“ I’m wondering if Judge Judy and Michael Cera — both commercial faces of the beauty industry now, but neither previously invested in beauty as an interest or personalty trait or even a performance — are evidence of a sort of “cosmetic realism”: the idea that cosmetic consumerism is so embedded in the fabric of Western society that it’s impossible to imagine anyone opting out, and therefore anyone can function as its icon??” You summarized that SO effectively and I’m bookmarking it to share far and wide!
Somwhat related - do you (or any readers!) have advice for finding a derm that WILL focus more on health than cosmetics? I have a family history of skin cancer and am nearing the point where I need to get regular checks, but the one time I went to a derm in high school they focused on my acne and dark spots... Questions to ask a practice/derm, certifications or expertises to look for?
Yes, I agree with Jillian that it is key to make your expectations known. I make clear when I make my appointment that I want a skin cancer screening, and if they mention anything appearance-related during my appointment, I just say, "I'm not interested." (I also go in with no makeup and all my body hair on full display, so I think that helps them know who they're dealing with. :))
It’s funny you should mention this, because my old dermo WOULD NOT do anything aesthetic. And my mom and I ultimately left him because of that. Now I’m thinking that maybe he had it right all along. He’s in his 70s and is located in the Baltimore area, so will soon be retiring, but Dr. Middleton is a very nice man. The practice that my mom and I go to is literally called Medical & Aesthetic Dermatology. They have all the options for things available, but there is absolutely no pressure to pursue anything with them. I had blue light therapy for my cystic acne there, and my mom had red light therapy for her pre-cancerous spots. They also did my squamous cell biopsy for my nose, though I had my regular plastic surgeon, who has done all the cancer removal surgeries in the family, take care of the spot on my face. Ended up with a skin graft from my cheek.
I have generally found better luck with going to dermatologists who practice at/within a larger hospital system versus a stand alone/private practice in terms of promotion/sales of aesthetic dermatology. But with the being said, had I think its more about being clear you want a skin cancer check and the family history. I had awkward interactions with dermatologists as a high schooler with acne (and probably a lot of palpable anxiety around my skin) but past the age of 22 or so, the "worst" I've ever gotten from even a very aesthetic based dermatology practice is that the doctor mentioned I have a bit of rosacea and she could give me some samples of a topical medication if I wanted.
Brilliant analysis, thank you. So true how dermatologists are now seen as celebrities and sell treatments and procedures disguised as ‘health care’. Or self care!! Insanity.!Oh the money and time we are supposed to spend on our face. I love Justine Bateman’s writing on this. Xo
Regarding lip plumpers, I tried Venom one time and OH MY GOD WHY WOULD ANYONE WEAR THAT??? It HURT. No thank you. I am not going to endure ongoing discomfort for the minimal plumping that a topical gloss provides. PASS.
"This company does not care about your daughters. It financially depends on your daughters hating their faces..."
Yesss! 🔥🔥🔥
“ I’m wondering if Judge Judy and Michael Cera — both commercial faces of the beauty industry now, but neither previously invested in beauty as an interest or personalty trait or even a performance — are evidence of a sort of “cosmetic realism”: the idea that cosmetic consumerism is so embedded in the fabric of Western society that it’s impossible to imagine anyone opting out, and therefore anyone can function as its icon??” You summarized that SO effectively and I’m bookmarking it to share far and wide!
Somwhat related - do you (or any readers!) have advice for finding a derm that WILL focus more on health than cosmetics? I have a family history of skin cancer and am nearing the point where I need to get regular checks, but the one time I went to a derm in high school they focused on my acne and dark spots... Questions to ask a practice/derm, certifications or expertises to look for?
I highly recommend seeking a derm that does not have an aesthetics department— they are rare now, sadly.
Yes, I agree with Jillian that it is key to make your expectations known. I make clear when I make my appointment that I want a skin cancer screening, and if they mention anything appearance-related during my appointment, I just say, "I'm not interested." (I also go in with no makeup and all my body hair on full display, so I think that helps them know who they're dealing with. :))
lol love it, I only shave my legs like once a month so I'll have to schedule around that - I'm sure that's a good hint!
It’s funny you should mention this, because my old dermo WOULD NOT do anything aesthetic. And my mom and I ultimately left him because of that. Now I’m thinking that maybe he had it right all along. He’s in his 70s and is located in the Baltimore area, so will soon be retiring, but Dr. Middleton is a very nice man. The practice that my mom and I go to is literally called Medical & Aesthetic Dermatology. They have all the options for things available, but there is absolutely no pressure to pursue anything with them. I had blue light therapy for my cystic acne there, and my mom had red light therapy for her pre-cancerous spots. They also did my squamous cell biopsy for my nose, though I had my regular plastic surgeon, who has done all the cancer removal surgeries in the family, take care of the spot on my face. Ended up with a skin graft from my cheek.
I have generally found better luck with going to dermatologists who practice at/within a larger hospital system versus a stand alone/private practice in terms of promotion/sales of aesthetic dermatology. But with the being said, had I think its more about being clear you want a skin cancer check and the family history. I had awkward interactions with dermatologists as a high schooler with acne (and probably a lot of palpable anxiety around my skin) but past the age of 22 or so, the "worst" I've ever gotten from even a very aesthetic based dermatology practice is that the doctor mentioned I have a bit of rosacea and she could give me some samples of a topical medication if I wanted.
Thank you for mentioning ALL the propaganda. I'm really glad I missed seeing all of it in real time.My head might have exploded.
Once the curtain is lifted you cannot un-see it!!!! It's insane!
I’m so glad I missed it all.
Brilliant analysis, thank you. So true how dermatologists are now seen as celebrities and sell treatments and procedures disguised as ‘health care’. Or self care!! Insanity.!Oh the money and time we are supposed to spend on our face. I love Justine Bateman’s writing on this. Xo
Regarding lip plumpers, I tried Venom one time and OH MY GOD WHY WOULD ANYONE WEAR THAT??? It HURT. No thank you. I am not going to endure ongoing discomfort for the minimal plumping that a topical gloss provides. PASS.