From the Guidelines
To improve perceived appearance, excluding skin, I strongly recommend Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) techniques, particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP) and mirror retraining, as these methods have been shown to effectively address body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and improve body image 1.
Key Components of CBT for BDD
- Psychoeducation about BDD, emphasizing the distinction between physical appearance and body image 1
- Constructing a hierarchy of avoided situations and safety behaviours to address anxiety and avoidance 1
- Goal setting, using SMART criteria to establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives 1
- Exposure and response prevention (ERP), encouraging patients to confront feared situations while resisting safety behaviours 1
- Mirror retraining, aiming to process one's image as a whole and view oneself in a neutral, non-judgemental way 1
Additional Recommendations
- Regular exercise, such as strength training and cardiovascular exercise, to improve muscle tone and overall body composition
- Proper grooming, including regular haircuts, neat nails, and well-maintained facial hair if applicable
- Thoughtful wardrobe choices, selecting clothing that fits properly and complements body type and coloring
- Adequate sleep (7-9 hours nightly) and proper hydration (about 2-3 liters of water daily) to reduce puffiness and improve energy levels
Rationale
These approaches work by addressing the psychological and emotional aspects of body image, enhancing natural features, and projecting self-care and confidence, which others perceive as attractiveness, regardless of specific physical attributes 1. By prioritizing CBT techniques and incorporating these additional recommendations, individuals can improve their perceived appearance and overall quality of life.
From the FDA Drug Label
Can I have my hair colored or permed or use hair relaxers while using minoxidil topical solution 5%? Yes. We have no evidence that coloring or perming your hair or that the use of relaxers change the effect of minoxidil topical solution 5% Can I use hair sprays, mousses, conditioners, gels, etc. Yes. Hair sprays, spritz, or styling aids may be used on your hair while using minoxidil topical solution 5%.
The methods that improve perceived appearance, excluding skin, are:
- Hair coloring
- Hair perming
- Hair relaxers
- Styling products such as hair sprays, mousses, conditioners, and gels 2, 2
From the Research
Methods to Improve Perceived Appearance Excluding Skin
There are several methods that can improve perceived appearance, excluding skin. These include:
- Hair treatment: Biological and chemical interventions can improve the perceived appearance of scalp hair 3
- Makeup: Applying makeup to facial features can increase perceived skin evenness, even if no makeup is applied to the skin itself 4
- Facial attractiveness: Facial features that are considered attractive can vary across cultures, and understanding these cultural differences can help improve perceived appearance 5
- Dietary intake: While the current evidence is limited, some studies suggest that dietary intake may have a positive impact on appearance, although more research is needed to fully understand this relationship 6
Factors Influencing Perceived Appearance
Several factors can influence perceived appearance, including:
- Biological factors: Hair shaft biogenesis, proliferation in the germinative matrix, and oxidative chemistry can all impact hair quality and perceived appearance 3
- Chemical factors: Active material surface deposition can improve hair shaft shine, fibre-fibre interactions, and strength 3
- Cultural factors: Facial attractiveness and beauty preferences can vary across cultures, and understanding these differences is important for improving perceived appearance 5
- Psychological factors: Positive body image, body appreciation, and adaptive investment in appearance can all impact perceived appearance 7