REVEALED: Top 20 things that boost our confidence
| 18th January 2020
The top 20 traits guaranteed to give us a confidence boost includes clear skin, well-rested eyes and a glowing complexion, according to a new study.
Research found having smooth skin, shaved legs and wearing make-up also results in a personal uplift.
Despite this, 37 per cent admitted they would like to feel more confident in their own skin, with wrinkles, facial hair and acne most likely to affect how they feel.
Dry skin, dark eye circles and weight gain are also among the features which discourage skin confidence.
Lisa Mason-Poyner, director of medical services at sk:n, which commissioned the research, said: “The study shows just how much some struggle with self-confidence.
“Men and women of all ages suffer from insecurities and as opposed to drastic image changes, ‘tweakments’ can safeguard people’s best features as well as boost confidence levels.
“In the growing age of social media and self-comparison consumers are continually seeking information on how they can boost their confidence.
“It’s interesting to see the changes which may seem little to others, such as lip fillers, a new hairstyle and reduced lines can help Brits feel much better in themselves.
“As the most trusted brand in medical aesthetics we provide consumers with insight and educational content to inform their decision making.”
The research also found having a toned figure, reduced scarring and getting a facial gives Brits a boost of confidence.
But social media was revealed to have an effect on a fifth of adults’ self-assurance and almost 23 per cent admitted what their other half thinks also influences their appearance.
A further 48 per cent said their own opinion is the biggest inspiration on their looks and two in five said a photo of themselves which they disliked made them want to change.
With Love Island back on our screens this week many will also be experiencing the ‘Love Island effect’ – as almost a tenth admitted they are influenced by celebrities when it comes to their appearance – and this is likely to leave Brits feeling under confident.
Worryingly, 43 per cent do not speak openly about their insecurities, due to a third feeling embarrassed and a quarter worry that it will look as if they are asking for compliments.
It also emerged more than a third believe diet has the biggest impact on their skin, while two in five put it down to age and a quarter think hydration is the main influence.
A quarter of women feel both self-conscious and uncomfortable leaving the house without make-up on.
As a result of this, a sixth of adults would consider a ‘tweakment’ – an aesthetic treatment as opposed to plastic surgery, such as botox – to give them a personal boost.
And a further one in eight have debated having lip fillers, mole removal and a skin peel.
The average age Brits would feel comfortable having a ‘tweakment’ was found to be 35 and a tenth agreed its fine for younger generations to have small tweaks if it means boosting their confidence.
But 57 per cent of those polled said that if they were to consider skincare treatments, it’s important they are in a clinical and regulated environment.
Lisa added: “sk:n clinics has been lobbying for administration to be restricted to registered healthcare professionals with the appropriate medical qualifications, skills and experience for years.
“As a leader in the industry it’s important that we provide consumers with professional insight and education on the subtle tweaks they can make to boost their confidence in a safe and regulated way.
“We have recently launched a report which focuses on why tweakments are increasingly popular and how they are inextricably linked to levels of self-confidence and positive self-image.
“Through the first chapter we explore the barriers to having true skin confidence and how to break them down to be empowered in our own skin.
Read the results of the Consumer Confidence Index in full here https://www.sknclinics.co.uk/blog/skndex-the-consumer-confidence-index.
THINGS WHICH GIVE BRITS A CONFIDENCE BOOST:
- Clear skin
2. Loss of weight
3. Freshly washed hair
4. Well-rested eyes
5. Having a tan
6. Glowing complexion
7. A new hair style
8. Having a toned figure
9. Smooth skin
10. Being facial hair free
11. Shaved legs
12. Full face of make-up
13. Painted nails
14. Reduced lines
15. Wearing lipstick
16. Waxed and shaped eyebrows
17. Getting a facial
18. Reduced scaring
19. False eyelashes
20. Lip fillers
THINGS WHICH DENT CONFIDENCE:
- Putting on weight
2. Dark circles around your eyes
3. Dry skin
4. Acne
5. Wrinkles
6. Facial hair
7. Dry lips
8. Sagging skin
9. Uneven skin tone
10. Having no make-up on
11. Oily skin
12. Pale skin
13. Structure of your nose
14. Thin hair line
15. Fine lines
16. Scarring
17. Face shape
18. Moles
19. Baldness
20. Sun damage