From jaw pain caused by "mewing" to extreme internet trends where young men take hammers to their face, the internet’s obsession with "looksmaxxing" is going far beyond a basic skincare routine. This week, Dr Emma Craythorne and Dr Ellie Rashid investigate the bizarre, dark, and often dangerous underworld of extreme aesthetic manipulation. In this episode, Emma and Ellie unpack the medical realities behind softmaxxing vs. hardmaxxing, the psychological impact of online body ideals, and why trying to "mew" or "bone-smash" your way to a chiselled jawline is a recipe for permanent damage. Plus, they explore how these online trends exploit vulnerability, the dangerous black-market use of prescription skin-bleaching ingredients like hydroquinone, and why true attraction is so much more than skin deep. Episode Highlights: The Medical Reality of 'Mewing': How a 15-year-old’s unexplained jaw pain led Dr Ellie down the internet rabbit hole of DIY facial re-shaping. Softmaxxing vs. Hardmaxxing: Breaking down the line between healthy self-care and extreme physical alteration. The Danger of 'Bone Smashing': Why hitting your face with a hammer triggers soft-tissue trauma and swelling rather than structural bone growth. Facial Nerve Damage & Fracture Risks: The permanent clinical consequences of unmonitored facial trauma. Black-Market Hydroquinone: The dangerous rise of unsupervised skin bleaching and the risk of irreversible ochronosis. Beyond 2D Aesthetics: Why online image trends exploit psychological vulnerabilities and distort real-world human connection. Key Questions Answered: What is looksmaxxing, and why are young men resorting to dangerous DIY face reshaping? Is "mewing" or "bone smashing" medically safe or effective for creating a stronger jawline? What are the clinical dangers of using hydroquinone without a dermatologist's supervision? 👇 Let us know your thoughts in the comments 💌 Send us your questions [email protected] Connect with us: After Hours Skin Clinic Instagram: @afterhoursskinclinic Dr Ellie Rashid: @drellierashid Dr Emma Craythorne: @dremmacraythorne TikTok: @afterhoursskinclinic YouTube: After Hours Skin Clinic Channel This is a Raconteur Studios Production. ⁠Klira⁠ - Founded by Dr Emma Craythorne, Klira is a bespoke luxury skincare formula prescribed by dermatologists. You may hear it mentioned from time to time on the podcast and if you want to find out more head over to ⁠klira.skin⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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