You should stop looking at yourself in the mirror or phone camera because it is making you more insecure. When we constantly examine our reflections, our minds immediately focus on physical flaws—ones that society has taught us to criticize.

Society sets toxic beauty standards by labeling acne, crooked teeth, and nose shape as imperfections that must be “fixed” through makeup, braces, or cosmetic surgery. As a result, people grow more self-conscious the more they see themselves, criticizing their appearances at every chance. For individuals with facial deformities or burn scars, these unrealistic standards make it difficult to find jobs, relationships, or self-acceptance.

Humans were never meant to be this self-aware of their appearances. Long ago, cavemen only saw distorted reflections in water, not clear mirrors or high definition cameras. In nature, trees are asymmetrical with scars, mountains are rugged, and skies are not clear—they are filled with clouds. Imperfection is natural. Please, be kind to yourself.