Her younger colleagues, with their botox injections, prompted her to consider a visit to a renowned cosmetic clinic. But concerns about infection risks and an unnatural appearance gave her pause.

Instead, Lan chose a different path: 30 minutes of yoga each morning at a nearby park, a diet of organic vegetables like broccoli and tomatoes, and omega-3 rich nuts from the local market. After 6 months, her skin's elasticity and moisture improved significantly, with a more even and brighter complexion, all without needles.

Linh, 24, from Tay Ninh, also felt insecure about her asymmetrical face, acne-prone skin, and dry hair. She considered cosmetic surgery but was scared after reading about the risks online. Following a colleague's advice, Linh switched to organic products like green tea facial cleanser, honey masks, and coconut oil for her hair, combined with yoga and plenty of water. After 6 months, her face became more symmetrical, her skin clearer and brighter, with reduced acne, and her hair glossy.

"I realized natural beauty doesn't require surgery, but comes from loving and caring for myself," Linh shared.

Ariana Grande says she hasn't had botox or fillers in 4 years. Photo: WWD

Ariana Grande says she hasn't had botox or fillers in 4 years. Photo: WWD

Millennials and Gen Z are increasingly embracing regular exercise, balanced diets, and natural cosmetics rather than accepting the risks of cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgeons are seeing an unusual increase in clients seeking removal of breast implants and fillers. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), about 20% of women who get breast implants need them removed within 10 years, with even higher rates for those who had implants after breast cancer.

Shannon Wilson, a 30-year-old athlete in Florida, got breast implants in 2021 but found the 2.3 kg implants hindered her athletic performance. Less than two years later, she decided to have them removed. "I absolutely hated the way they looked. They were heavy, didn't look good, and felt terrible. Now I'm confident and feel great," Wilson said.

Doctor Lanna Cheuck at Central Park South confirms that dissolving lip and cheek fillers is increasingly common, signaling a new era in the aesthetics industry. This shift reflects a growing preference for natural, balanced beauty over artificial "perfection." Celebrities like Ariana Grande (who hasn't had botox or fillers in 4 years), Sami Sheen, Molly-Mae Hague, and Olivia Culpo have publicly renounced cosmetic procedures, inspiring millions of fans to embrace natural beauty.

This trend is driven by several factors. Part of it stems from "burnout," as many realize excessive intervention has made their appearance unnatural. Social media and celebrity influence also play a significant role. Initially, social media may have promoted the pursuit of artificial beauty standards, but now, many celebrities openly share their decisions to abandon or minimize cosmetic procedures, inspiring fans to accept their natural beauty.

In addition, according to Doctor Thai Thanh Yen, Department of Dermatology - Cosmetic Dermatology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, consumers are increasingly concerned about health and safety, with a greater awareness of the potential risks of cosmetic procedures. They want to regain confidence and comfort with their natural bodies.

According to the Vietnam Association of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, complications occur in about 14% of cases, equivalent to 25,000-35,000 cases out of approximately 250,000 cosmetic surgeries performed annually. Among these, injections of fillers of unknown origin and safety are the leading cause of complications.

Conversely, natural aging emphasizes "nourishing" the body from within. Exercise like yoga, running, or Pilates not only helps reduce fat but also increases blood circulation, promoting natural collagen production for more elastic skin. A diet rich in antioxidants from fruits, vegetables, and lean protein like salmon and tofu provides potent antioxidants and amino acids to synthesize collagen and elastin.

Natural cosmetics also play a vital role in this trend. Instead of products containing harsh chemicals, consumers are switching to organic creams and serums made from natural ingredients like green tea, honey, or lavender essential oil.

Trends like integrative skincare, combining topical products with internal supplements, are also booming, helping to improve skin from the inside out without medical intervention.

Non-invasive therapies like IPL laser, light chemical peels, or HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) are favored for their safety, minimal pain, and quick recovery. Moreover, regenerative medicine technologies, such as the use of recombinant growth factors, stimulate new skin cell production, collagen synthesis, and micro-injury healing, resulting in smoother skin, reduced wrinkles, and improved elasticity.

Furthermore, combining facial massage and yoga to lift sagging facial muscles is gaining popularity. For double chins, a common problem among young people due to "phone addiction" and blue light, many opt for facial exercises or non-surgical fat reduction therapies like low-concentration deoxycholic acid instead of injections.

Doctor Yen examines a patient. Photo: Provided by the doctor

Doctor Yen examines a patient. Photo: Provided by the doctor

However, to achieve effective results, a personalized lifestyle is necessary, as not everyone suits the same regimen. For example, office workers like Lan can focus on stress-relieving yoga, while active individuals like Minh might prioritize cardio.

Experts recommend consulting a doctor before starting any new regimen, especially if you have underlying health issues. Moreover, avoid low-quality products to prevent skin irritation. "Aging is a natural process for both the body and skin. The best approach isn't to fight it but to accompany your body with a healthy, scientific lifestyle," Doctor Yen advises.

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