Cosmetic Procedures and the Effects of Ageism towards Older Women

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to uncover and discuss the effects of various outside influences on ageism towards older women and the desire to alter one’s appearance through cosmetic procedures. Data for this study was collected by interviewing 4 women and surveying 100 women, all over the age of 45. The questions in both the interviews and surveys dealt with topics of ageism, consideration of undergoing cosmetic procedures, the usage of cosmetic products, and the influences either experienced or seen that would cause such consideration. Both the literature and data show outside influences such as advertising and social media, as well as including other topics such as cosmetic usage and the normalization of cosmetic procedures enforcing ageist beliefs which is often confused with medical rhetoric in the form of cosmeceuticals. The data collected also reflect the interconnectivity between normalized ageism, gendered ageism, appearance anxiety, advertisements, and the desire for women to undergo cosmetic procedures due to the variables. This research brings attention to the experiences of older women within this society through the lens of appearance-based ageism and addresses the effects of multiple different facets on the experiences.