We can all admit that the constant flood of social media notifications can easily sway our perception of self-worth. But, shouldn’t true beauty and attractiveness stem from a place of self-love, independent of the constantly changing whims of online approval?
Social media validation: How much do we crave this? How much does this drive our perception of self-worth? True allure (we like the word allure), stems from self-love, not mere external approvals right? The relationship between self-esteem, self-love, and skin health is intricate and it is important to understand how they are connected, to enhance your overall well-being.
While crafting the VOUEE skincare line, I delved deep into the intricate dance between self-esteem and skin health. But first, it was essential to discern the nuances between the often-misused buzzwords. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Self-Esteem
“Self-esteem is our internal barometer, gauging how we truly feel about ourselves. But what happens when the readings are driven by the transient world of social media likes, hearts, upvotes and follows?” It reflects our belief in our capabilities, appearance, and inherent worth as individuals. High self-esteem translates to a positive self-image and robust self-confidence, while its counterpart can manifest as self-doubt or a clouded perception of one’s abilities. Remember, our self-worth isn’t a stagnant trait; it can flourish with the right care and attention. Read more about building self-confidence.
What is Self-Love?
Self-love isn’t just a state of being; it’s an action. It demands a conscious effort to nurture and care for yourself, emotionally, mentally and physically. It is rooted in self-acceptance. Self-love encourages us to treat ourselves with kindness and prioritize our well-being. This is something we often forget to do. Caught up in the busyness of life, we can neglect our wellbeing, prioritising our to-do lists. So, why settle for mere self-appreciation when you can revel in deep-seated affection for yourself?
And Skin Health?
Healthy skin radiates a balanced, hydrated, and smooth appearance however the state of our skin isn’t merely cosmetic. It offers insights into our well-being, both inside and out. And your skin’s health isn’t solely dependent on good genes. Factors like nutrition and lifestyle choices play pivotal roles along with our skincare rituals. Skincare isn’t just a routine; it can also be an act of self-love.
The Significance of Skin Health
Ever wonder why a zit gets you down? Why the teenage acne that never leaves can be crippling? Ever pondered the emotional aftermath of a sudden breakout? Why are we often willing to try anything to get rid of a constant patch of redness and bumps? Skin health matters. Our skin’s state can profoundly impact our emotions, potentially spiraling us into realms of dwindling self-esteem or, conversely, igniting a spark of self-love and dedicated self-care. The way we see ourselves and the way we think others see us, can drive a range of emotions.
Self-Esteem in the Digital Era
Did you know? You produce dopamine when you get a ‘like’ on social media; the same chemical released when you take a drug or drink alcohol.
Navigating a world where our value is often equated with social media engagement can be challenging. Monitoring the number of likes on a selfie (the one you finally posted after taking 19 and then vigorously editing) is not self-esteem. High self-esteem empowers us to walk confidently through life’s adventures, in our relationships, our jobs, while achieving our goals, with or without social media.
Embracing the Power of Self-Love
Committing to self-love transforms it from an abstract concept to a daily practice. This unyielding acceptance for oneself bolsters self-esteem, fuels resilience, and arms us with the confidence to overcome life’s hurdles. ACCEPTING YOURSELF may be the biggest gift you get this year. It is transformative.
In conclusion, as we all wade through the murkiness of the digital age, may we strive to nurture our self-esteem, practice self-love actively, and prioritize our skin health, remembering that our worth isn’t determined by fleeting online validations.
If you’re just starting out on your skin health journey, check out our Skin 101 blog.
One thought on “What’s Skin Got to Do With It?: Self-Love vs. Self-Esteem in the Age of Social Media”
I had no idea that social media validation creates a dopamine reaction. That can be a very addictive thing, always searching for more likes and views and hearts. We really have to separate our irl selves from who people are on social media, and be happy with ourselves the way we are. Everyone has flaws but social media is so fake that we end up holding ourselves to impossible standards. We just need to love ourselves. Great reminder!
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