Christina Aguilera on injections, social media, parenting

Christina Aguilera says she’s grateful she didn’t grow up in the age of social media.

The “Genie in a Bottle” singer, 42, opened up Beckon about the pressure on people – and especially on female performers – to look a certain way.

“I see some people struggle with this more than others and it really saddens me, but it’s not even their fault,” she said. “It’s a lot of stigma, a lot of old-school behavior and ideals, that women have to look a certain way and that getting older is a shame. I grew up in this business. I started performing when I was six or seven. When I was a teenager I went broke. No matter what you do, you will have people who hate you. Unfortunately, the bigger you are and the more successful that comes with more hate or more control. And I’m a very sensitive person, but at the end of the day I’m also very tough.”

The burlesque The actress, who is mom to son Max, 15, and daughter Summer, 8, also noted that social media makes things extra stressful.

“Social media didn’t exist when I came out, and now I feel bad for people who don’t want to be in business and just look at comments,” Aguilera explained. “My daughter isn’t there yet to watch or post, but I’m very aware of the day these things happen. Releasing the ‘Beautiful’ video was about paying attention to what we teach our children. I always try to assert individuality and do what she sees fit. Even when she’s choosing her clothes and saying, “I just don’t know what to wear.” I say, ‘Wear what you like. It doesn’t matter at the end of the day. You will have an amazing day and feel great. It’s just clothes.’”

While noting that “authenticity comes first in my face,” Aguilera also shared that she’s a spokesperson for Xeomin, an injectable neurotoxin similar to Botox. Stars like Joe Jonas, Gwyneth Paltrow and Teyana Taylor also supported the product.

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“I have a very expressive face and when I sing, the emotion has to come through,” she shared. “When I don’t have time to have a stoic, calm face. For me, it’s about bringing that realness to the stage and into my daily life while doing whatever it takes to feel and look good. So Xeomin felt like the safest choice for me.”

Aguilera recently encouraged her confidence with the October re-release of Beautiful, her 2002 self-love anthem. At the time of its original release, social media was still in its infancy. The new video explores the link between self-confidence and time spent online. A message in the video reads: “In the last 20 years, since [the album] stripped was first published, social media has transformed the way we relate to our bodies and, with it, our mental health. Research suggests that time spent on social networking sites is associated with body image issues, self-harm and eating disorders in children and adolescents. That needs to change.”

In a 2021 conversation with HealthAguilera said she’s a lot more careful now about what her then-six-year-old daughter is exposed to, saying she’s “really careful” about Summer being in a photo shoot.

“I want to make sure she realizes that when she sees mommy with hair and makeup on, that’s not the most important thing,” she explained. “When she needs my attention, I stop everything and look her in the eye and listen to her. I want to make sure she understands that this is part of Mommy’s work, but what I create is more important. There is no right or wrong way when it comes to my children. I’m just really trying to encourage them to be themselves.”

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