From healthy eating to fitness goals, this time of year is known for inspiring people to change something in their lives for the better. With most resolutions relating to appearance, a study has found over a quarter (27%) of Londoners spend up to one hour per day feeling self-conscious about their looks – which equates to 15 days a year!
The research, commissioned by SmileDirectClub, the industry pioneer and first direct-to-consumer medtech platform for transforming smiles, noted that nationwide Gen Z spends a staggering 36 minutes per day (8.4 days per year) worrying about their looks, which is44% higher than the national average (25 minutes).
Meanwhile, baby boomers (55+) feel the most confident above any generation, with 60% of boomers rating their self-esteem as six or higher on a scale of one to ten. 63% of respondents under the age of 55 are not so self-assured, rating their confidence as six or lower on the same scale.
Top Things Londoners feel self-conscious about
- Teeth [45%]
- Hair [31%]
- Smile [30%]
- Eyes [25%]
- Nose [23%]
Looking at specific features people in London feel most self-conscious about, almost half of those surveyed [45%] list their teeth as their biggest bugbear, followed by their hair [31%], smiles [30%] and eyes [25%]. While well over a third [41%] admit they tackle their insecurity by smiling with their mouth closed.
Kay Oswald, President of International at SmileDirectClub, said: “It’s disheartening to learn how many people are struggling with their confidence and self-image on a day-to-day basis. Overcoming negative perceptions of ourselves is a vital step to transforming our lives and positively impacting our place in the world. SmileDirectClub is honored to help people rediscover their confidence through affordable and convenient access to a straighter, brighter smile.”
Interestingly, the study revealed that 47% said that smiling has the power to instantly make them feel better. Perhaps this is why almost half [46%] of Londoners say they would smile back at a stranger, no matter how out of the ordinary or awkward the situation. People in the capital also voted Cheryl Cole’s smiles as their favourite [24%], followed by Julia Roberts [22%], Michelle Keegan [21%], Kylie Minogue [19%] and Holly Willoughby [14%].
However, with a smile, must come a frown; according to the survey, receiving the wrong takeaway was highlighted as the number one thing to make somebody in London scowl [30%], closely followed by looking at finances [29%], their football team losing a game [25%], the Monday morning commute to work [20%], and being told to smile more [19%].