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Men's Looksmaxxing: Dangerous Fixation?
24 Apr
Summary
- Looksmaxxing involves extreme self-improvement for appearance.
- Influencers promote dangerous methods and unregulated drug use.
- Doctors warn of severe health risks from these practices.
A growing self-improvement trend called 'looksmaxxing' encourages men to maximize their physical appearance. Originating from online incel communities, it gained traction on platforms like TikTok in the early 2020s. The practice spans from simple skincare to extreme measures such as steroid abuse or even intentionally impacting facial bones for a more chiseled look.
Influential figures, like 20-year-old Braden Peters, known as Clavicular, openly share their use of testosterone, hair loss medications like dutasteride and minoxidil, and even stimulants like methamphetamine. However, medical experts express grave concerns.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Terry Dubrow warns that unregulated use of medications like dutasteride can hinder genital development. He emphasizes the danger of 'polypharmacy,' mixing various unregulated drugs obtained online, often influenced by unqualified young 'influencers' dispensing medical advice. This practice is deemed dangerous and ineffective by professionals.
Meanwhile, podcast host Tefi Pessoa notes that women have long pursued extreme beauty standards, suggesting men are simply adopting a similar, albeit newly termed, pursuit. She points out the irony of men needing a new label for actions women have undertaken for decades.
