‘Undetectable’ Cosmetic Work - Are There Boundaries?

Let’s be real, we’ve all had that breathtaking double-take moment whilst scrolling, wondering just how these people don’t age! It may be all too easy to fall into the trap of believing the fountain of youth is stored in a secret lab somewhere under a Hollywood paving slab.

Christina Aguilera, at 43, is the latest celeb to turn heads and start a storm online. It has left many people wondering — have we entered an age where cosmetic work melts into the everyday, hidden in plain sight?

But under the glitz and glamour, and the blowing of kisses, there is perhaps a more sinister story to tell. And I’m not just talking about plastic surgeons here, I want to get under the skin of the longevity movement too, and expose all the creases. You could even say the whole thing has gone undercover, only to pop up as the new, unattainable standard we’re all now forced to subconsciously align ourselves with.

I'm looking behind the scenes of this new movement applying yet more “invisible” pressure to look flawless every day. Should we ignore it? Or take a different stand?

The trillion-dollar, ever-remodelling wellness and cosmetics industries offer everything from health-focused skincare regimens to more intensive treatments, including surgical options or stem cell and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapies, all promoted to "support cellular health." It’s very easy to get swept up in the excitement of endless possibilities for looking and feeling our best at every age. But does the fever of this ageless beauty pursuit come with an added price tag of psychological damage?

Elegantly packaged as “self-care”, there’s something inherently thrilling about trying the latest health fad or skincare treatment. Add to this, there is a constant stream of content online telling you “you’re doing ageing all wrong”, and so you head back to the TikTok store to try out the improved formula for yourself.

The genderisation of agelessness

Anti-ageing as a phrase, predominantly throws up images of glamorous women, yet men are indeed not exempt from the draw of keeping a fresh face. It’s a convenient facade, all served up in sleek packaging, with a lighthearted wink and a nudge that suggests men are just as “in the anti-ageing-game” as women now. But let’s not pretend the stakes are the same. For men, the focus is often on “longevity” and “health”. Meanwhile, for women, it’s perhaps still (no matter how you frame it) about proving their worth in a society that sees ageing women as either invisible and irrelevant or as a loose cannon.

The true cost of comparison 

We’re now expected to compete with an idealised image of ourselves that’s pretty absurdly impossible. And, to be fully transparent, it’s making many of us feel utterly miserable. We’re made to feel like ageing as nature intended just isn’t good enough anymore, and for some, it simply isn’t an option to ignore the changes time brings to our appearance.

Social media pressure was previously emphasised in younger cohorts, like the endless media coverage of teenagers who spend too long on their phones. But studies are now linking the pressure to look perfect to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and a constant and unpleasant undercurrent of self-doubt in people of all ages. In 2019, a study from York St John University found that these pressures are taking a heavy toll on mental health, with perfectionism affecting men and women alike. Spanning a broad age range, from young teenagers to people over 50, the study revealed that these pressures appear to grow tougher with age.

With perfectionism woven deeply into our culture, the beauty industry taps into our fears of ageing, pushing youth as the ultimate ideal.

So, what is to lose in terms of just letting it be? Embracing it, even. Every sign of life is a badge of honour, not something to erase. Because at its heart, ageing naturally is about more than just skin-deep confidence. It is about accepting and valuing the journey we’ve lived. And, by putting a mirror to this issue, it’s clear that this kind of self-acceptance is pretty rare (and rather rebellious) in a world that tells us to endlessly chase youth and perfection.

That said, anti ageing is not just a skin deep concern. And longevity supporting practices aren't just something to put onto the shelf for later on. Starting with essentials like CoQ10 and NAD in your 30s can keep cells powered up and help fend off signs of ageing before they manifest. CoQ10 supports skin, heart and brain vitality, meanwhile NAD gets in there for cell repair and giving you lasting energy. Think of it as building a foundation now, so you don’t have to scramble to “reverse” anything later. Even stars like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber are onto NAD — you can read more about it here

So, as I conclude, the Longevity Movement itself isn’t the enemy. Looking after your health, staying active, and maintaining an optimal natural skincare routine are all the truly safe and holistic ways to age well and feel great in your own skin.

It is possible to make peace with the lines, the grey hairs and other niggles, focusing on ageing in a way that celebrates your unique self. And if you’re after natural products to help you feel your best, hone in on brands of health supplements and cosmetics that major on wellbeing, not erasure. Because, maybe, just maybe, true longevity isn’t about looking flawless at any cost? 

Longevity: