Dr. Donn R. Chatham Discusses the Health Benefits of Self-Care and Your Appearance
Taking care of your appearance isn’t just about vanity…it’s about vitality! Research increasingly shows that how we see ourselves can affect not only our mental well-being, but also our physical health and even our lifespan.
From routine personal grooming to mindfulness exercises and cosmetic procedures, investing in yourself may be one of the smartest and healthiest decisions you can make!
Is There a Scientific Correlation Between Attractiveness and Longevity?
In a 2024 published study, “Looks and Longevity…Do Prettier People Live Longer?”, social scientists examined the relationship between attractiveness and mortality. This study used a large sample size of more than 8,000 Wisconsin high school graduates’ 1957 yearbook photographs to measure facial attractiveness. The scientists observed these graduates through their early 80s or until their death to determine if there was a correlation between attractiveness and life span. They found that the individuals whose facial attractiveness was rated in the least attractive sextile had a higher mortality risk throughout life compared to those rated average or high. The effect persisted even after controlling for factors like education, income, and health behaviors.1
Is There a Connection Between Your Appearance and Self-Esteem?
As a facial plastic surgeon who has helped guide thousands of patients through their personal decision-making process of electing to undergo an aesthetic surgery, I am mindful of an individual’s reasons for wanting a surgery or cosmetic treatment. It is important to evaluate and discuss whether their cosmetic enhancement expectations are realistic and what impact it will have on their self-esteem.
We all know the feeling: when you look good, you feel more confident. That boost in self-esteem isn’t just a fleeting emotional perk; it has deep psychological and physiological consequences.
So, yes, there is a connection between your appearance and self-esteem. Why? High self-esteem is associated with:
- Reduced levels of stress and anxiety
- Improved immune function
- Stronger social relationships
- Greater motivation to maintain a healthy lifestyle
In general, people who are satisfied with their appearance are more likely to engage in positive behaviors like regular exercise, healthy eating, and mental health practices. Simply put, confidence fuels healthy choices.
Your Appearance as a Gateway to Wellness
Grooming, skin care, cosmetic procedures, or even just wearing clothes that make you feel good: these are not superficial acts. They are forms of self-respect and wellness. In fact, people who take the time to care for their appearance not only have high self-esteem but they often:
- Experience less social isolation
- Report higher levels of happiness
- Have better outcomes in recovery from illness or surgery
Cosmetic procedures, whether minimally invasive or surgical, are often misunderstood. While the intent might be aesthetic, the benefits can be deeply personal and therapeutic. When a person feels more aligned with their outer appearance, their mental and emotional health often improve dramatically.
It’s Not Selfish, It’s Self-Care
There’s a lingering myth that taking care of your appearance is somehow selfish or shallow. In reality, self-care is a sign of emotional maturity and a proactive attitude toward health. It sends a message to yourself and the world that you’re worth taking care of.
Mental wellness, good grooming, and the occasional cosmetic enhancement are not luxuries — they’re investments in your long-term health and happiness.
Self-Esteem and Self-Care Pay Off
The cumulative effect of caring for yourself, inside and out, leads to better health outcomes and longer life. People who practice consistent self-care, who value their appearance and well-being, tend to:
- Age more gracefully
- Stay socially and physically active into older age
- Avoid preventable diseases through regular checkups and early intervention
- Maintain a sense of purpose and optimism
Looking better isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about self-respect, health, and longevity. Whether it’s committing to regular grooming, prioritizing mental health, or considering cosmetic procedures to feel more like your best self, these choices reflect a deeper truth: you matter. Taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to live longer and for many a more fulfilling life!
1 Sheehan, Connor M., Hamermesh, Daniel S. Looks and longevity: Do prettier people live longer? Social Science & Medicine, Volume 354, August 2024.
