BEAUTY IN YOUR OWN TERMS

In an age where good looks are easily achievable, Dr. Aivee Teo reveals the source of true beauty

Beauty comes from within. It conveys in confidence and happiness that shows in our bearing. Beauty manifests in different shapes and sizes, in all races and all genders. Describing beauty is particular to each person. It is personal. There will be different standards and criteria because it is part of our uniqueness and different experiences. It has been described in varied ways in different cultures and is so diverse that it isn’t unusual to have different definitions and qualities. For some, being beautiful is having a fully made-up face, while others appreciate a bare face.

There is a widely held notion that being beautiful is about physical beauty which others can admire. I think this notion comes from a need to be affirmed. However, we do not need the approval of people to regard ourselves well. Allowing other people’s opinions to define our worth can only lead to unhappiness.

While being a dermatologist is about helping people enhance outer beauty, I encourage my patients to think beyond appearances. Accepting ourselves, with our flaws, and limitations can help us towards achieving peace within and consequently, happiness. These will radiate from inside us and affect our outer countenance.

I believe beauty comes from being happy in our own skin. It builds confidence that allows us to carry ourselves well. When we are able to carry ourselves well and are happy with who we are, we pass on an important value to others. Beauty isn’t just for the celebrities we admire on the big screen and social media. It is also around us, among our family and friends. I want others to be able to see the beauty in the people they are with, not just in celebrities and public figures.

I have met many people who are 100% content in their own skin. Strong, intelligent, and not afraid to speak their minds, they are admirable and beautiful in their own way. Among those I admire are my parents, who have been my role models since I was young. My mom is independent, smart, resilient, and loving while my dad is courageous, honest, compassionate, and humble. They saw us, their children, as beautiful women and made us see ourselves as they did, amplifying the inner beauty as much as our appearances. We hope to do the same for own children.

It is my hope that the next generation will develop healthy self-esteem and self-worth, that they become more courageous than we are, able to face every day with a smile on their faces. My husband Z and I are raising our children to be confident, to appreciate their strengths and merits, not to listen to negativity, and to always strive for goodness. Looking out for others is part of the inner beauty that we are nurturing within them. We provide them opportunities to help the underprivileged.

The Aivee Group has quarterly medical missions called Beauty Beyond Borders. Our medical and office staff goes to impoverished areas and provide medical assistance in marginalized communities. We attend to those with skin concerns, which helps to address their sense of self-worth and well-being. Treating them and seeing how they feel better about themselves also gives our team a sense of fulfillment. Helping others also helps us grow in kindness and kindness leads to happier people.

Choosing to be kind, truthful, and helpful can transform people into being authentically beautiful starting from inside us. I believe that is how we become our best selves, with beauty as a facet both inside and out.