New findings on the connection between confidence and aesthetics

Business Journals

19-05-2025

In the Triangle's competitive professional landscape, confidence isn't just a feeling — it's a catalyst for success. Raleigh-based Merz Aesthetics, a global medical aesthetics business, recently unveiled the results of their ground breaking study, Pillars of Confidence: Global Insights on Aesthetics and Self-Affirmation revealing how aesthetic treatments can help align our inner selves with our outward appearance to support self-confidence.
Inspired by a purpose to fuel confidence worldwide, Merz Aesthetics undertook this research to spark a new conversation around confidence and the higher-order benefits of aesthetic treatments, grounded in data from 15,000 adults across 15 countries (approximately 1,000 participants per country including the United States).
The impact on self-perception
Merz Aesthetics' research delves into a key question: How do aesthetic treatments impact confidence and self-perception? The findings are illuminating:
74% of U.S. respondents agreed with the statement, "I am confident in who I am."
64% said they use aesthetic treatments to create a look inspired by how they feel inside.
68% reported that treatments impacted how they view themselves.
The research shows what many may have already intuited — aesthetic treatments seem to do more than just enhance appearance; they can help people feel empowered as they embark on their self-confidence journey.
Regional relevance and broader implications
In a region that's frequently ranked among the best places to live and work, businesses could certainly benefit from gaining a better understanding of the role confidence plays in daily life. The Pillars of Confidence study shows that people who feel confident are more likely to embrace new experiences, pursue opportunities and create relationships. Imagine what that could mean for the Triangle's workforce, where attracting top talent, making professional connections and fostering creativity are already top priorities.
These broader benefits are validated by the study's findings. Seventy-five percent of U.S. respondents believe that developing self-confidence is important to one's well-being. When it comes to individual benefits, 69% of U.S. respondents said aesthetic treatments impact their confidence in social situations and 53% agreed that treatments affect their overall outlook on life.
Navigating age perception in the workplace
The research also explores evolving sentiments around aging, making it particularly relevant in our multi-generational workplaces. The Pillars of Confidence study found that, while there are many factors that contribute to people's confidence levels in the workplace, age perception holds a notable amount of influence. In fact, 48 percent of U.S. respondents don't want to be perceived as older than they are and a majority (71%) seek treatments to manage the signs of aging.
A cultural shift toward openness
One of the key insights from the study is an increasing openness around aesthetics. Fifty-five percent of U.S. respondents said they were comfortable discussing treatments, while fewer than 38% feared judgment. This represents a cultural shift toward authenticity that businesses can embrace by creating spaces — both physical and digital — where people feel comfortable and supported in their unique self-confidence journeys.
Transformative effects on personal empowerment
The higher-order impact of aesthetic treatments is striking. After receiving them:
68% of U.S. respondents felt more empowered.
62% said they felt more alive.
54% felt ready to embrace new experiences.
For Triangle employers, these findings suggest that supporting employee confidence — however they choose to cultivate it — may yield benefits in workplace engagement and innovation.
Read more about the Pillars of Confidence Study and get access to the global and regional reports at merzaesthetics.com/confidence.