The incredible variety of faces is the result of evolutionary pressure to make each of us unique and recognizable, according to a new study by University of California. What else did the scientists find? Facial traits varied more than body traits, and the most variable traits were found in the “triangle region” between the eyes, nose and mouth. The eyes, mouth, nose, ear, all have unique features and characteristics that all added together make a unique you.

See those curves and ridges of your ear? You’re the only person in the world with that exact shape. The ear is such a unique identifier soon you may be able to would unlock and answer the phone by simply pressing it to the ear. It’s not a surprise that Yahoo is currently developing technology to unlock smartphones with an ear scanner.

The pattern of elevations and depressions in the lips are as unique as fingerprints, a study in the Journal of Forensic Dental Sciences says. Did you know detectives could use a kiss as evidence? That’s right, although lip prints have been used as identification in the court in some cases.

Although each person is unique, there is an attractiveness factor that influences the way we see each other and perceive beauty and for centuries and in every human culture, people have always had their own ideal of beauty and physical attractiveness. From Ancient Egypt, when slender women with high waist and symmetrical faces were considered beautiful, to Ancient Greece where they worshiped the androgynous figure, as men facing a much higher standard of beauty and perfection than women, and of course, to the Italian Renaissance, when a full body, light hair and light skin were thought of as superior indications of beauty, the beauty ideal has constantly changed. Remember the 1920s when women wore bras to flatten their chest and wore clothing that gave them a curve-less look? Or the hourglass figure made famous by Marilyn Monroe? Let’s not forget the heroin chic trend of the 1990s when the celebrated woman was a woman who looked thin, frail and neglected, just like the famous model Kate Moss. They’re all great examples of how feminine beauty standards have changed and due to the social media influence nowadays, these changes occur faster than ever.

Regardless of background, country or culture, women still hold themselves to always-changing beauty standards and focus on how they can fix themselves in order to fit into society’s beauty standards. Nowadays, what is sold as beautiful is tall, thin, with white and perfect skin. Who does not fit into these stereotypes is not beautiful, does not progress, is not happy. According to the NYC girls project, “by middle school, 40-70 percent of girls are dissatisfied with two or more parts of their body, and body satisfaction hits rock bottom between the ages of 12 and 15.”

A report by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery has shown that consumers are more obsessed with celebrities now than ever before, so much so in fact that there is an increase in requests for celebrity procedures. This trend is fuelled by an all-consuming media society, where every aspect of their lives are lived online and through social media.

A survey led by American aesthetic news website ZALEA suggests that 40% of millennials have either undergone a cosmetic procedure or are considering one in the next year. Plus, they spend so much time on social media that it is no surprise they are being swayed by key influencers and celebrities talking about which treatments they’re having done.

So how can we change the perception that beauty is simply one standard everyone should adhere to? By acknowledging that beauty is so diverse that it cannot be reduced to a model, by portraying diversity as part of everyday life, encourage confident and empowering women to become role-models and by teaching young women how to love themselves, cherish their unique beauty and own it. Each one of us has a role in making this happen. In the aesthetics industry, it’s imperative to take our patients’ needs and wishes into consideration but in the same time provide professional advice around the procedures and treatment they need and in many cases that they don’t need so that the results can reveal the best version of themselves instead of changing who they are.

Just like the fashion industry is slowly stepping away from portraying a perfect beauty standard by using models who have distinguishing facial features such as Daphne Groeneveld or Issa Lish of a Mexican and Japanese descent, so is the aesthetics industry. Aesthetic doctors are stepping away from beauty stereotypes and standards and start focusing more on helping patients find their own beauty, preserve it as well as enhance it.

To ensure that you receive the best care and achieve the results you are looking for, here are 5 things to look for when choosing an aesthetics doctor:

1. Do your research online, read reviews and recommendations
2. Ask about your doctor’s qualifications and recent specialty training
3. Ask for referrals from previous clients
4. Request to see examples of previous work
5. Make sure the clinic is set up appropriately to conduct treatments

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