Beauty matters to people. Globally, the beauty and personal care market is expected to generate $648.4 billion in 2024 — and that doesn’t account for surgical procedures and other methods people often use to achieve a more youthful appearance.
Of course, the focus on outer beauty often comes with pushback that such an emphasis tends to be superficial and overlook the value of improving one’s inner beauty — or the traits that make them a good person.
However, as Sandra Lena Silverman, a self-care guru, Miami-based beauty and wellness advocate and author of “From Bulls*t to Botox: A Rebel’s Guide to Self-Love and Eternal Youth” explains, there doesn’t have to be a conflict between inner and outer beauty. Both elements matter, and with the right approach, it is possible to achieve both.
Unpacking Inner and Outer Beauty
For many people, part of the perceived conflict between inner and outer beauty comes from not fully understanding what these terms entail. “Inner beauty is ultimately reflective of how you treat yourself and others,” Silverman explains.
“It’s a measure of traits like self-respect, kindness, compassion and confidence. People with inner beauty aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe, and they are consistently true to their values and what they say. There’s nothing inherent in these traits that says you can’t also work on improving your outer beauty. And of course, these kinds of traits are essential to being a good person — someone who can draw others to you and lift them up.”
Unsurprisingly, most people generally associate outer beauty with being physically attractive — but Silverman notes that it is more than that. “Trying to become more physically attractive is certainly a component of outer beauty, but you want that beauty to last,” she says.
“It’s not just about making yourself look beautiful but ensuring that you are taking care of your physical health so that your body can remain youthful and healthy. You can’t just focus on trying to make yourself look beautiful right now — it’s about taking steps that will help you maintain that beauty for years to come. Outer beauty matters in large part because it is often a reflection of your physical health and your efforts in caring for your body.”
The Relationship Between Inner and Outer Beauty
Rather than being in conflict with each other, Silverman actually views inner and outer beauty as having the potential to be closely related to each other. “A key part of developing inner beauty is having self-respect, kindness and compassion toward yourself, as well as others,” she notes.
“With this in mind, taking steps to improve your outer beauty can actually be a way of developing your inner beauty as well. For example, when you take steps to improve your physical fitness so you can look better, you’re demonstrating self-respect by making your physical health a priority. Respecting yourself in a way that helps you feel better about yourself can — and should — also then extend to you being able to treat others with greater compassion as well.”
Silverman’s comments align with the popular idea that a person’s inner beauty can radiate a positive energy that makes them more outwardly beautiful. Similarly, displaying greater confidence because of one’s self-respect can influence how they present themselves. In addition, this mindset also illustrates the fact that both inner and outer beauty are personal attributes that can be altered and improved upon.
Optimizing Inner and Outer Beauty
There are many steps individuals can take to improve their inner and outer beauty, with many involving costly procedures or practices. While these can be beneficial for some people, Silverman notes that many will benefit by starting with the basics.
“One of the best things you can do is start by focusing on self-care,” she says. “Adopting healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating properly and exercising regularly can provide a big boost to both your inner and outer beauty by helping you become healthier physically, mentally and emotionally.
She continues, “Of course, beyond this, each individual will need to take a look at their specific health needs to determine what steps they should take to optimize their inner and outer beauty. This will ultimately look different for each person, but by starting with a foundational focus on general wellness, you already put yourself in a good position to become truly beautiful inside and out.”
As Silverman notes, an individualized approach is important. For example, to enhance inner beauty, some people might find it valuable to proactively look for opportunities to perform kind acts for others so they can enhance that trait. Some individuals might need medical assistance to manage mental, emotional or physical health issues that are impeding their overall wellness. And for others, it might entail changing the way they dress so they can feel more confident and look better.
Ultimately, achieving inner and outer beauty can be a path as individual as each person.
Achieving Your Best Self
As Silverman reveals, to achieve true well-being, a person must ensure they are focused on complete beauty and wellness — both inner and outer. By developing a proactive and personalized approach to improving physical, emotional and behavioral wellness, individuals can achieve true beauty that helps them look and feel their best in every circumstance.
**This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.
