Why are some things considered ‘attractive,’ while others are considered repulsive? What is it about clear skin that makes someone appear to be a better catch? And how can understanding the science behind this attraction assist us in being more effective in improving our own appearance?
This post will delve into those ideas.
Evolution and Appearances
Understanding the role that evolution played in creating the seemingly arbitrary set of rules that define attractiveness is the key to understanding them.
You see, evolution is all about survival of the fittest. It is about the traits that help us live longer lives and pass on our genes becoming more dominant. This also accounts for our ‘tastes’ for the opposite sex. People who choose ‘better’ evolutionary partners are more likely to pass on their genes more effectively.
In other words, our desires and tastes in men and women are influenced by signals that indicate a higher chance of survival. We choose people who appear to be healthy, but also people who appear to be resourceful, powerful, and important. We believe that by doing so, our children will be better cared for and will inherit more of those positive characteristics.
What Is Skin’s Role in All of This?
So, with that in mind, what role does healthy skin play? What does this say about a possible mate?
To begin with, healthy skin suggests a healthy diet. This, in turn, implies access to resources that will benefit offspring, as well as overall better health.
At the same time, healthy skin suggests a healthy hormonal balance, which may indicate increased virility and fertility.
Following that, healthy skin makes us appear more symmetrical. What is the significance of symmetry? This part is unclear, but one theory holds that symmetry indicates healthy cell division. Our cells reproduce by splitting in half to form two exact copies – a process known as mitosis – which occurs millions of times per day.
The issue is that the process does not always go as planned. Occasionally, a minor error will enter the process, resulting in cells that are not exactly identical. Normally, this isn’t a big deal, but it can occasionally cause damage to important parts of the DNA – which is how cancer develops. Cancerous cells then spread because they continue to divide and reproduce, and the ‘flaw’ in that cell is replicated throughout the body as a result.
True Beauty = Organic Beauty
There are numerous other examples, but the bottom line is that beauty and health are inextricably linked. And it is for this reason that organic beauty is the purest form of beauty. Organic beauty entails first becoming healthier so that your natural beauty can shine through.