Overcoming External Pressures
Despite her confidence, Bateman has faced public criticism about her looks, especially since turning 40. Negative comments led her to briefly question her appearance, but she soon realized that self-acceptance was more important than trying to conform to external expectations.
“I thought my face looked fine,” she told People in 2021. “And then because of some of the fears I had, unrelated to my face, I decided to make them right and me wrong… I became really ashamed of my face, ridiculously so.”
However, instead of giving in to pressure, Bateman had a realization—changing her face wouldn’t resolve deeper insecurities.
“You’re not going to make that fear go away by changing your face,” she said.
A Powerful Message of Self-Acceptance
Bateman believes that many cosmetic procedures stem from a desire for approval rather than true self-acceptance.
“If you go and get plastic surgery, you’re going to look different. Okay. You’ll have that, but you haven’t dealt with what the fear was. That fear will continue… I think getting all this plastic surgery is just people-pleasing.”
In her book Face: One Square Foot of Skin, Bateman explores society’s obsession with youth and the pressure placed on women to maintain a certain look. She encourages people to shift their focus from appearance to experiences.
“I feel sad that they’re not just enjoying life,” she said in her 60 Minutes interview. “I feel sad that they are distracted from the things that they’re meant to do in life with this consuming idea that they’ve got to fix their face before anything else can happen.”
An Empowering Example
Despite any negativity she has encountered, Justine Bateman remains confident in her decision to age naturally. She continues to inspire others with her message of self-love and authenticity, reminding people that true beauty comes from confidence, wisdom, and the freedom to be oneself.
Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that no one should feel pressured to change the way they look. More people deserve to hear Bateman’s empowering message of self-acceptance.