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A rising trend on social media is prompting teenagers to “optimize” their appearance.

Known as the looksmaxxing craze, the movement centers on attaining the “perfect” face and body. It is related to similar social media phenomena, known as its two main subtypes, which promote everything from intensive grooming routines to surgical interventions and radical body modification.

Although advocates argue these behaviors can be empowering, mental health experts caution they can provoke body dysmorphia, anxiety, and other unhealthy behaviors.

One therapist labeled this trend as a “online-created body image disorder craze.”

“Teenagers can succumb to this illusion of approval, and what they think others want from them,” he noted. “They can get trapped in potentially lifelong battles with feeling not being good enough and coping with that inadequacy.”

He further described that “Individuals will devote their time on improving their body based on emotions of low self-worth or inadequacy.”

“Men can get stuck in a cycle of trying to ‘optimize’ their looks, but as mental health clinicians, we know that if you’re struggling with not good enough or inferior, those are the issues to address with a trained therapist.”

Exploring the Distinctions Between the Three Main Movements?

Although the terminology differs, the phenomena all have one thing in common: the drive to obsessively alter one’s appearance.

“This trend is essentially self-improvement put on steroids. It’s recasting the male physique as something to be engineered,” the expert clarified.

Whereas the softer approach involves subtler changes to one’s looks, frequently achieved through grooming and habit changes, the extreme version is more intense.

“It includes serious procedures to transform your looks, including nose jobs, injectables, hair transplants, and chin surgery. The obvious issue with this is that once you unlock that Pandora’s Box, it’s difficult to close the lid,” he noted.

Another eating disorder specialist explained the key distinctions.

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good, and caring for your looks can boost self-esteem and be positive. But the big difference is that this trend is based on self-loathing and trying to conform, at the cost of your well-being and safety,” she stated.

“The extreme version, on the other hand, seems to be dipping its toe into self-harm practices, especially some of its linked trends, like smashing your face with a hammer.”

Why This Trend Is Especially Popular Among Young Men

What makes looksmaxxing seem to be connecting with young men in such high numbers?

One expert said that teenagers, particularly teens, are typically at a stage of their lives when they are still figuring out who they are, and many may be seeking ways to portray what they view as “the ‘correct’ expression of manhood.”

He also believes movements like looksmaxxing may be connected to incel culture and the manosphere.

“It started in recent years, with male gurus espousing certain ideals of manhood. These kinds of ‘masculine’ influencers have guided some men down a harmful path,” he said.

Another therapist offered a different viewpoint about possible contributing factors.

“Mental health issues and loneliness are also prevalent right now, making this demographic particularly vulnerable,” she added.

The Line Separating Healthy Self-Improvement and Harmful Obsessions

Recognizing the line separating caring for your looks and an unhealthy obsession with how you look can be difficult for many people.

“Self-improvement practices become harmful when fear is the primary driver; when your rituals are consuming so much headspace that you can’t be present in your life and relationships,” one specialist said.

There are several risks linked to these types of unhealthy behaviors.

“Eating disorders and dangerous actions are commonly associated with poor body image, worry, and low self-esteem,” she said.

“Men are at danger of experiencing shame around their physiques due to cultural pressures that they must be fit and toned. And for some men, it can seem like a threat to their sense of manhood and self-esteem.”

The other expert said that, for some people who attempt to make purely external changes to their body, it can lead to harmful, compulsive psychological needs.

“It can spin out of control, and you may believe you must do something to help yourself feel better rather than being content in your own skin.”

In the end, he said, healthy self-improvement usually doesn’t look like the type of improvement content that’s trending on social media platforms.

“It’s about taking care of yourself from the inside out,” he emphasized.

Strategies for Practising Body Positivity

Developing more self-acceptance is not a process that happens overnight, but there are positive actions you can implement to begin that process.

Firstly, having mixed feelings about your body is normal and natural.

One specialist suggested “leaning into” that and finding an creative expression for it.

“Creativity is a great way to express those emotions in a way that might even be enjoyable. Consider drawing, collaging, or creating a journal to document your experiences,” she suggested.

Although social media use can worsen negative habits and feelings, there are ways to minimize these risks.

“Subscribe to profiles that promote body positivity and healthy masculinity. Or engage with individuals who challenge the limited view of manhood promoted by the mainstream,” she