Majority of women think they are 'too tough on themselves', poll claims

‘It’s easy to forget how amazing our bodies are when we focus on our perceived imperfections’

Almost two thirds of women wish their skin was smoother, a poll claims (Getty Images/iStock/Oleg Elkov)

Seven in 10 women believe they are “too tough on themselves”, a new poll claims.

Hundreds of women polled said their thoughts are dominated with worries about their career and how they could be a better parent, along with their appearance.

Almost two thirds wish their skin was smoother, half would like to be more tanned and half also long for less body hair. A third even wish they had a different skin tone altogether.

The survey of 2,000 women found worries such as these tend to manifest when they are having a shower.

“I’ve used make-up to cover up, and dreaded social occasions when I’ve suffered with skin issues such as rosacea,” said TV presenter Lisa Faulkner.

“It’s easy to forget how amazing our bodies are when we focus on our perceived imperfections. We all need to be a bit more gentle on ourselves and our skin, and use our shower time to relax rather than worry.”

A third of respondents said they worry other people are looking at them when feeling unconfident about their skin, and 17 per cent actively avoid having their photo taken during bad skin days.

Not only were those polled hard on themselves when it comes to their appearance, the research found they are also vigorous with their skincare routine.

During a typical week, respondents said they thoroughly scrub their skin five times a week. During this period they will also shave twice, wax once and pluck hairs using tweezers twice.

And these routines, along with prolonged to exposure to the sun and long soaks in the bath can –according to experts – strip the skin of its microbiome.

However, the Dove survey found two thirds of women do not know what the skin microbiome is.

Dr Sarah Jarvis, who has partnered with Dove, said: “The microbiome protects your skin from unfriendly organisms, helps manage pH levels, and also produces nutrients.

“The best way you can protect your skin microbiome so it can protect you, is by being gentle – in both the products you use and the pressure you apply.”

SWNS