People can usually explain what physical features they like in opposite sex, but they may not explain exactly why they prefer these traits. Science tells us that these preferences are predetermined by a combination of genetics and natural instinct. If this was true, then everyone in the world would have the same idea of beauty. Others say media determines our perception of beauty. If this were true then how can we explain the fact that often extremely different cultures will share many of the same beauty standards? In reality what we find “attractive” is a combination of both DNA and our enviroment, The Medical Daily reported.

Biology

Above all geographic, racial, and cultural divides, we are all human. From a biological standpoint, passing on your DNA is above all other needs. Seeing that procreation is so important it would make sense that Mother Nature gave us a bit of help to make sure we got it right. Physical beauty is nature’s health certificate. It shows that the individual has good genes to pass on, is capable of survival, and can provide for their mate and/or offspring. Although today we no longer need for these traits in a partner, our DNA still hasn’t gotten with the times.

Female Beauty

The ability to produce many healthy children is subconsciously the main trait that a man will look for in a woman. What is most commonly acceptable as beautiful is actually nature’s way of showing us who’s most fertile. The hormone estrogen affects a women’s fertility and consequently her beauty as well. Estrogen is what gives women their ideal ‘hourglass figure”.

Male Beauty

Men with high levels of the male hormone, testosterone, are also perceived are being more attractive. Testosterone also gives men defined chins, square jaws, strong brows, and bigger muscles, all of which are features generally accepted as being attractive. Women prefer high levels of testosterone in men because it will often indicate that a man is better at protecting a woman and her offspring, and also more capable of providing shelter and food.

Enviromental Influences

Although we may all be programmed to find certain traits attractive, the environment we grow up in can significantly change these predetermined preferences. One strong example of this is a recent study, which showed that in harsher environments men strayed from the norm of picking a mate with a “pretty face” and showed preference for women with more masculine features. This is because they equated this with a better chance of survival.

Big Feet

Small feet are universally deemed to be a more attractive feature in women because they show off a woman’s youth and therefore fertility. In a 2013 study, researchers found that in a rural community in Indonesia the environment was able to reverse this natural preference. Big feet were equated with strength and greater productivity in the rice fields.

Tanned Skin

Fairer skin is preceived as being more attractive in cultures throughout the world. No matter the natural skin tone of the region, having more fair skin was often associated with wealth and power. In women, more fair skin is also a biological marker for youth and fertility. This is because our skin is lightest in youth, before its exposure to the elements. However, as reported by The Medical Daily with reference to ABC News, some believe that the Industrial Revolution in Western cultures has shifted the preference from fair skin to tanned skin. In Western countries, such as America, tanned individuals are perceived as more attractive. This may be because in the West, tanned skin can often signify that an individual is wealthy enough to afford a break from work and go on a sunny vacation.