Aging, Self-Esteem and Beauty Expectations in AI World

Artificial intelligence technology has gone far beyond the world of chatbots. Today, all types of content, from hair color inspiration photos to hypothetical renderings of celebrities, can be generated. And, its impact is changing the beauty world, and the way we see ourselves, as we know it.

Whether we’re looking through TikTok filters to see what our 80-year-old selves might look like or meticulously picking a hair color from endless pages of Pinterest posts, one thing is for certain in this digital age: We’re always thinking about the future. Some of us are dreaming of what could be through cosmetic treatments; others are trying to protect what they have now with good skin care. But either way, we’re always looking forward.

While AI can make beauty more accessible in many ways, there’s a hidden hindrance at hand as AI-generated content becomes more prevalent. The silky-smooth hair, poreless complexions and chiseled jawlines of creators and inspiration images we fawn over are often high-tech renderings—not actual people. And as a result, the impact these newfound expectations are having is hitting all areas of beauty.

In the Office: How AI Can Lead Patients Astray

While innovations in artificial intelligence technology have provided countless benefits to the world of medicine and aesthetics, from 3-D imaging that generates realistic “after” images to help guide patients’ expectations, to procedure assistants and early detection devices, doctors are feeling the negative effects that AI is having on their patient pool.

According to Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Jeffrey Antimarino, MD, “in recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in patients bringing unrealistic photos that appear to be AI-generated to their consultations.” What do these images entail? In Dr. Antimarino’s experience, “hyper-realistic, highly symmetrical and flawlessly contoured faces, frequently with skin textures and proportions that don’t quite align with what’s naturally achievable” are the common issues.

Tucson, AZ plastic surgeon Raman Mahabir, MD echoes Dr. Antimarino’s sentiments, noting that a major issue he’s noticed among patients is not only the increase in AI-generated inspiration photos, but also the lack of awareness surrounding the topic. “Oftentimes, patients don’t know the image they’ve brought in is AI,” he says. Dr. Mahabir has even had to turn away patients who are asking for AI-based results to prevent an unsatisfactory or unsafe surgical experience. “Sometimes, the results patients are looking for because of their AI research simply cannot be achieved safely or without scarring, as is often the case with these types of images,” he explains. “I can definitely foresee an uptick in patients resorting to non-board-certified doctors if they are adamant about replicating an AI-generated photo, but keep getting turned away, which is incredibly dangerous.”

As a result of this “new level of complexity” in the plastic surgery space, as Dr. Antimarino puts it, doctors have taken on a new role of educating their patients about the pitfalls of AI-generated images. “It is important to help our patients understand what AI is and how these images are created,” he says. “AI technology generalizes images by pulling together information from all different sources that are not specific to age groups, ethnicities or genetic traits.” Instead of using these as inspiration, Dr. Antimarino suggests that patients refer to real before-and-after images of other patients with a similar genetic makeup to their own. “By setting realistic boundaries as to what is achievable based on the patient’s anatomy, health and lifestyle, we can help address a patient’s expectations prior to surgery,” he explains.

In the Mixing Bowl: Managing Hair Appointment Expectations in an AI World

Just a quick scroll through Pinterest or Instagram is bound to provide an array of vibrant, complex hair color photos, many of which may seem simply out-of-this-world well-done. In reality, they’re the product of AI. Celebrity colorist Rita Hazan has been making clients’ dreams come true for decades, and even she is feeling the heat from the increasingly AI-dominated world. “I’ve definitely noticed more clients coming in with non-human, AI-generated images to their color sessions, which are largely misleading,” she explains. “Human hair can only color certain ways and can only lighten to a certain point without breaking or damage, but AI can do anything with a picture.” As you can imagine, with more and more unrealistic images taking the place of human inspiration photos, clients’ expectations for their hair are higher than ever. And, the disappointment that comes with not being able to achieve an ideal ‘do can have lasting effects for some clients.

Facing Reality: AI-Generated Content, Stigma and Self-Esteem

For a while, it felt like we were entering an age of self-acceptance, be it from the body positivity movement or the increase in content creators ditching beauty filters and embracing their real skin. But with the rise of AI, we’ve taken one step forward and three steps back. “There’s an unrealistic expectation and pressure that comes from constantly seeing perfection, even when we know it isn’t real,” says aesthetician Madalaina Conti. “I’ve even noticed an increase in insecurity among clients who don’t have acne or other skin conditions—we’ve placed ourselves under a microscope of comparison with something that doesn’t even exist.”

The hyper-awareness of our appearance, bolstered by AI and social media, has also reaped negative consequences on users’ overall mental health. “Clients who once struggled with self-esteem, food and body-related challenges are now also dealing with shame and stigma around skin conditions and regular run-of-the-mill acne,” says licensed therapist Aliza Shapiro. “When people compare themselves to AI-generated content, it exacerbates body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem and disordered eating patterns,” adds licensed psychologist Rachel Goldman, PhD. “Oftentimes, there is no disclaimer saying that content was AI-generated, and constant exposure to these unrealistic standards can make some individuals feel inadequate.”

So, what can we do to combat this shift? Shapiro says stripping things back is key. “I encourage clients to shift their focus from complicated, 15-step skin-care routines to consistent, self-loving, focused routines.” Goldman also suggests curating your feed with what makes you feel good. “Unfollow, block or mute accounts that don’t feel good to you or don’t serve a positive purpose in your life. You want to surround yourself with people—and images—that make you feel good about yourself, not the opposite.”