The rise of the looksmaxxing trend on social media platforms is shedding light on the darker side of extreme cosmetic enhancement and self-improvement pursuits, raising concerns about its potential impact on mental health and body image.

Originating from online incel forums, looksmaxxing promotes the idea of maximizing one’s appearance through various techniques and treatments, with a focus on achieving specific physical attributes such as jawlines, muscularity, and skin quality.

The trend has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, where it’s attracting a growing number of teenage boys, often drawn to the subculture of the “manosphere.”

Central to looksmaxxing is the fixation on numerical scores assigned to different aspects of male appearance, fueling a culture of comparison and self-objectification.

Participants engage in a range of practices, from “softmaxxing” involving skincare routines and exercise, to “hardmaxxing” which may include cosmetic surgery and steroid use.

For some individuals like Kareem Shami, looksmaxxing represents a personal journey of transformation and empowerment.

Shami’s experience with bullying and displacement led him to embrace self-improvement techniques, which he now shares with his 1.5 million TikTok followers.

However, the trend has faced criticism for promoting unrealistic beauty standards and potentially harmful practices, such as extreme dieting and steroid abuse.

Critics argue that looksmaxxing contributes to the normalization of disordered eating habits and body dysmorphia, particularly among vulnerable young audiences.

The relentless pursuit of physical perfection, often driven by rigid numerical metrics, can undermine self-esteem and perpetuate harmful stereotypes of masculinity.

While online communities offer spaces for sharing transformation journeys and seeking validation, they also present risks of misinformation and harmful ideologies.

Dr. Stuart Murray, an expert in male eating disorders, warns against the dangers of reducing self-worth to numerical metrics and urges individuals to prioritize sustainable approaches to self-esteem and identity.

Ultimately, the allure of looksmaxxing reflects broader societal pressures and ideals surrounding appearance and masculinity.

As discussions around body image and mental health continue to evolve, it’s essential to critically examine the impact of online trends like looksmaxxing and promote holistic approaches to self-care and self-acceptance.