There is an emerging trend on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, gaining rapid popularity. The term ‘looksmaxxing’ refers to improving one’s appearance by following health and beauty tips. This beauty trend is increasingly creating negative effects on physical and mental well-being.
From flawless skin to sharper jawlines, looksmaxxing is gaining traction among young men. Although simple self-care activities, including physical exercises and skincare routines, are generally viewed positively by most people.
Beauty practitioners warn that looksmaxxing promotes dangerous ways of attaining an ideal appearance. Extreme diets, dubious supplements, and even risky techniques like ‘bone smashing,’ which supposedly changes facial contours, are among some of the harmful practices of looksmaxxing.
Besides the adverse physiological effects of looksmaxxing, experts have also expressed worries regarding the mental impact of such a phenomenon on young women. Excessive exposure to perfectly edited pictures may lead to unrealistic body standards and unhealthy comparisons. Increasing numbers of people suffering from mental health disorders such as anxiety and low self-esteem due to looksmaxxing are currently being reported.
Mental health experts said that the pressure is growing quietly but fast. Wissam Al Massadeh, mental health expert at Medcare Camali Clinic, said, “There has been a noticeable increase in appearance-related concerns among young men. Appearance is increasingly tied to self-worth, confidence, and even perceived success.”
He further explained that the problem begins when self-improvement turns into an obsession. “It becomes concerning when thoughts about appearance are persistent and distressing or when they start affecting daily life and relationships.” Some of the obsessive behaviors include repeated checking in mirrors, constant comparison, and a feeling that improvement is never enough. As this trend gains momentum, it is advised that people start to raise their voices against the normalization of harmful beauty standards.