The not-so-clean side of the clean girl aesthetic

Content warning - this article discusses body image. Please be mindful if this is a difficult topic for you.

Anyone remember the clean girl aesthetic? It was a popular trend on tiktok a while ago, promoting an idealised image of minimalistic beauty and effortless perfection.

At first, myself included, thought of it as an innocent and aspirational trend. However, it may be leaving some not so clean effects. The clean girl aesthetic pushes for flawless skin, sleek hair, and a perfectly curated wardrobe, setting a beauty standard that's pretty much impossible to achieve. For those already swamped with academic pressures, this adds another layer of stress. The constant drive to look perfect can lead to feelings of inadequacy and failure when real life doesn’t match up to those highly edited and filtered images.

Seeing endless streams of "clean girls" living seemingly perfect lives can really mess with your mental health. Studies have shown that comparing ourselves on social media is linked to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The clean girl aesthetic, with its obsession with outward perfection, can amplify these issues, making us more vulnerable to mental health struggles.

This trend also promotes a very narrow and unrealistic standard of beauty. If you don’t fit this mould, it can seriously damage your self-image. Constantly comparing yourself to these idealised images can trigger or worsen body dysmorphia and eating disorders. Plus, keeping up with the clean girl look often means buying new clothes, skincare products, and other beauty items. For us students, this can lead to unnecessary financial strain. The pressure to keep up can result in overspending and financial anxiety, further affecting mental wellbeing.

It's important to recognise that trends like the clean girl aesthetic aren’t inherently bad, but they need to be approached with caution. Practice self-compassion and remember that no one is perfect. Celebrate your unique qualities and practice self-love. Spend less time on platforms that promote unrealistic standards and follow accounts that champion body positivity and diversity. Focus on activities that make you feel good from the inside out, whether it’s exercising, meditating, or spending time with loved ones. And remember, beauty doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Invest in self-care practices that don’t break the bank.

More information on body image can be found on the Wellbeing Hub.