Spend five minutes scrolling through social media and you’ll see tips on how to escape being ordinary in favor of “looksmaxxing” — where physical attractiveness is treated as something to be optimized, sometimes at the cost of irreversible health issues. While it has existed since the 2010s in niche circles online, looksmaxxing has recently spilled into the mainstream. Though often framed as self-improvement, research suggests that these online spaces can foster toxic masculinity, body shaming and humiliation. One of the most visible figures in this space is Braden Peters (pictured below), a 20-year-old known online as Clavicular, who has documented his transformation while using controversial methods. Here are the levels of looksmaxxing and the harm they do.
ROIDMAXXING — using anabolic steroids to fast track a more muscular physique. In the short term, users may see increases muscle mass, but long-term risks include hormonal shutdown, fertility issues, acne, “man boobs” and hair loss.
LEANMAXXING — using fat-dissolving injectables to achieve a sharper jawline or more hollowed cheeks. The downside of injectables is the risk of permanent scars, serious infections, skin deformities, cysts and painful knots. The skin is dies and users are left with big ulcerated wounds that take months to heal.
THREADMAXXING — using polydioxanon threads to create absorbable sutures that quickly alter facial features. Not only do they have mediocre results, after often damage the network of nerves just under the facial skin. At best the nerves are injured; at worst there’s permanent paralysis.
BONESMASHING — the name sounds like exactly what it is. It involves repeatedly striking facial bones with a blunt object like a hammer to obtain sharper cheekbones and a more defined jawline and chin. Experts say this procedure has no scientific basis and the dangers are both immediate and lasting. Risks include bruising, swelling, pain, fractures, and injuries to delicate facial structures.
METHMAXXING — users are turning to methamphetamine for appetite suppression. The risks are obvious. Beyond addiction, meth can cause elevated heart rate and blood pressure, along with restlessness, paranoia and anxiety. In some cases, it can trigger violent behavior. Users often develop wrinkles, sagging skin, dental decay and severe acne.
