A new study has found that it all depends on the user’s age. 

So are you worried about wrinkles? The sellers of “age-defying” anti-wrinkle creams would like you to be.

But a University of Toronto study says that even though advertisers try to push an acceptance of adults who decide to fight ageing cosmetically through dermal fillers, chemical peels, Botox® and more invasive surgical options – women still judge other women who try to iron out those little lines on their faces.

The research team, led by associate professor of psychology Alison Chasteen, examined the perception around “age-concealment” techniques by studying two groups of women: a young group with an average age of 19 and an older group with an average age of 70. The groups rated four categories of middle-aged women, ranging from those who had no treatments done to those who had gone under the knife to keep their youthful appearance. They voted in terms of the women’s perceived vanity and how typical it is for a woman of that age to get that procedure.

How vain are Botox users

The study found that middle-aged women (ages 40 to 60) who had Botox or other cosmetic surgery to reduce the appearance of ageing were deemed “very vain” by both groups alike - teenagers and seniors. However, the older group (seniors) thought that women in their 40s who underwent these procedures were vainer than the Botox users in their 60s.

“Despite these differences, however, both young and older adults evaluated targets in their 60s more favourably than those in their 40s,”

wrote Ms. Chasteen in the study, depicting that Women do not consider cosmetic enhancement acceptable until after a person reaches 50 - even then, if you get treatment, you’ll be considered vain by other women!

How vain are Botox users

How vein are Botox users?

Ms. Chasteen and her team also briefly touched on perceptions of men who fight their crow’s feet and found that “all appearance-enhancing behaviours may be unacceptable for men.”

However, the results of this study don’t seem to have affected the public’s willingness to opt for some form of anti-ageing help, since the Associated Press recently reported that women in their 40s- 50s are collectively willing to spend billions on age-fighting creams and surgeries.

Would you consider using Botox to hide signs of ageing, even if others think you’re vain for doing so?


Author: Danielle Lowe

Danielle Lowe is the Marketing Manager for Consulting Room, the UK’s largest aesthetic information website. 

Consulting Room has a unique profile and portfolio of services focused entirely on the UK non-surgical and surgical cosmetic market.

Danielle Lowe, BA (Hons), brings her expertise as the Consumer-Facing Marketing Manager at ConsultingRoom.com, the leading aesthetic information website in the UK.

With an unparalleled focus on the UK non-surgical and surgical cosmetic market, Consulting Room boasts a distinctive profile and a comprehensive range of services.

Danielle leverages her in-depth understanding of digital media and PR to craft tailored marketing strategies for clinics and suppliers, ensuring the right message reaches the intended audience.

Her multifaceted marketing role encompasses social media strategy, B2C and B2B online marketing, digital multimedia production, blogging, keyword selection, website content management, SEO, analytics, and the development and execution of digital and print advertising. In addition, Danielle actively promotes the numerous events, conferences, and services organised by Consulting Room.

Danielle Lowe's expertise drives the success of ConsultingRoom.com, enabling clinics and suppliers to thrive in the ever-evolving aesthetic industry.

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