I'm not pretty and it's ruining my mental health

I'm sorry you're feeling this way. As some people said here, you are 15 which is a difficult age but self-love will develop over the years. Looking back at my pictures at 15, I had no idea what I was doing and I hated myself for things that really didn't matter at all. But that is completely fine. Over the years I learned more about my body, experimented with different styles, learned self-care and most importantly started becoming more accepting of myself. I really think I had my proper glow up over the years of 23-25. I look way better now. And I do have a hooked nose and an asymmetrical face. I also have acne sometimes and my wrinkles are starting to come. But I never liked myself more. I still struggle with some things but overall things are way better now. Also, this is not to say you are not pretty now (and I am certain that you are actually pretty but too self-critical), but that you have so much time to have fun with experimenting with different looks. What really helped me was taking up running, lifting weights and yoga. These helped me love my body and what it can do, boosted my mood while also making me look fit and healthy. At the same time, I made sure to eat healthy to nurture my body which then helped me like myself more. It all did a ton for my mental health. I highly recommend experimenting with some form of exercise and see if there's anything you like because it can do so much for you!

Another thing you will learn to realise as you grow up is how different people in social media/movies are to people in real life. Hopefully, you will realise that people in real life... look real. We have "flaws". Everyone does. It's really no big deal, no one cares much when you grow up and people love you for you. This seems to be a fixation for teenagers mostly and most people grow out of this nasty judgemental mentality. If they don't and they make you feel bad about yourself, then you don't need these people in your life. You will hopefully learn to surround yourself with people that make you feel good and are there to support you.

Take it easy and enjoy being young, do some fun stuff, learn new things, experiment with styles and hobbies. A person who loves themselves is a whole new level of attractiveness.

A tip for greasy hair: Stop washing it so often! You're stripping your hair of its oils every 2 days which tells your scalp to produce more and more oil! I know it will be weird at first but try washing your hair less often, go for 1-2 times a week. Honestly. I have curly hair and wash it once a week. Your oil production will normalise and it is better for your hair. Each time you wash it you're also giving it more damage by drying it (either by the friction of a towel or heat from a hairdryer) so you should try and minimize that (also use an old cotton shirt for drying instead of a towel! less damaging!). On the days when it is more greasy go for a ponytail. It can make your face more visible and show off your nice facial features. I used to be terrified of doing this because of my nose and did the most awkward ponytails where I would try to get my bangs to still cover my face... it looked awkward at best. Now, however, I go for the proper ponytail several days a week and like it a lot. I like showing my face and I think it makes me look neat and professional. I hated my nose for so long only to find out some people actually really love it and find me super hot with it, so go figure. And I'm not one of those people with the small average noses saying "my nose is too big". Nope. Hahah.

All in all, I hope you will learn to love yourself! Best of luck!

/r/beauty Thread