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A growing trend on platforms like TikTok and Instagram is prompting young men to “enhance” their physical looks.

Known as the looksmaxxing craze, the movement is obsessed with pursuing the “ideal” physique and facial features. It follows comparable online phenomena, known as its two main subtypes, which promote everything from rigorous skincare regimens to surgical interventions and radical physical alterations.

Although proponents argue these practices can be confidence-building, therapists caution they can fuel body dysmorphia, anxiety, and other harmful patterns.

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

“Young men can succumb to this false sense of approval, and what they think women desire from them,” he said. “They can get caught up in potentially long-term battles with feeling a sense of not being good enough and handling that shortcoming.”

He further described that “Individuals will devote their time on improving their body based on feelings of inferiority or insecurity.”

“Individuals can get caught in a loop of trying to ‘optimize’ their appearance, but as therapists, we know that if you’re feeling not good enough or less than, those are the core problems to address with a qualified professional.”

What Are the Distinctions Among the Three Main Trends?

Although the language varies, the phenomena all have one thing in common: the desire to obsessively change one’s appearance.

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

While softmaxxing involves more gradual changes to one’s appearance, often achieved through skincare and habit changes, hardmaxxing is more intense.

“It involves serious methods to transform your appearance, such as rhinoplasty, Botox, surgical hair restoration, and genioplasty. The clear problem with this is that once you open that door, it’s difficult to go back,” he noted.

Another eating disorder specialist explained the key distinctions.

“It’s natural to have wanting to look good, and taking pride in 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 fit in, at the expense of your health and safety,” she pointed out.

“Hardmaxxing, on the other hand, appears to be venturing into dangerous practices, particularly some of its associated behaviors, like smashing your face with a blunt object.”

The Reasons Looksmaxxing Is Especially Prevalent With Teenagers

What makes looksmaxxing seem to be connecting with young men in particular?

One expert said that teenagers, especially teens, are often at a stage of their lives when they are still discovering who they are, and many may be seeking 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 started in recent years, with online influencers promoting specific ideals of masculinity. These kinds of ‘masculine’ influencers have guided some men astray,” he said.

Another specialist offered a different viewpoint about possible contributing factors.

“Psychological struggles and loneliness are also prevalent currently, making this demographic especially vulnerable,” she noted.

The Line Separating Healthy Self-Care and Unhealthy Obsessions

Identifying the boundary between caring for your appearance and an unhealthy fixation with how you look can be challenging for many individuals.

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

There are several dangers linked to these kinds of unhealthy behaviors.

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

“Men are at risk of experiencing embarrassment around their physiques due to societal messaging that they must be fit and fit. And for some men, it can feel like a threat to their sense of manhood and self-worth.”

The other expert said that, for some people who try to make solely external modifications to their physique, it can lead to damaging, compulsive psychological needs.

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

Ultimately, he stated, healthy personal growth usually doesn’t look like the kind of self-care material that’s popular on social media platforms.

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

Tips for Cultivating Self-Acceptance

Developing more self-acceptance isn’t something that happens quickly, but there are healthy actions you can implement to begin that process.

First, having complicated emotions about your appearance is valid and understandable.

One specialist suggested “leaning into” 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 fun. Try sketching, collaging, or creating a book to record your experiences,” she advised.

Although social media use can fuel unhealthy behaviors and emotions, there are ways to minimize these risks.

“Subscribe to accounts that promote body acceptance and positive male role models. Or follow people who challenge the narrow view of masculinity perpetuated by society,” she