Low self-image in women has long been a cause of concern among mental health practitioners. We are bombarded daily with idealised images of what women should look like, whether through TV, movies, advertisements or social media. Fortunately, this trend of showing airbrushed and filtered unrealistic images of women is changing, but there is still a prevalence of anxiety and low confidence in women of all ages.

If you’ve ever looked at an area of your body with despair, you’re not alone. Almost every woman can point to some aspect of their physical appearance that they dislike. While making physical changes to your looks can help reduce self-consciousness, what is crucial is to find ways to accept the way you look – you’re beautiful just as you are.

Furthermore, exploring holistic approaches to improving confidence can be beneficial, including considering lifestyle changes and exploring wellness solutions like those recommended on Better Body for managing menopause-related joint aches

Social Media

Social media is one of the leading causes of negative self-image. When people post on social media, they rarely show unflattering or candid images. Instead, we curate our social media posts to show ourselves in the best possible light. The use of filters, positioning, lighting and makeup can all make a massive difference to how a photo looks online, and it is crucial to avoid judging yourself against these standards.

You could consider unfollowing accounts that show only airbrushed or filtered unrealistic images and looking for influencers and people who post natural and authentic photos – stretch marks, body fat, wrinkles and all. By following people who embrace themselves exactly as they are, you can challenge the ‘accepted’ ideal of beauty and begin accepting yourself exactly as you are.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are very common in women. You might have stretch marks as a result of a rapid growth spurt in childhood, from pregnancy or weight gain. Like many perceived flaws in the human body, there’s nothing to be concerned about health-wise with the appearance of stretch marks, but many women feel highly self-conscious about their appearance.

Often, stretch marks can be minimised using a good skincare routine and moisturisation. You can also get oils, lotions and creams that help encourage the production of collagen, which can minimise the appearance of stretch marks.

Scars

Scars are another common cause of self-consciousness in women. These could be scars from surgery, injuries or burns on the face, arms, legs or body. In men, scars are often accepted without comment or even lauded as a sign of manliness. For women, scars can feel like a major flaw, one that needs to be minimised and covered up. There’s nothing wrong with using makeup to cover scars, but it can be helpful to try to find ways to embrace your scars – they are a sign of strength, survival and healing.

Hair Loss

Hair loss can be a taboo topic among women, but it is a condition that a surprising number of women deal with. There are many causes of hair loss in women, ranging from medications and treatments for health conditions to menopause. Hair is intrinsically linked to the traditional concept of femininity, so experiencing hair loss can be distressing. Fortunately, there are many options available to you if you’re experiencing hair loss.

Options include effective products to help with hair loss, like the range from Chemist4U, and things like wigs and hair extensions. There is also a growing trend of women shaving their heads entirely, hair loss or not. This may not be the solution for everyone, but there are sure to be some effective options available to help you look and feel more confident in your locks.

Freckles

The modern ideal for skin is perfect, smooth and unblemished. Any pigmentation is to be erased, and with filter use so prevalent online, you might be worried that your freckles will make you stand out – and not in a good way. You can minimise the appearance of freckles by using SPF all year round or using lotions and creams.

There are also more invasive options like chemical peels and laser treatment that can reduce or eliminate the appearance of freckles. However, freckles are not the undesirable skin flaw that many consider them to be. Lots of people are embracing their freckles for giving their face character, and you’ll even find people with freckle-free skin drawing on their own with makeup. Like with many perceived flaws, it can be tough to embrace your freckles, but it is still worth trying.

Wrinkles

Wrinkles are a natural part of ageing, though they are a source of distress for many women. There are countless skincare products aimed at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as cosmetic treatments like Botox, fillers, and facelifts. Getting Botox as a treatment option for wrinkles is becoming increasingly popular, as it requires minimal downtime, has few risks, and can provide long-lasting results. Often prevention can be better than trying to find a cure, with a good skincare routine going a long way to prevent wrinkles from appearing to begin with. You can also try to reframe your wrinkles as proof of a life well lived.

Teeth

A winning smile is a crucial part of a good selfie, but many women are massively self-conscious about their smiles. The main reason for this is our teeth; crooked, stained, yellow or missing teeth can all be huge causes of self-consciousness. Good oral health is crucial to keep your smile looking its best, preventing yellowing or staining from things like coffee and red wine. Schedule a dentist appointment as soon as possible to stay on top of your dental health.

If your teeth are crooked or have gaps, you might consider getting braces or other dental work to resolve the issue, but another option could be embracing the uniqueness of your smile. Reframing the way you think about your smile can be a more effective long-term (and cheaper) solution. After all, there are countless models that are hired based on their gorgeous, imperfect smiles.

Greys

Greying hair can be a big cause of self-consciousness. If you find yourself groaning in the mirror at the appearance of a new grey hair, there are a few solutions you could try out. The most common and obvious answer is hair dye – finding the right shade to match your natural colour and using dye to eliminate the appearance of greys. Over time, this may become obvious as you age, so another option could be to dye your hair a lighter shade, such as sandy brown or blonde, which the greys will blend into less noticeably.

Stomach

The stomach is one of the most common areas of self-consciousness in women, with thousands of articles written about how to combat belly fat in women. There are many causes of stomach fat in women, and the best solution is normally a long-term fitness routine which includes plenty of core strengthening exercises. That being said, it is also essential to be aware that some women carry weight in their stomachs which is not unhealthy or abnormal. There’s nothing wrong with working to reduce the size of your stomach, but it is also crucial to remember that your body shape is normal.

Conclusion

No matter what you’re self-conscious about, there is likely to be a way to change or improve perceived flaws. This can be a helpful first step, but you should remember that embracing your appearance and finding healthy ways to work through anxieties are more effective long-term solutions. Feeling self-conscious about your appearance is normal, but if you’re concerned that your worries are getting out of hand, talking with a mental health practitioner can be invaluable. They will be able to help you work through your concerns, providing an effective and long-lasting solution to low confidence.