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A rising trend on social media is encouraging boys to “enhance” their appearance.

Referred to as looksmaxxing, the movement centers on pursuing the “perfect” physique and facial features. It is related to comparable social media trends, called its two main subtypes, which encourage practices ranging from rigorous skincare regimens to surgical interventions and extreme physical alterations.

Although followers claim these practices can be confidence-building, psychologists caution they can intensify body dysmorphia, anxiety, and other unhealthy behaviors.

One mental health professional labeled looksmaxxing as a “online-created body dysmorphia trend.”

“Adolescents can succumb to this false sense of approval, and what they think women desire from them,” he explained. “They can get trapped in possibly lifelong battles with feeling a sense of not being good enough and coping with that inadequacy.”

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

“Men can get caught in a cycle of trying to ‘fix’ their appearance, but as mental health clinicians, we know that if you’re feeling not good enough or less than, those are the issues to address with a qualified professional.”

What Are the Distinctions Between the Three Main Trends?

While the language differs, the phenomena all have one thing in commonality: the drive to compulsively change one’s appearance.

“Looksmaxxing is essentially personal development put on overdrive. It’s reframing the male body as something to be engineered,” the counselor explained.

Whereas softmaxxing entails subtler changes to one’s appearance, frequently achieved through skincare and habit changes, hardmaxxing is more intense.

“It includes serious procedures to change your appearance, including nose jobs, Botox, hair transplants, and chin surgery. The clear problem with this is that once you unlock that Pandora’s Box, it’s hard to close the lid,” he pointed out.

Another licensed therapist summed up the key distinctions.

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good, and taking pride in your looks can build confidence and be gender affirming. But the major difference is that this trend is rooted in self-hate and trying to fit in, at the expense of your health and security,” she stated.

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

The Reasons Looksmaxxing Is Particularly Popular Among Teenagers

Why does looksmaxxing seem to be resonating with young men in such high numbers?

One expert said that young men, especially teens, are often at a phase of their lives when they are still discovering who they are, and many may be searching for ways to portray what they view as “the ‘correct’ expression of masculinity.”

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

“It gained traction several years ago, with online influencers espousing certain ideals of manhood. These kinds of ‘masculine’ figures have led some men astray,” he said.

Another therapist offered a different viewpoint about potential underlying causes.

“Mental health issues and loneliness are also widespread right now, making this demographic especially susceptible,” she added.

The Line Separating Positive Self-Improvement and Unhealthy Obsessions

Recognizing the line between caring for your looks and an unhealthy fixation with how you look can be difficult for many individuals.

“Self-improvement practices become harmful when anxiety is the primary motivator; when your rituals are taking up so much mental space that you can’t be present in your life and relationships,” one specialist said.

There are multiple risks associated with these types of unhealthy patterns.

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

“Men are at danger of experiencing shame around their physiques due to societal messaging that they should be muscular and toned. And for some men, it can seem like a challenge to their masculinity and self-esteem.”

The other counselor said that, for some individuals who attempt to make solely superficial modifications to their body, it can lead to damaging, obsessive emotional voids.

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

Ultimately, he said, positive self-improvement typically doesn’t look like the kind of improvement content that’s trending on social media platforms.

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

Tips for Cultivating Body Positivity

Developing greater self-acceptance isn’t something that happens overnight, but there are positive steps you can take to start that process.

First, having complicated feelings about your body is normal and understandable.

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

“Creativity is a great way to let those feelings out in a way that might even be fun. Consider drawing, collaging, or making a book to record your experiences,” she suggested.

While social media use can worsen unhealthy behaviors and emotions, there are ways to reduce these dangers.

“Subscribe to profiles that advocate for body acceptance and positive male role models. Or follow individuals who don’t fit into the limited definition of masculinity perpetuated by the mainstream,” she