on how parents are buying their pre-teens expensive skincare products from Sephora, some even being anti-ageing products & I believe that is too much. They are kids and they should not be doing all that. The kids see what social media shows them and them being immature, will pressure their parents into buying them those products but the parents should know better.
Ishtu: When people lack confidence in their appearance, they often turn to anti-ageing treatments and expensive products in search of solutions. Unfortunately, without proper knowledge about these treatments, many experience unwanted side effects. Children who witness this behaviour from a young age may become influenced, developing a desire to use fancy products themselves. This can create unrealistic beauty standards and lead them to adopt unnecessary habits early on, which might affect their self-esteem and natural growth.
Will there be a shift towards more acceptance of ageing, or will the pursuit of youth continue to dominate?
Prakriti: Ageing is a natural process and embracing it is one’s right. Physical well-being is a part of our general well-being. I personally feel if you don’t feel old you don’t need to look old. Skincare, lifestyle modification, diet are all crucial for a healthy life. Taking measures to delay ageing is important. More people are coming forward to take anti-aging treatment than before and this shows the graph is going to grow further. My take is that anti-aging treatments and skincare are important but trying to set an unrealistic beauty standard and people getting possessive about it is wrong. Every individual is different and that’s what makes us unique. Our concept should be about having healthy skin and not flawless skin.
Niti: Ageing is a privilege. I believe there will be a growing acceptance of ageing in the future, though the pursuit of youth will likely continue to dominate in some circles. But more and more, people are realising that ageing is a natural and the most beautiful part of life. We’re already seeing movements promoting body positivity and self-acceptance and I think that will extend to ageing too. People are starting to value authenticity and health over chasing an impossible standard of youth. So, while there may always be pressure to look younger, I’m hopeful that a balance will emerge where we celebrate ageing and feel empowered by the natural process of growing older.
Sushant: I believe both trends will continue. The pursuit of youth and the desire to look younger will remain strong, especially in cultures like ours that place a lot of emphasis on fairness and societal expectations. However, there’s also a growing movement towards accepting the natural aging process and appreciating the wisdom and experience that come with it. At the end of the day, if you truly want good skin, invest both in and out. In means healthy food, supplements, minerals, and good sleep. Out means using quality products to protect and care for your skin.
Sid: Looking at the current state of social media, I don’t think people accepting ageing will happen any time soon, every day you see some new products or new tips on how you can look youthful. Constantly being bombarded with anti-ageing skincare products is taking a toll on people’s self-confidence and it should not be that way. Ageing is natural and it will happen to everyone, you just have to accept it and in the meanwhile also tend to your skin’s needs also. You don’t need to hurt your pockets to achieve unrealistic beauty standards which get even more unrealistic as the day passes.
Ishtu: It’s important to educate the future generation that ageing is a natural process that cannot be reversed, and embracing it is part of life. The beauty industry, while clever in its marketing, often capitalises on insecurities. However, it’s ultimately up to individuals to make informed choices. By fostering self-acceptance and awareness, we can help people make decisions based on confidence rather than societal pressures or the industry’s influence. Empowering the next generation with this mindset will allow them to navigate beauty standards with a healthy perspective.
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