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A increasing trend on social media is pushing teenagers to “optimize” their appearance.

Referred to as looksmaxxing, the movement focuses on attaining the “perfect” physique and facial features. It follows similar online phenomena, called softmaxxing and hardmaxxing, which advocate for practices ranging from intensive skincare regimens to surgical interventions and extreme body modification.

Although followers argue these behaviors can be confidence-building, mental health experts warn they can provoke body dysmorphia, anxiety, and other damaging behaviors.

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

“Adolescents fall into this illusion of acceptance, and what they think women desire from them,” he explained. “They can get caught up in possibly lifelong battles with feeling inadequacy and coping with that shortcoming.”

He further described that “Individuals will devote their time on changing their body based on emotions of inferiority or inadequacy.”

“Individuals can get stuck in a loop of trying to ‘optimize’ their appearance, but as therapists, we know that if you’re struggling with inadequate or less than, those are the issues to address with a trained professional.”

What Are the Distinctions Among the Three Main Movements?

Although the language varies, the phenomena all have one thing in commonality: the desire to obsessively alter one’s looks.

“Looksmaxxing is essentially self-improvement put on steroids. It’s recasting the male physique as something to be built,” the counselor clarified.

While the softer approach involves more gradual adjustments to one’s appearance, often achieved through skincare and lifestyle adjustments, hardmaxxing is more radical.

“It involves drastic procedures to change your appearance, such as nose jobs, injectables, hair transplants, and genioplasty. The clear problem with this is that once you unlock that Pandora’s Box, it’s hard to go back,” he noted.

Another eating disorder specialist summed up the key distinctions.

“It’s natural to have wanting to look good, and caring for your looks can boost self-esteem and be gender affirming. But the major distinction is that this trend is rooted in self-loathing and trying to fit in, at the cost of your health and security,” she stated.

“The extreme version, meanwhile, appears to be venturing into dangerous territory, especially some of its associated behaviors, like smashing your face with a blunt object.”

The Reasons Looksmaxxing Is Especially Popular Among Young Men

What makes this movement appear to be resonating with adolescent boys in particular?

One expert said that teenagers, especially teens, are typically at a stage of their lives when they are still figuring out who they are, and many may be searching for ways to project what they perceive as “the ‘ideal’ expression of masculinity.”

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

“It gained traction several years ago, with male gurus promoting certain ideals of masculinity. These types of ‘alpha’ figures have led some men astray,” he commented.

Another specialist offered a additional viewpoint about possible contributing factors.

“Psychological struggles and loneliness are also widespread currently, making young men particularly susceptible,” she noted.

The Line Separating Healthy Self-Care and Unhealthy Behaviors

Recognizing the boundary separating taking pride in your looks and an damaging fixation with how you look can be difficult for many individuals.

“Routines aimed at betterment become problematic when anxiety is the main motivator; when your habits are taking up so much mental space that you can’t be present in your daily existence and connections,” one therapist said.

There are multiple risks linked to these kinds of detrimental behaviors.

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

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

The other counselor noted that, for some individuals who attempt to make purely superficial changes to their body, it can open the door to harmful, obsessive psychological needs.

“It can escalate quickly, and you may feel you need do something to help yourself feel better rather than being content in your own body.”

In the end, he said, positive self-improvement usually isn’t represented by the kind of improvement material that’s popular on social media platforms.

“It’s about nurturing yourself from the inside,” he concluded.

Tips for Cultivating Body Positivity

Practising more body acceptance isn’t something that occurs overnight, but there are healthy actions you can take to start that journey.

First, having mixed feelings about your body is valid and understandable.

One specialist recommended “exploring” that and finding an outlet for it.

“Artistic expression is a great way to let those feelings out in a way that might even be enjoyable. Try sketching, collaging, or making a journal to document your experiences,” she suggested.

While social media use can worsen unhealthy habits and emotions, there are ways to minimize these risks.

“Follow profiles that promote body acceptance and positive male role models. Or follow individuals who don’t fit into the narrow view of manhood promoted by the mainstream,” she