Zoom Dysmorphia: Dermatologists Report Rise in Cosmetic Consultations; Here's What to Do

According to a new Harvard study, as the global coronavirus pandemic necessitated video conferencing, especially for work from home setups, more people are suffering from "Zoom dysmorphia," according to a new Harvard study.

Led by Harvard Medical School dermatology professor Dr. Shadi Kourosh, the study surveys a hundred dermatologists and found out that more than half of them saw an increase in cosmetic consultations related to Zoom dysmorphia - a distorted view of oneself, in this instance seen from their front-facing webcam and smartphone cameras used in attending these online meetings.

Unflattering Images from those Zoom Meetings

In their study, presented at the latest American Academy of Dermatology Virtual Meeting Experience (AAD VMX) 2021, researchers explain how they inquired about the supposed rise in cosmetic consultations in the middle of the global coronavirus pandemic.

"'Society quickly transitioned to a remote way of working and socialising during the COVID-19 pandemic, communicating largely through video calls during a stressful and isolating time," Dr. Kourosh said in the online AAD event. She adds that as the workforce relied more on video conferencing, the effects of looking at oneself for extended periods of time created an effect on people - a phenomenon now termed "Zoom dysmorphia."

The Harvard Medical School professor further explains the new condition, which is a negative perception of one's body image caused by prolonged exposure to video calls, more specifically, the time looking at oneself through "less flattering" camera devices.

Researchers surveyed their fellow dermatologists to better understand the effect of remote working on self-perception among their patients. Despite the pandemic, results show that there has been a rise in cosmetic consultations. Kourosh found it "alarming" that 86 percent of the study's dermatologist respondents pointed out video conferencing as the cause for their cosmetic visits. She explains that the additional on-screen time and front-facing cameras' effects led to a "concerning and subconscious response" unique to this time people are living in.

Furthermore, people who spend time on social media sites viewing highly edited photos of others were also responsible for unhealthy comparisons with their own self-images as they see on cameras. Researchers also referenced previous related studies that identified 77 percent of people joining video conferencing events on laptops or computers, with 31 percent on smartphones and another 13 percent on their tablets.

"Unfortunately, this is the lens in which people are viewing themselves today, and it's not accurate and can eventually become unhealthy," Dr. Kourash added.

Improve Zoom Meetings, Improve Self-Image

Also, in their study, Dr. Kourash has given a number of tips to improve Zoom meetings:

1. Assess the Technology. The Harvard dermatology professor recommends the use of an external, high-resolution camera for better quality video. She also suggested the use of a ring light for more manageable lighting and image quality.

2. Adjust the Camera. The positioning of the camera helps, with a little more distance away from the user's face offering a better view. Also, placing the camera at about the eye level minimizes the distortion and improves the user's appearance during those video conferencing events.

3. Protect Mental Health. Even in the pandemic, it helps to reduce the amount of time spent in front of a camera by turning it off whenever possible - even in Zoom meetings, when it's not required. Additionally, less social media engagement also helps. Dr. Kourash also reminds people that comparing oneself with photos on these sites is inherently unhealthy, especially since editing these pictures is prevalent.

4. See a Board-Certified Dermatologist. For people with concerns on how they look, see a board-certified dermatologist who can give an accurate assessment on whether your concern actually needs intervention and, if so, recommend the right products and procedures.

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