Parasitic Approach to the Development of Modern Cosmetic Industry

Abstract: This is a literature review study focused on the connection between parasite stress and the development of the modern beauty industry. It is hypothesized that parasite stress may consequently result in contributing to females consumption of cosmetic products and plastic surgeries. The research begins with how natural selection theory, sexual selection theory, and parasite stress theory are contributing to the shaping of human mate preferences. Two types of consequences of parasitic infections are introduced: facial-benefitting and facial-disrupting. These two types of impact on female faces all result in increasing and reinforcing social comparison among females. The social comparison evolved throughout time contributing to mate selection and modern times manifestations in the cosmetic industry. It is suggested that future research in this field can explore the connection between parasite stress and differences in self-esteem between males and females.