Breaking beauty ideals: How to love the skin you’re in

The hidden impact of societal beauty standards  

Time after time, studies have shown that unrealistic beauty standards heavily influence how we perceive ourselves, often leading to dissatisfaction with our appearance. It’s no news that the numbers are disturbing – but are you aware of the true impact these ideals are causing? For example, studies conducted in the UK have shown that one in five UK adults have felt shame because of their body image (cf. source 1). The same research found that one in five UK adults said images on social media had caused them to worry about their body image. Additionally, another UK survey done by Health and Social Care Committee found that 80% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that their body image had negative impact on their mental health, with 61% agreeing or strongly agreeing that their body image negatively impacts their physical health (cf. source 2). 

Statistics like these truly put into perspective how social media and beauty standards can affect how we perceive ourselves. And while low self-esteem in itself isn’t a disorder, it can lead to severe mental health-related concerns, which is why it’s important to emphasize the root of the issue. Not to mention that low self-esteem can affect our confidence and self-worth.  

By educating ourselves on how these standards shape our self-image, we can begin to challenge them and embrace our natural beauty with greater self-compassion. 

The first step is acceptance

It’s easier said than done – but accepting oneself begins with recognizing that beauty is not defined by external standards but by your own unique qualities. 

Self-acceptance is not a destination but a journey that requires kindness and patience, especially in a world that often encourages comparison. One powerful way to foster self-love is through daily affirmations, which can help reframe negative thoughts and narratives and thereby help build confidence. 

Simple steps like pointing out three things you like about yourself each morning can help set off your day with a positive mindset, encouraging other positive thoughts. 

Phrases like “I am enough”, “I am worthy just as I am” and saying qualities like “I am a good friend” out loud can be transformative when repeated consistently – speak the positive outset into existence. By embracing these affirmations, you can gradually shift your mindset, silencing self-criticism and fostering a deeper sense of self-worth. 

Be kind to your mind: Our best tips

Loving the skin you’re in takes a combination of self-acceptance, gratitude, and care. We’ve comprised some of the key steps that helped us pave the way to a kinder mindset: 

Embrace your uniqueness: Celebrate the features that make you different. Your individuality is what makes you truly beautiful. 

Be kind to yourself: Speak kindly to and about yourself. Challenge negative thoughts and replace them with self-compassion and understanding. 

Practice gratitude for your body: Focus on what your body can do rather than how it looks. Appreciate its strength, resilience, and the experiences it allows you to have. Fuel it with nutrient-rich foods that help keep it healthy and functional. 

Accept your skin and body changes over time: Understand that aging and changes in your skin and body are a natural part of life. Instead of resisting them, embrace these transitions with grace. 

Acknowledge that perfection is an illusion: No one is perfect. Seriously. Set yourself free from unrealistic standards and appreciate the beauty of imperfection. 

Protect, respect, and thank your skin: Care for your skin by nourishing it with healthy nutrients, hydration, and skincare routines that cater to its natural balance and properties. 

Connect with nature: Balance your body and mind with a walk in the woods or a moment by the ocean. Take in the quiet and allow yourself to realize that there’s so much more to this world than fitting into a certain beauty standard. 

Clean up your feed: Take a closer look at what floods the feed on your social media. How are the posts making you feel? Actively evaluate whether the best decision is to unfollow certain profiles or delete apps as a whole – or take a break from them and notice how it affects your mood. We promise you’re not missing out on anything. This also makes for a great occasion to view how your own content may affect others. Does your profile reflect your true self? 

Pass it on: How to initiate the talk about mental health

The path to self-acceptance is not one we should walk alone. If you’ve been noticing someone struggling in silence, reaching out can make the difference; and one message can mean the world. However, we know that doing so can be intimidating. You don’t want to interfere, and you certainly don’t want to make anything worse. Therefore, we’ve gathered our best tips on how to take the first steps of this important, heartfelt dialogue.  

Ask open-ended questions: Instead of saying “Are you okay?” try asking, “How have you been feeling lately?” This invites them to share more about their experiences. 

Listen actively: Show genuine interest in their feelings and experiences. Sometimes, people just need someone to listen without judgment. Try not to compare their perspectives to your own experiences to make sure they feel heard and that the focus remains on the issues they’re facing. 

Encourage professional help (if needed): If someone is experiencing significant distress, gently suggest they speak with a mental health professional. 

Be supportive: Let them know that they’re not alone and that you’re there to support them on their journey. 

Follow up: Mental health struggles won’t disappear overnight. Checking in regularly shows you care and reinforces the message that they’re not alone. A simple text or call after your initial conversation can go a long way in supporting their ongoing well-being. 

By starting these compassionate conversations, you can help create a safe space for others to express their struggles and feel less isolated. Small acts of kindness and open communication can make a lasting difference in someone’s journey toward self-acceptance and mental wellness. 

Wrapping it up: Embracing a new standard of beauty

You can’t pass on love that you don’t dedicate to yourself as well. When you feel negative thoughts invading your headspace, ask yourself: Would I say this to a dear friend? Often, you’ll find that you wouldn’t even say the same things to a stranger. Because you most likely are a good person. This is one of the main qualities you can shift your focus to: Are your actions helping you become a better person? Make sure to be kind for no reason – including to yourself. It lasts a lot longer than any looks have ever done.  

Ultimately, the path to loving the skin you’re in is ongoing. Embrace your individuality, honor your journey, and make an active choice to practice self-kindness every day. These are all small steps that will make a big impact.  

Sources 

1. Body image report – Executive Summary, mentalhealth.org.uk 

1. The impact of body image on mental and physical health, publications.parliament.uk, Heakth and Social Care Committee