Artificial Beauty
The socially constructed notion that physical attractiveness is one of women’s most important assets and something all women should strive to achieve and maintain, is paving way for a number of dermatologists all over the world in its modern practice. For decades the cosmetic dermatology had been cooped up in Western neck of the woods, generally employed by actresses and other eminent personas while the quintessential dames in rest of the world kept up with natural beauty. However it is now that cosmetic dermatology has knocked the door of South Asia, inspiring women of all ages to embrace its picturesque approach.
For those who are nescient of the area under discussion, dermatologist is a doctor that specializes in treating skin, hair, nail and mucous membrane disorders while cosmetic dermatologists are medical doctors who have sought additional training in dermatology in order to access and treat skin conditions cosmetically. Their skill sets include such procedures as Botox, collagen injections, chemical peels, dermabrasion, laser surgery and liposuction. The burgeoning practice by women of beautifying themselves by artificial means raises question about their lack of self-satisfaction and speaks much about their response to how they are evaluated by others. The truth is that women’s insecurity about their appearance is driven by competition with other women. The jealousy inculcated in their instinct provokes them to look better than others. The ‘lookism’ itself is not an offense but the means adopted in this regard poses serious objections on the grounds of religion and society. The Islamic perspective on matters relating to beautification or adornment is one of extreme balance. On one hand, Shari’ah allows the various genuine non-surgical means of beautification such as the use of jewellery, Hena, Kohl, perfumes and various creams and balms. On the other hand, however, it prohibits the tampering and altering of body through surgical means considering it a form of mutilation and ‘changing the nature created by Allah’ hence the prohibtion of cosmetic surgery. Botox and dermal fillers are non-surgical methods of treating scars, wrinkles, lines and other depressions on the face with the intention of improving one’s appearance; they are not prohibited in of themselves. Besides, religion provides the general guideline with regard to cosmetic procedures, differentiating between beautification and removing faults. The trend, as it exists today, is inclined more towards personal embellishment rather than getting rid of contuses or marks. The injections may contain unlawful and impure substances such as those from pigs or human albumin making them unlawful. The treatment may result in many serious side-effects. Excluding these two possibilites, there is no harm in the cosmetic treatment.
By: Huzaifa Sohaib