Mar 21 • 20:42 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Inside 'looksmaxxing', the controversial trend making young men hit their own faces

The article explores the trend of 'looksmaxxing' where young men like Marvin are engaging in intense grooming routines and facial workouts to improve their appearance.

The phenomenon known as 'looksmaxxing' has emerged among young men, with individuals like 26-year-old Marvin dedicating themselves to self-improvement in their physical appearance. Marvin evaluates his looks at a '7 out of 10' and believes with more effort, he can achieve a '9'. His routine includes rigorous gym training in the mornings followed by a detailed skincare regimen. He uses frozen cucumbers to reduce puffiness and enhance skin brightness, demonstrating a growing obsession among young men with aesthetic self-enhancement.

Marvin's commitment to looksmaxxing extends beyond skincare; he practices facial exercises aimed at toning his jawline and other facial muscles. Sharing his journey on social media platforms like TikTok, Marvin has amassed a following of 35,000, where he shares techniques he uses, such as the 'Zygopush' and 'Hunter squeeze.' These exercises indicate a shift where physical appearance is often scrutinized, and young men turn to elaborate routines and social validation in efforts to conform to perceived beauty standards.

The trend has raised discussions about body image and societal pressures faced by young men. Critics argue that such practices may reflect deeper issues pertaining to self-esteem and mental health. While some view looksmaxxing as a valid form of personal development, it also poses risks of promoting unhealthy standards and behaviors around masculinity and physical appearance, as young men often strive for an ideal that can be unattainable or harmful. This growing phenomenon reflects a significant cultural shift in how men engage with their identities in relation to modern beauty standards.

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