“The Pressure of Beauty Trends: Embracing Aging Gracefully” By Alana Rhodes

Image Credit: Alana Rhodes, https://alanagrace.com.au/

It all started during a simple visit for a laser treatment consultation. I had been considering it to help with some pigmentation that had begun to show on my skin. But during the consultation, something unexpected happened. As I discussed my concerns, the therapist suggested something I hadn’t even thought about, fillers. It wasn’t something I had asked about, nor was it something I thought I needed. But there it was, casually recommended as part of my “beauty regimen” if I wanted to maintain a youthful appearance.

The Subtle Influence of Beauty Trends
It wasn’t an uncomfortable conversation, but it made me stop and think. How many of us have been gently nudged towards treatments we didn’t ask for or even consider? I found myself wondering why it was so easy for beauty professionals to suggest such changes without ever asking whether I truly wanted them. It reminded me of how often I’ve seen marketing that focuses on erasing “imperfections” like pigmentation or wrinkles, words like “unwanted fat” or “freeze away stubborn fat” that make us feel like something is wrong with our bodies if we don’t follow the latest trends. It’s easy to feel like we’re not enough as we are. But that day, sitting in that consultation room, I realised just how powerful those expectations can be. It’s not about judgement; it’s about the subtle influence these trends have on how we view ourselves.

I remember a moment, sitting at a café with my partner before we headed to the beach. We were people-watching, something we do without really intending to. A young woman, maybe 20, came to the counter to get her coffee, and I couldn’t help but say to my partner, “She’s so beautiful. I hope she never feels pressured to change that.” We both agreed, but there was a quiet sadness we both shared, as we reflected on how society seems to encourage young women to alter what is already so pure.

The Beauty of Ageing Gracefully
At 32, I’m starting to notice the small signs of ageing, the lines around my eyes, the faint crease in my forehead that seems to express more each time I laugh. And yet, I’ve come to appreciate these marks. They are part of me, part of the story my body tells. And perhaps that’s something we don’t talk about enough. Ageing isn’t a flaw to be fixed. It’s a natural process, and with it comes grace, wisdom, and beauty.

As I talk to friends, I realise how often we, as women, prioritise our appearance over other aspects of our lives. One friend, for example, recently spent almost $1000 on a facial treatment, even though she’s struggling financially. The irony wasn’t lost on me, it seems like we, as a society, often place so much emphasis on looking a certain way, while sometimes neglecting the things that bring us true joy and connection, like spending time with loved ones or nurturing our own well-being.

I was also reminded of a moment at university when a beautiful young woman, probably no older than 20, openly spoke about getting lip fillers in the shared space where we ate lunch. I couldn’t help but gasp and say, “No, you’re already so beautiful.” The sadness I felt wasn’t directed at her, but at the culture that subtly pressures young women to change something about themselves, even when they already possess such natural beauty. An older woman, perhaps in her 40s, who was sitting nearby, shared her perspective, saying, “If it makes her feel good, though, that’s what’s important.” In reflection, I agree. It’s not about judging people for their sense of agency and what makes them feel good. Yet, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of sadness — not for her, but for all the young women who are growing up in a culture that pushes them towards altering their appearance, instead of encouraging them to embrace their natural selves.

A friend and I recently observed her new grey hair. We admired them in awe, laughed, thinking, Wow, we’re getting older, and I couldn’t help but think, maybe that’s what aging should be about: sharing these natural changes with the people we love. We should celebrate these marks of time, rather than hide them. Ageing isn’t something to fear; it’s a sign of living, of experience, of love. It’s something to share and cherish, not hide away.

The Influence of Media
Of course, it’s hard to ignore the role celebrities play in shaping our views of beauty. It’s everywhere, the articles, the images, the stories of stars who look younger in their 40s than they did in their 20s. The allure of eternal youth is strong, and it’s tempting to feel like we need to keep up. But when I take a step back, I wonder: Is that what I truly want? Is following this trend what will bring me peace?

It’s funny, because in a conversation with my partner, after we both innocently noticed new lines on my face, I found myself considering trying microneedling to address them. He laughed and told me, “You’re beautiful. Stop ruining your face.” In the same way, we laugh at his laugh lines, joking that they started when we met. In that moment, I was reminded of something I already knew: the people who love us find us beautiful just as we are. It’s the smile lines, the laughter, the imperfections that make us who we are. And that, in itself, is beautiful.

Ageing Is a Gift, Not a Curse
In a world so focused on youth and beauty, it’s easy to forget that aging is not something to be feared. In fact, it is a gift. Every wrinkle, every line, every grey hair tells the story of our lives, stories that many don’t get the opportunity to live. Filled with experiences, love, and growth. Aging gracefully is something we should embrace, not try to erase. The beauty of aging lies in the way we carry ourselves, in how we embrace each new chapter of life with acceptance and appreciation.

We can, and we should, more often look to older women who have embraced their natural beauty. Their lines and wrinkles hold stories and life. There’s a kind of beauty that comes with this, one that is much deeper than what any treatment can offer.

The True Meaning of Beauty
At the end of the day, beauty is not found in external treatments or changing the way we look to meet a standard. It is found in the way we love ourselves, in the way we connect with others, and in the way we live our lives with authenticity. It is the laughter lines that show the joy we’ve experienced. It is the stories that our bodies tell, each mark a testament to the life we’ve lived.

I don’t want this to be about judgement. I don’t want to criticise anyone’s choices or make anyone feel bad for the things they choose to do with their bodies. Rather, I want to encourage self-reflection as these new beauty and health trends emerge, which all await. Judgement is natural, but the core message here is this: There is beauty in ageing too. Let’s support women in whatever choices they make to feel good about themselves, whether that’s embracing the newest trends or celebrating the marks of time. The most beautiful women radiate vibrancy and happiness. That’s what true beauty is, it has nothing to do with lines or sun damage, but everything to do with the love, joy, and vitality we bring into the world.

So, let’s surround ourselves with people who value our essence, not just our appearance. Let’s be in relationships with those who see us for who we are inside, rather than focusing solely on what’s on the outside. If we can do that, perhaps we’ll find more joy, more connection, and more authenticity in our lives.

Meet Our Contributor — Alana Rhodes
Alana Grace is a registered counsellor on the Sunshine Coast, offering in-person and online sessions. With nearly a decade of experience in yoga, Ayurveda, and self-inquiry, she combines trauma-informed, person-centred, narrative, and compassion-focused therapies to support individuals navigating anxiety, self-doubt, and emotional overwhelm. Alana is passionate about helping clients cultivate deeper self-trust, guiding them to reconnect with their authentic selves. Learn more here, or on Instagram at @alanagracecounselling.