New findings on the connection between confidence and aesthetics
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
17 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Scientists make disturbing discovery in analysis of human bodily fluids: 'Further research is required'
A new study published in Environmental Research identified microplastics in various body fluids among people suffering from respiratory illnesses. An Iran-based research team collected urine, mucus, and lung lavage fluid samples from 30 participants who suffered from respiratory illnesses. They found a total of 490 microplastics in the samples, representing an array of colors, sizes, and plastic types. These tiny plastic particles were most abundant in the mucus; all 30 patients had microplastics in those samples, and 358 total microplastics were found across all mucus samples. Meanwhile, only nine microplastics were detected in urine among eight of the patients. A total of 123 microplastics were identified in the lavage fluid samples, where a higher proportion of larger fibers were also discovered. The authors said their observations suggest that inhaled and ingested microplastics might be fractionated differently through the body. "Further research is required to determine why and how particles larger than theoretical limits are present in these fluids, along with their biopersistence and potential acute and chronic health impacts," they added. Microplastics break off from larger plastics, and they can be found all around us, from the air we breathe to the water we drink and the food we eat. One study found that nearly all tested protein samples, including chicken and tofu, contained microplastics. These tiny plastic particles have also infiltrated our bodies. One study found significant levels of microplastics in the penises of four out of five men undergoing erectile dysfunction–related surgery, while another discovered that a growing number of microplastics are appearing in our brains. Research examining the impacts of microplastic exposure is ongoing, but it has so far been tied to cancer, dementia, and impaired blood flow in the brain, among other health concerns. Removing microplastics from the environment is difficult but not impossible. One group of scientists discovered a way to filter them out of water using egg whites, and another team found a way to remove up to 99.9% of pollutants — including microplastics — from water in just 10 seconds. While microplastic removal science is promising, it's also important to prevent new particles from entering the environment, and that means reducing our reliance on plastic in our everyday lives. Countries such as England and France are trying to address the microplastic problem through bans on plastic cutlery for most fast food and takeout. California banned plastic produce bags from grocery stores, and India outlawed a selection of single-use plastics. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Indianapolis Star
28 minutes ago
- Indianapolis Star
New Steak 'n Shake product on the way. What to know about the MAHA-approved item
After being lauded by the Trump administration's health movement for its transition away from vegetable oils and using beef tallow to cook its signature shoestring fries, Steak 'n Shake will sell tallow directly to customers. The Indianapolis-based fast-food chain said its restaurants will start selling grass-fed beef tallow later this month. The chain began cooking its fries in tallow at all of its restaurants earlier this year; but the potatoes are pre-fried in seed oils. "Buy our 100% Grass-Fed Beef Tallow for your home cooking at any Steak n Shake starting June 23. MAHA!' the chain announced on social media. The posts included an image of a 14-ounce jar. Steak 'n Shake, a subsidiary of San Antonio, Texas-based Biglari Holdings, has about 400 locations nationwide. Although the jars will be sold in the restaurants, other Steak 'n Shake-branded products, including chili made by Pinnacle Foods Group and frozen burgers distributed by AdvancePierre Foods, are sold in grocery stores. Beef tallow is rendered beef fat, sometimes called beef drippings. Like other solid cooking fats such as butter and coconut oil, beef tallow is made up primarily of saturated fat, including stearic acid, which appears not to raise cholesterol in the same way as other saturated fats, according to Mayo Clinic. Tallow also contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are considered healthier, as well as fat-soluble vitamins that are vital for various bodily functions, including immune support, bone health, cellular function and skin health. Steak 'n Shake announced in January that by the end of February, all locations would end the use of vegetable oil and switch to 100% all-natural beef tallow for its fries, onion rings and chicken tenders. Operations chief Daniels told Fox the company had been considering the move for a while, a directive of owner Sardar Biglari, who as a boy, was impressed with fries he tasted in Belgium that were cooked in beef tallow. 'We wanted to switch years ago but couldn't get a chemical-free, additive-free, all-natural pure beef tallow,' Daniels said. 'He tells me we have to do beef tallow, but we have to do it all-natural and no additives and no preservatives. And we found a supplier who could finally do it for us.' 'We've RFK'd our fries.' Steak 'n Shake touts beef tallow fries: Early MAHA supporters question chain's process The move was praised by U.S. health czar Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose 'Make America Healthy Again' agenda the brand supports. The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services even did a Fox News Channel interview at a Florida Steak 'n Shake, commending the chain. 'Steak and Shake has been great. We're very grateful to them for RFKing the french fries,' Kennedy said. "They turned me into a verb." Kennedy wants fast food companies to use beef tallow for frying instead of seed oils, like soybean and canola oil, which he has called 'one of the most unhealthy ingredients that we have in foods.' The chain later said that while it is committed to removing seed oils from its restaurants, its suppliers pre-fry fries, onion rings and chicken tenders in seed oils before freezing them and shipping them to the shops. Indy Steak 'n Shake $1M renovation: What's new at the downtown restaurant Republican politicians and high-profile MAGA and MAHA boosters responded positively to Steak 'n Shake's blatant appeal on social media to Kennedy and others tied to the Trump administration. The chain's postings included a red hat with yellow letters saying 'Make Frying Oil Tallow Again,' nodding to the Kennedy-led agenda, and posting images of the health secretary. A version of the hat is available on the Kennedy's MAHA merchandise website. The chain's social media accounts also made overtures to Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, who President Donald Trump tapped to lead an effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending.
Yahoo
38 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Novo signs $812 million weight-loss drug license deal with US biotech Deep Apple
(Reuters) -Denmark's Novo Nordisk is partnering with biotech company Deep Apple Therapeutics in a deal worth up to $812 million to develop drugs for cardiometabolic diseases, including obesity, the California-based company said on Wednesday. Deep Apple discovers drug candidates using its AI-based platform that screens virtual libraries of billions of compounds to cut drug discovery time, the company said. Under the deal, Novo will receive exclusive global rights to develop and commercialize so-called non-incretin oral therapies, which belong to a different class of medicines than its popular weight-loss and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Novo has been trying to strengthen its foothold in the potential $150 billion weight-loss drug market through the development of next-generation treatments as well as acquisitions and partnerships. In March, the company signed two licensing deals and gained access to experimental obesity drugs from Lexicon Pharmaceuticals and China-based United Laboratories International. CONTEXT Novo in May ousted CEO Lars Fruergaard Jorgensen over concerns the Danish company - a world leader in the lucrative weight-loss drug market - was losing its first-mover advantage. The company's shares have plunged since hitting a record high in June last year as competition, particularly from U.S. rival Eli Lilly, eats into its market share, while Novo's pipeline of new drugs has failed to impress investors. BY THE NUMBERS As part of the license agreement with Novo, Deep Apple will be eligible to receive up to $812 million in payments, as well as potential royalties on sales of any products that emerge from their collaboration.
