The Beauty Industry’s Predatory Tactics: Marketing to Young Girls

There’s something special about creating your own beauty products—it’s fun, creative, and gives you complete control over what you’re putting on your skin. Whether it’s a cozy night in with friends, a family activity, or a solo self-care project, these DIY recipes are perfect for anyone looking to add a little natural luxury to their routine. Plus, they make amazing handmade gifts for birthdays, holidays, or just because. Let’s create the fun with bath bombs, body oil, and lip gloss that are as good for your skin as they are for your soul!

Saw palmetto’s benefits for hair health primarily come from its ability to inhibit DHT, a hormone derived from testosterone that can shrink hair follicles and slow hair growth. By blocking DHT production, saw palmetto helps reduce the chances of hair thinning, especially in cases related to hormonal imbalances. Saw palmetto also offers anti-inflammatory benefits, which can create a healthier scalp environment for hair growth.

With so many “clean beauty” claims on shelves, it’s hard to know which products are genuinely safe and eco-friendly and which are just cleverly marketed. Many brands engage in “clean beauty washing”—using buzzwords and eye-catching labels that make them appear ethical and natural while still including potentially harmful ingredients. Becoming a smart, clean beauty consumer involves looking beyond the surface, understanding logos and certifications, and, when possible, supporting small-batch, handmade personal care products that often prioritize quality and transparency.

Acne isn’t just a teenage issue,it’s something that can affect women at any stage of life, from adolescence through menopause, as hormonal changes continue to impact skin health. For many, acne is more than a skin condition; it’s tied to self esteem, often leading people to rely on filters or photo editing to feel confident. The stigma surrounding acne is real, and it doesn’t help that many treatments only address the surface of the problem rather than getting to the root causes.

While cosmetic treatments can provide short term satisfaction, starting young can lead to dependency and may have long term impacts on physical and mental health. One concern is that starting treatments like Botox early can lead to increased dependency over time, as younger patients may find it hard to adjust to their natural appearance as they age. There’s also the possibility of “filler fatigue,” where repeated injections stretch the skin, resulting in the need for more extensive procedures down the line.

Hyperpigmentation is essentially an overproduction of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin, hair, and eyes their color. When skin cells produce too much melanin, it can result in dark spots or uneven patches. And while hyperpigmentation might seem like it appears out of the blue, it’s usually triggered by sun exposure, hormones, inflammation, or even old skin injuries.

Sleep is one of the most underrated beauty tools, and it’s completely free. While makeup, skincare, and wellness routines play a role in how we look and feel, sleep goes beyond the surface to rejuvenate our complexion, improve muscle tone, balance our mood, and refresh our entire body from the inside out. Quality sleep is truly transformative and complements any beauty routine.

Exfoliating isn’t just about looking fresh and glowing; it’s a whole vibe that connects skincare with self-care. While a smooth complexion is great, there’s something deeper going on when you exfoliate both your face and body. It’s not just a beauty ritual; it’s a holistic health practice that’s been around for centuries. The act of exfoliating boosts your skin's natural detox process, gets the blood flowing, and helps you feel more connected to yourself. Plus, it doesn't cost a fortune to get those benefits.

I wasn’t expecting the conversation to shift the way it did, but it soon became clear that the person I was talking to had some thoughts on my choice of lip color.

A holistic facial isn’t about solving all your problems. It’s about taking a moment to care for yourself when life feels too much. It’s about hitting pause, resetting your skin, and giving yourself permission to let go of some of the tension that’s been building up. Your skin will thank you, sure, but more importantly, you’ll feel a little more like yourself again.

As women enter their 30s, hormonal fluctuations can have a noticeable impact on the skin. From breakouts and dryness to sensitivity and inflammation, it’s not uncommon for skin issues to pop up even if you’ve had a relatively smooth skin journey in your 20s. These changes are often the result of shifting hormones—whether due to natural life stages or from medications like birth control or other hormonal treatments. While these issues can be frustrating, the good news is that there are holistic ways to support your hormones and clear your skin naturally.

At Pretty Skin Bitch, we believe that beauty routines should be fun, natural, and kind to the skin—no matter your age. For kids between 8 and 12, learning about self-care can help create healthy habits that support their skin and overall well-being. Here’s a collection of simple, holistic beauty tips that are perfect for this age group. These aren’t about chasing trends but rather about celebrating natural beauty, healthy habits, and a positive mindset.

Let’s cut through the noise—the beauty industry has been recycling the same trends for decades. Thin brows, thick brows, glossy lips, matte skin—it’s all been done before. So why keep chasing it? The truth is, the real power move in beauty today is to stop following trends altogether and make your own rules. Your look, your body, your choice. No one else’s standard should define how you express yourself.

The beauty industry is quick to push treatments like Baby Botox by playing on your fears of aging. And who wouldn’t be tempted by the promise of wrinkle prevention and youthful skin? But let’s be honest—Baby Botox is more of a marketing strategy than a necessity. The science simply doesn’t support the long-term claims that starting Botox early will guarantee fewer wrinkles later in life. What we do know is that there are serious risks involved—weakening facial muscles over time, possible resistance, and the financial burden of maintaining treatments for years on end​(NewBeauty).

The skin is the largest organ of our body, and yet it’s often the most neglected when it comes to what we put on it. Makeup can be an amazing tool for self-expression, but when used without care, it can lead to unexpected reactions, especially around the eyes. From pigments and glitters to heavy foundations, many of us aren’t aware of how our beauty products could be working against our skin’s natural health.

There’s been a trend sweeping across social media for the last several years: acquiring as many beauty products as possible. From endless “get ready with me” videos to “shelfies” showcasing carefully curated, photogenic skincare collections, it feels like more is... well, better. But we have to ask ourselves—is all of this really necessary? Are all these products enhancing our health, or are they more about the packaging, the marketing, and the idea that our self-worth can be lined up and labeled in cute bottles?

"The measure of your life is the amount of beauty of which you are aware." Agnes Martin

For a natural glow, try the Artemis Exfoliant from Petals & Clay. It’s super hydrating and gentle, perfect for keeping your skin smooth without the risk of over-drying.

Throughout generations, the beauty industry has operated as a predator, preying on the insecurities and vulnerabilities of women. With marketing agencies and corporate giants as its enforcers, this system is meticulously designed to cultivate an insatiable appetite for unattainable standards. The message is clear: consume, conform, and strive for an ideal that is as elusive as it is destructive.