The 'looksmaxxing' beauty trend can make men feel inadequate, psychologists say

Looksmaxxing tells men that to be more masculine and well-liked they need to have chiseled jaws, fit, muscled bodies and perfect skin. Photo: The New York Times

After Dillon Latham’s girlfriend dumped him during their junior year of high school, the then-17-year-old decided to invest in his appearance.

He began spending hours daily in the gym, applying homemade skincare concoctions to his face like beef tallow moisturiser, and permed his hair to give it a tousled mop look. He says he felt and looked better.