In a world where we are constantly bombarded with other people’s highlight reels—whether on social media, in conversations with friends, or through advertising—it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison. You might find yourself wondering, “Why is her skin glowing while mine is breaking out?” or “Why is their hair growing back effortlessly while I’m still struggling with hair loss?” This kind of thinking can be incredibly damaging to both your mental and physical health.
When it comes to skin and hair health, one of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to replicate someone else’s routine. You see an influencer raving about a supplement, or a friend telling you that a particular diet transformed their skin, and suddenly, you’re convinced that it must be the answer for you too. But in reality, blindly following what works for someone else can actually set you back.
Let’s break down why comparing yourself to others is hurting your health and how shifting your mindset can lead to real, sustainable progress.
Every person’s skin, hair, and body function differently. What works for someone else might actually be completely wrong for you.
For example, let’s say you see someone on TikTok praising a new supplement that "cleared their acne overnight." If you rush to buy it without understanding your own skin’s needs, you could be taking something that doesn’t align with your body’s biochemistry.
The same goes for hair health. Some people experience amazing results from high-dose biotin supplements, while others break out in cystic acne from them. Some people thrive on collagen powders, while others don’t notice any difference. The key is understanding your own body’s needs, not someone else’s.
Instead of guessing what might work, functional testing and general pathology can provide actual data about what your body is lacking or overproducing. These tests help you understand your unique nutritional status, hormone balance, gut health, and inflammatory markers, giving you a personalised roadmap to healing rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Your skin and hair health didn’t change overnight, and they won’t heal overnight either. When you compare yourself to others, you ignore your own personal timeline and sequence of events that have led to where you are now.
Think about it:
Your skin and hair reflect your internal health, and the best way to find the right solution is to look within rather than outside of yourself. The answers lie in your unique health history, not in what worked for someone else.
The constant pressure of comparison doesn’t just affect your choices—it also affects your mental well-being. Research shows that chronic stress and negative self-talk can trigger inflammation, disrupt hormones, and slow down healing.
When you’re constantly thinking:
…you’re reinforcing a stress response that keeps you stuck in a cycle of frustration. Stress hormones like cortisol can make skin conditions worse, contribute to hair loss, and even disrupt digestion—further delaying your healing process.
Shifting your mindset to focus on your own progress rather than someone else’s success can help you break free from this damaging cycle.
One of the biggest ways to stop the cycle of comparison is to get actual data about your own body rather than guessing based on someone else’s results.
Functional testing and general pathology testing can give you:
✔️ Insights into your own hormone levels (which impact acne, hair loss, and skin aging)
✔️ A deep dive into your gut health (which plays a huge role in inflammation and breakouts)
✔️ Information on your nutrient levels (so you’re not blindly supplementing with things you don’t need)
✔️ A clear picture of your metabolic health (which affects everything from skin hydration to energy levels)
Instead of wasting time and money on trends, imagine having a clear roadmap tailored specifically to your body. This is how you make real progress—by working with your body, not against it.
If you’ve been caught in the cycle of comparing your skin and hair journey to others, here are a few steps to help you reset:
✅ Recognise that your body is unique – No two people have the same health history, genetics, or lifestyle factors. Your path will look different from anyone else’s.
✅ Unfollow or mute accounts that make you feel bad about your progress – If certain social media content makes you feel like you’re "behind," take a break from it.
✅ Start tracking your own health data – Take note of your skin and hair changes over time, rather than measuring yourself against someone else's timeline.
✅ Work with a practitioner who can assess your body’s specific needs – Instead of guessing which diet, supplement, or skincare routine is right for you, get professional support.
✅ Celebrate small wins – Healing isn’t all-or-nothing. Even small changes (like improved digestion, better sleep, or fewer breakouts) are signs that your body is moving in the right direction.
Comparing yourself to others won’t speed up your journey—it will only make you feel more discouraged. Instead of looking outside yourself for quick fixes, trust your own body’s wisdom and take steps that align with your personal health history.
When you shift from a mindset of comparison to a mindset of self-trust, you unlock the ability to truly heal. The best solutions aren’t the ones that worked for someone else—they’re the ones that are designed for YOU.
If you’re ready to take a personalised approach to your skin and hair health, consider booking a consultation to get functional testing and a customised treatment plan based on YOUR body’s needs. Your journey is unique, and your solutions should be too.
Listen to my in-depth podcast with Hayley on The Skin Series
