As a dermatologist, I live at the intersection of science, aesthetics and society’s evolving standards of beauty. My work demands that I stay attuned not only to medical advances but also to the cultural trends that shape how we define attractiveness, particularly our enduring fascination with symmetry. The pursuit of beauty is hardly new.

As early as Ancient Greece, philosophers and artists documented ideals of proportion and balance, embedding these concepts into cultural standards that continue to influence us today. We are not the first generation – nor will we be the last – to experience the pressure of trends, expectations and ideals surrounding physical appearance.

Although beauty holds a different meaning for each person, there remains a universal desire to be regarded as beautiful. We are all participants in this ongoing dialogue, whether one is naturally endowed or chooses to enhance their appearance through modern techniques. Even indifference is a position within it.

Each week, I meet clients seeking to refine or restore aspects of their appearance. Sometimes it is about enhancement; other times, it is about addressing conditions rooted in their genetic code, such as acne or hair loss. I have witnessed how transformative it can be when a client sees their skin clear, their hair grow back or their pigmentation fade. These changes are more than clinical results – they are moments that restore confidence and joy, which makes them profoundly meaningful to me as a practitioner.

What I rarely have the opportunity to discuss during consultations is the broader, more nuanced meaning of beauty. Increasingly, beauty has been commodified and marketed as something to be purchased, while its deeper essence is often ignored. As a mother of two daughters, I am acutely aware of the influence I hold. Every word, action and belief I model becomes a silent lesson, shaping how they will one day see themselves and other women around them.

True beauty transcends physical features. While it can be expressed outwardly, its essence lies in how we move through the world: in our relationships, our resilience, our integrity and the small but meaningful ways we impact others. Beauty is not limited to symmetry, sculpted jawlines or flawless skin; it is reflected in how we show up and the legacy we leave.

Having studied epigenetics at Harvard, I firmly believe that our thoughts influence our health. Negative internal dialogue can have biological consequences, affecting hormonal balance and immune function. Choosing to reframe how we see ourselves and directing that energy toward growth is one of the most powerful choices we can make.

With maturity comes the understanding that appearances inevitably evolve, but qualities such as empathy, humour, integrity and kindness remain enduring markers of beauty. To be a good friend is beautiful. To act with compassion is beautiful. To live with authenticity and strive to grow each day is beautiful. These are truths that require no treatment – only the courage to show up as your best and truest self.

So, the next time you question your beauty, measure it solely by appearance, or wonder whether you belong in spaces of meaning and influence, pause and ask: