Ep 61: 1st Anniversary Podcast Special -The Lotus, Imperfections and the Science Behind Flawed Beauty

This is part of the beauty podcast series on neuroaesthetics based on Dr. Teo Wan Lin’s white paper on the brain-skin connection “On thoughts, emotions, facial expressions and aging” published in the Feb 2021 issue of the International Journal of Dermatology¹.

This podcast episode takes us quite literally behind the scenes of beauty— where Dr. Teo dissects the evidence behind the science of perception and neurocircuitry pathways that account for the human experience of beauty. This first anniversary podcast culminates in an in-depth exposition that aims to bridge the gap between societal beauty standards, which are dictated by our physical senses and universal beauty which is experienced as an emotion. The inherent risk factors for psychopathology are explored in the context of “falling short” of societal beauty standards, the process highlighting the mental health risks of such an approach. For example, preoccupation with self-perceived flaws and an increased risk of depression/anxiety can arise from an inability of the human psyche to deal with unmet expectations.

In this exposition, the realm of artistic appreciation lends itself to a scientific analysis of how perception works in the human brain. The Japanese concept of “wabi-sabi”, exemplified in sculptural art, is a further testament to how one can be taught to appreciate beauty in the midst of perceived “imperfections”.

Drawing an example from the eastern art of ink painting, she shares that the ancient chinese idiom of a lotus being a symbol of moral perfection arising out of imperfect muddy waters is an example of a cultural viewpoint that regards morality and a virtuous character as the highest forms of beauty. This anniversary episode challenges listeners to redefine beauty for themselves, not only as a means to transform their worldview, but also themselves. Want more of our podcast? Episode Recaps and Notes:https://www.scienceofbeauty.net/; Instagram: @drteowanlin; Youtube: http://bit.ly/35rjbve

Teo WL. On thoughts, emotions, facial expressions, and aging. Int J Dermatol. 2021 May;60(5):e200-e202. doi: 10.1111/ijd.15443. Epub 2021 Feb 9. PMID: 33559158. [PubMed]