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If all of those articles about the importance of self-love have done nothing to convince you, maybe this new study will do something to make a change.
A new study done on 1,535 men and women measured individuals who don’t use the recommended amount of sunscreen when they’re out in the sun. They also asked these participants to rate their own attractiveness.
They found that those who spent the most time in the sun unprotected were also the ones who rated themselves as the least attractive.
Those who took better care of their skin tended to have better self-esteem.
Being out in the sun without sunscreen is, of course, one of the biggest risks for skin cancer. It’s a dangerous behavior.
Researchers speculate that those with lower self-esteem engage in this so that they can get more tan, or look more attractive.
Though it’s only a correlation and not a definitive study, this connection isn’t an unusual find.
People who don’t view themselves as attractive have also been found as more likely to engage in risky behaviors, like unprotected sex and sedentary lifestyles.
In short, thinking less of yourself makes you care less about keeping yourself safe.
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That’s not the best news, since you wouldn’t want any of your friends or family to be endangering themselves or thinking less of themselves.
So if you feel like you’re the type of person who engages in risky behavior due to a lack of self-esteem, it may be time to take some steps toward self-care.
If you have a hard time taking care of your skin, or any other part of your hygiene because your self-esteem is too low, it may be time to talk to a mental health professional.
