We live in an era where beauty is often dictated by filters—where flawless, glowing skin is just a tap away, and imperfections vanish in an instant. However, behind this perfect image lies a reality that often gets overlooked. Scrolling through edited feeds makes it easy to forget that real skin has texture, pores, scars, and its own story. Constantly comparing ourselves to filtered perfection doesn’t just change how we see others, but also how we see ourselves. In the quest for perfect skin, many individuals end up overdoing treatments and overlook the importance of prioritising skin health and being gentle with themselves.

Dr Isha Poudel Koirala, founder and consultant dermatologist of Aesthetic Aura Skin and Hair Clinic, discusses the importance of embracing real skin and self-worth, offering advice on managing skin insecurities in a world consumed by digital perfection.

How do you distinguish healthy skin care from social media's aesthetic influence?

Healthy skincare is about maintaining the skin’s integrity and function. It means protecting the skin through sun protection and barrier support, and addressing concerns like acne, pigmentation, or rosacea with science-backed care. It’s also about respecting natural variations in skin tone.

On the other hand, the pursuit of aesthetic perfection—often driven by filtered images—can lead to over-correction. It pushes people toward aggressive treatments and excessive product use in a quest to match unrealistic beauty standards. This can harm the skin’s long-term health. Real skin isn’t flawless, and filters don’t define beauty.

What psychological impact can the overuse of beauty filters have on individuals, especially young people?

Filters may seem harmless, but their overuse can deeply distort our perception of beauty. Young people are particularly vulnerable—they start to believe that flawless, poreless skin and exaggerated facial contours are the norm. Some even feel ashamed seeing their unfiltered reflection. In extreme cases, it may fuel conditions like Selfie Dysmorphia or contribute to Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), where individuals obsess over perceived flaws that others don’t even notice.

Some patients report feeling uncomfortable or even ashamed when they see their real, unfiltered reflection in the mirror. This growing disconnect between real-life appearance and filtered images is sometimes called Selfie Dysmorphia or Snapchat dysmorphia. In this phenomenon, individuals seek cosmetic procedures to look like their digitally altered photos.

As a dermatologist, I am concerned about the psychological impact of beauty filters on young people. While they may seem harmless, filters that smooth skin and alter features can distort perceptions of beauty and self-worth. Young individuals, still forming their identities, are especially vulnerable to internalising unrealistic, digitally manufactured standards as the norm.

Have you noticed an increase in patients who are more concerned about the appearance of their skin than its health?

I often see that chasing ‘perfect skin’ through heavy treatments or unrealistic routines can have serious long-term consequences both for the skin and overall well-being. It’s important to remember that social media is not reality. The smooth, poreless skin often seen online is typically a result of filters, ideal lighting, makeup, and digital editing. Even the people posting those images don’t look like that in real life. Real skin has texture, pores, fine lines, and occasional breakouts, and that’s normal. Your skin tells your story: your health, your emotions, your experiences. It is not supposed to look like a polished magazine cover at every moment. Proper skin health is about strength, function, and confidence, not perfection.

What long-term effects can chasing “perfect skin” through heavy treatments or unrealistic routines have?

When patients aggressively pursue flawless skin, they often overuse treatments like strong acids, peels, lasers, microneedling, or multiple injectables without proper guidance. Over time, this can result in chronic inflammation, skin barrier damage, and increased sensitivity. Some may develop conditions like irritant dermatitis, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or premature thinning of the skin (atrophy), overfilled syndrome especially with repeated procedures, too frequently.

Another major risk is the loss of skin’s natural resilience. Healthy skin has its own protective functions; constant over-treatment can weaken this defence, making the skin more vulnerable to environmental aggressors, such as UV rays, pollution, and allergens.

What advice would you give to someone struggling with skin insecurities in today’s filter-driven culture?

If you are feeling insecure, focus on what you can control with these simple advice:

• Create a simple, consistent, and healthy skincare routine centred on protection (such as sunscreen) and gentle care.

• Realistic goals for healthy, glowing skin are achievable, but ‘perfect skin’ is not a real standard.

• Seek professional guidance instead of relying on social media trends. A dermatologist can help you address concerns safely and effectively.

• Limit your time engaging with heavily edited content if you notice it’s affecting your self-esteem.

• Practice self-compassion. Confidence comes from caring for yourself.