The science behind beauty

"Beauty is skin deep." This saying has been with us since childhood, reminding us that a person’s appearance does not define their worth. We learn to value personality, actions, and inner beauty over superficial traits. However, in reality, it’s hard to entirely look past appearances. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we all assess others based on their attractiveness. This habit, ingrained in human nature and society, has led to the widespread recognition of beauty as a significant, albeit controversial, factor in human interactions.

While beauty shouldn’t dictate how we treat others or determine the people we associate with, the truth is that appearance does influence our judgments. Our fascination with beauty isn’t just cultural or social; it’s hardwired into us as humans. This raises the question: is there a scientific explanation for why we perceive some people as more attractive than others? By exploring this topic, we can better understand the interplay between biology, psychology, and aesthetics. In this article, we’ll delve into two major scientific factors influencing attractiveness: facial symmetry and averageness.

The Golden Ratio and Facial Symmetry

The concept of symmetry as a marker of beauty dates back to ancient times. Ancient Greek philosophers, for example, proposed the idea of a “golden ratio” — a mathematical proportion that represents perfection in nature, art, and architecture. This golden ratio, symbolized by the Greek letter Phi (Φ), is approximately equal to 1.618. Its application extends from the Parthenon in Athens to Renaissance art, and even to human faces.

Today, the golden ratio is still used to quantify beauty. Many researchers argue that facial features aligning closely with this ratio are perceived as more attractive. According to studies, the width of a person’s face, the distances between their eyes, eyebrows, and nose, and the positioning of their lips all play a role. For example, a woman is considered attractive if the distance between her eyes is less than half the width of her face, and the distance between her eyes and mouth is more than one-third of her face's height.

This theory was further supported by Dr. Julian De Silva, a British plastic surgeon who applied the golden ratio to evaluate celebrity faces in 2016. He concluded that actress Amber Heard had facial features closest to the golden ratio, achieving a score of 91.85%. Other high-scoring celebrities included Kim Kardashian and Kate Moss, emphasizing the link between symmetry, proportionality, and perceived beauty.

Facial symmetry also correlates with health. Research suggests that symmetrical faces often indicate genetic diversity and a stronger immune system. This biological advantage is thought to play a role in attraction. For instance, in the animal kingdom, symmetry in physical traits is a sign of fitness and reproductive viability. Similarly, humans may unconsciously associate symmetry with health and genetic strength.

The Role of Averageness in Attractiveness

While symmetry plays a crucial role, another significant factor in beauty is averageness. Contrary to its name, averageness in this context does not mean someone looks “ordinary” or “unremarkable.” Instead, it refers to possessing facial features that are statistically close to the population mean. For example, the size and shape of a person’s eyes, nose, lips, and face structure, when close to the average proportions of the general population, are often deemed more attractive.

Psychologists at the University of Texas at Austin found that averageness, rather than distinctiveness or symmetry, is the fundamental element of facial attractiveness. According to this theory, people perceive average features as more familiar and comfortable, leading to a preference for such faces. This phenomenon is known as the mere exposure effect, where familiarity breeds positive associations.

Further supporting this idea is research by Coren Apicella from the University of Pennsylvania, who studied facial preferences in British participants and the Hadza people of Tanzania. Both groups preferred average faces, but the Hadza participants only found average faces within their own culture attractive. This highlights the role of cultural and environmental exposure in shaping our standards of beauty.

Additionally, studies reveal that the human brain processes average and attractive faces faster than unconventional or less symmetrical ones. This suggests that average faces are easier for the brain to recognize and categorize, contributing to their appeal.

The Implications of Beauty Bias

While understanding the science of beauty is fascinating, it also exposes uncomfortable truths about human behavior. Beauty bias — the tendency to favor attractive people — affects many aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional opportunities. Research shows that attractive individuals are more likely to be hired, earn higher salaries, and be perceived as intelligent and approachable. Meanwhile, less attractive individuals may face unfair stereotypes, such as being seen as unlikable, less competent, or unfriendly.

This bias is deeply rooted in our biology and psychology, making it difficult to eliminate. However, awareness is the first step toward change. By recognizing our subconscious preferences and challenging the stereotypes associated with appearance, we can learn to value people for their character and actions, rather than their looks.

Conclusion

The science of beauty reveals the complex interplay between biology, culture, and psychology in shaping our perceptions of attractiveness. Factors like facial symmetry and averageness highlight the evolutionary and cognitive roots of what we find appealing. However, while beauty may have its advantages, it’s crucial to move beyond superficial judgments and appreciate individuals for who they truly are. When we make the effort to look past appearances, we discover that physical beauty pales in comparison to the richness of a person’s inner qualities.