Community Magazine March 2009

68 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE The Changing (and Sometimes Dangerous) Face of T he definition of beauty has changed numerous times throughout the centuries. Still, it always stayed true to its core, reflecting what society perceived as healthy and powerful. In Biblical times, as food was scarce, beauty was embodied, as seen from the full-bodied sculptures of old. A heavier set woman would have to come from an affluent family that could afford food and thus a good dowry when wed. Her large build would facilitate a normal delivery and thus reduce the chances of death during childbirth. Slaves, on the other hand, were generally thin because they were underfed and overworked. Nowadays, with the modern media hyping a certain look, being thin has become an obsession – sometimes a dangerous one – among women seeking to embody today’s ideal of beauty. The notion of beauty as applied to skin has also evolved. The beauty of fair skin described in countless fairy tales was synony- mous with royalty, power and purity, as in the story of Snow White, “the fairest in the land.” The rich and aristocratic lady remained indoors, away from the sun and free from manual labor, and when she did venture outside, she carried a parasol to protect her “supe- rior skin tone.” As the world wars raged, poor and rich alike were sent to save the world, and the heroes returned with scars and tanned skin. Motion pictures of the carefree, emancipated men and women of the Wild West also glorified darker skin, thus giving rise to an attraction for masculine, tanned and experienced skin. When money bought you time away on vacation in warmer climates, the tan (though potentially unhealthy) became a thing to parade. The poor city dwellers worked all day and night and had no time or money to cultivate a muscular physique, or to go on vaca- tion and thus show off their tan. So power and money became associated with a muscular physic, lean body and tanned skin. And now that health and youth have become synonymous with money and power, a mink coat and dia- monds make less of an impression than age. Beware of Dangerous Beauty Habits Of course, as much as we’d all like to look young and beauti- ful, extreme care should be taken in realizing this goal. Dangerous methods can harm your body’s functioning and cause lifelong dam- age, Gd forbid. The skin is the largest organ, protecting our body from extremes temperatures, damaging sunlight and harmful chemicals. Our skin provides protection against infections and allows us to interact with the world. However with the use of unhealthy skin products, toxins used externally can be transmitted into our system through the pores on our skin. Personal care products may contain harmful synthetic chemicals that can cause a multitude of health problems ranging from acne, asthma, cancer and altering the reproductive system. Skin creams, hair straighteners and coloring, acne oral solutions and anything put onto or into our body should be carefully researched before use. Likewise, dangerous eating habits should never be used to achieve a thinner look. Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia can lead to serious – sometimes lifelong health conditions. Fortunately, there are safe, natural and proven medical means avail- able for getting and staying slim. Finally, don’t forget to use sunscreen (choose one that is effec- tive in blocking both UVA and UVB rays), and maybe consider an umbrella as your new accessory. Be on the lookout for new marks or growths and when in doubt, see your doctor or seek the consulta- tion of a board-certified dermatologist. Sources: Ezine, Focus Adolescent Services, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, National Geographic Eyal Levit, M.D., F.A.A.D. is a Diplomat, American Board of Dermatology, Mohs, Laser and Cosmetic Surgery; Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Columbia University; Director of Dermatological & Cosmetic Surgery, St. Luke’s’ Hospital, Columbia University. EYAL LEVIT, M.D., F.A.A.D.