Asia has a rich history of aesthetic aspirations influenced by culture, religion and dynasties. These standards of feminine beauty have evolved over the centuries in response to social, economic and cultural changes.
Beauty standards, whether in China or Europe, reveal a great deal about cultural values and social ideals. It is therefore important to adapt treatments to the cultural specificities of each patient.
- Ancient China: female beauty in China was once defined by gentleness and elegance. During the period of the dynasties, ideal women often had pale skin, a symbol of purity and social elite, and delicate features. Slimness and grace were also prized, as were small hands and feet. High society women even went so far as to practise the technique of "foot binding" to symbolise their status and their submission to the social norms of the time.
- Korea and Japan: in cultures such as Korea and Japan, modesty and reserve have long been central values, and this was reflected in beauty standards. Women were often valued for their fair skin, long, smooth hair and fine, even childlike features, symbolising youth and innocence.
- Standardisation of features: with Westernisation, particularly after the wars and the opening up of trade, Asian culture was influenced by Western beauty standards. Pale skin remained an ideal, but new criteria such as large eyes (with or without surgery to create an eyelid crease) and a more pronounced nose emerged.
- Celebrities and the media: in recent years, beauty standards in Asia have also been influenced by celebrities and K-idols. Thin, youthful and sometimes "androgynous" features are popular, symbolising youth and modernity.
Beauty standards in modern China are a blend of traditional heritage and globalised influences. They often focus on :
- Pale, blemish-free skin: fair skin is still highly valued because it is associated with purity and higher social status.
- Small size, slimness and finesse: slimness has become an unavoidable standard, so much so that maintaining a very slim figure is seen as a sign of discipline and elegance.
- Big eyes and delicate features: many women in China resort to cosmetic procedures to enlarge their eyes, create an eyelid crease and refine their facial features.
- V-Line: the 'V-Line', i.e. a pointed chin and V-shaped face, is a beauty ideal in China, and many cosmetic procedures aim to create this shape.
In Europe, and particularly in Switzerland, female beauty standards differ in many ways from Asian ideals, even if they also share certain similarities due to globalisation.
- Natural and authentic: in Switzerland, beauty standards value a harmonious appearance. Swiss and European women often strive for natural beauty.
- Healthy, lightly tanned skin: contrary to the pale skin ideals popular in Asia, lightly tanned skin is often appreciated in Europe as a symbol of vitality and health.
- Athletic bodies and natural shapes: in Europe, feminine beauty is associated with a natural, athletic figure. The ideal of feminine beauty often moves away from extreme slimness and places the emphasis on health and well-being.
- Emphasis on unique features: in contrast to the Asian ideal of fine, youthful features, Europeans emphasise distinctive features, features that characterise each person, making them different and unique.
The services described on this site are applicable to Switzerland; there are differences between countries.
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Dr Valeria Romano
Pl. du Molard 5, 1204 Geneva, Switzerland
Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm
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