The Complete Looksmaxxing Guide: From Softmaxxing to Advanced Protocols

If you've spent any time on TikTok, Reddit, or forums like Looksmax.org, you've encountered looksmaxxing. What started as niche forum terminology has evolved into a mainstream framework for systematic appearance optimization.

Content creators like Clavicular have brought these concepts to millions, demonstrating that methodical self-improvement produces real results.

This guide covers everything from foundational techniques anyone can start today to advanced protocols requiring medical supervision.

What is Looksmaxxing?

Looksmaxxing is the systematic process of maximizing physical appearance through evidence-based methods. Unlike vague advice to "just be confident," it provides a concrete framework with measurable outcomes.

The philosophy is simple: genetics determine your ceiling, but lifestyle determines how close you get to it. You can't change bone structure without surgery, but you can optimize everything else. And "everything else" accounts for more than most people realize.

Core Principle: Work with what you have. The goal isn't to look like someone else. It's to become the best possible version of yourself.

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The Looksmaxxing Hierarchy

Not all improvements are created equal. Here's how to prioritize for maximum impact:

Tier 1: Foundational (Highest ROI)

These deliver the most visible results with the least effort and risk.

Body Composition (Leanmaxxing) Your body fat percentage dramatically affects facial aesthetics. Lower body fat reveals jawline definition, reduces facial puffiness, and creates the hollow cheek look. For men, 10-15% body fat typically optimizes facial aesthetics while maintaining health.

Skincare (Skinmaxxing) Clear, healthy skin is non-negotiable. Acne, hyperpigmentation, and premature aging are all addressable. A proper routine creates the foundation everything else builds on.

Grooming Basics Haircut that suits your face shape. Facial hair groomed appropriately for your jaw structure. Eyebrows maintained. These basics cost almost nothing but impact first impressions significantly.

Tier 2: Optimization

Once foundations are solid, these amplify results.

Advanced Skincare Prescription retinoids (tretinoin), professional treatments, targeted actives. Moving from "good skin" to "great skin."

Posture Correction Forward head posture and rounded shoulders are epidemic. Fixing these improves appearance and affects how others perceive you.

Style Optimization Clothes that fit properly and suit your body type. Understanding color coordination and personal aesthetic.

Tier 3: Advanced Protocols

Higher investment, higher risk, potentially higher reward.

Peptide Protocols GHK-Cu for skin rejuvenation. Melanotan for complexion. These require research, proper sourcing, and ideally medical supervision.

GLP-1 Agonists Retatrutide (triple agonist), tirzepatide (dual agonist), and semaglutide for accelerated fat loss and body recomposition.

Professional Treatments Laser treatments, chemical peels, microneedling. Medical-grade interventions for specific concerns.

Tier 4: Hardmaxxing

Surgical interventions. Beyond the scope of this guide, but worth mentioning that many features people obsess over can be surgically altered. Whether this is worth the cost, risk, and recovery is a personal decision.

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Softmaxxing: The Foundation

Softmaxxing refers to non-invasive improvements. These should be your exclusive focus for the first 6-12 months minimum.

Skinmaxxing

Your skin is the canvas everything else sits on. Prioritize accordingly.

The Non-Negotiable Stack:

1. Cleanser - Removes sebum, dead skin, environmental pollutants. Look for salicylic acid (BHA) if you deal with sebaceous filaments or congestion. BHA dissolves the sebum plugs that create those visible dots on your nose and chin.

2. Active Treatment - Tretinoin is the gold standard. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated tretinoin produced an 80% increase in collagen formation. A systematic review confirmed significant improvement in all clinical signs of photodamage with effects continuing over 24 months.

   Start at 0.025% strength 2-3 times per week, gradually increasing. Available through telehealth services (Apostrophe, Curology, Nurx) for $25-50/month. Expect a "purge" period weeks 2-4 where skin gets worse before better.

3. Moisturizer - Maintains barrier function and hydration. The best moisturizers combine three mechanisms: humectants (draw water in), emollients (fill gaps between cells), and occlusives (prevent water loss). Look for ceramides for barrier repair and natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) like sodium PCA, urea, and amino acids.

4. Sunscreen - Non-negotiable. UV damage causes approximately 80% of visible skin aging. SPF 30 minimum, SPF 50 preferred. Every morning regardless of weather.

Advanced Additions:

• Vitamin C serum (AM) for antioxidant protection and collagen synthesis
• Eye cream with peptides for periorbital aging
• Chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA) 2-3x weekly

Why Ingredient Quality Matters for Looksmaxxing

Most mainstream skincare is designed for the average consumer, not someone optimizing for results. The looksmaxxing approach requires understanding what actually moves the needle:

Tallow-based moisturizers have gained popularity in optimization communities because beef tallow's fatty acid profile closely matches human sebum (oleic acid 37-43%, palmitic acid 24-32%, stearic acid 20-25%). This biomimicry means better absorption and barrier compatibility than synthetic alternatives or seed oil-heavy formulas.

Peptides in eye cream are surprisingly rare in men's products. Most just include caffeine for temporary depuffing. Effective eye creams should include signal peptides like Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8) that relax muscle tension and stimulate collagen.

Seed oil-free formulations matter because high concentrations of linoleic acid found in many vegetable oils can disrupt barrier function for some skin types and potentially contribute to inflammation.

RAWDOG Skincare was built with these principles in mind:

• Face Cleanser - Contains BHA for sebaceous filament control, uses Olivem 1000 emulsifier that mimics skin's natural lipid structure
• Face Moisturizer - Tallow-based with Aquaderm SP (full NMF complex) and Ceramide III at clinically effective concentrations, completely seed oil-free
• Eye Cream - Triple peptide complex (Argireline + Syn-Ake mimetic + signal peptides) plus caffeine and zerumbone for brightening. Most men's eye creams on the market don't include this peptide profile.

For the complete product breakdown with budget, mid-range, and premium options for every step, see our skinmaxxing product guide.

Leanmaxxing

Body composition is arguably the highest-impact variable you can control.

Why Body Fat Percentage Matters:

At higher body fat, fat deposits obscure bone structure. The jaw appears softer, cheeks fuller, neck less defined. As body fat decreases:

• Jawline becomes more prominent
• Cheekbones gain definition
• Under-eye area improves (less puffiness)
• Neck/jaw angle sharpens

Target Ranges:

Methods:

Caloric Deficit The fundamental requirement. Calculate your TDEE, subtract 300-500 calories. Track consistently. Simple but requires discipline.

Protein Intake Maintain 0.8-1g per pound of bodyweight to preserve muscle while cutting. Losing muscle makes you look worse, not better.

Resistance Training Lifting while cutting preserves muscle mass and improves body composition faster than diet alone. Focus on compound movements: squats, deadlifts, bench press, rows, overhead press.

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GLP-1 Agonists: The Leanmaxxing Accelerator

GLP-1 receptor agonists have become one of the most discussed tools in looksmaxxing communities for body composition. These compounds dramatically reduce appetite and can make achieving low body fat substantially easier than willpower alone.

The Hierarchy

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Retatrutide: The Holy Grail of Looksmaxxing

Retatrutide has become the most hyped compound in looksmaxxing communities for good reason. It's a triple agonist that hits three receptors instead of one or two, and the implications for body recomposition are significant.

The Three Receptors:

Why Looksmaxxers Are Obsessed:

The glucagon receptor activation is what sets retatrutide apart from everything else. Semaglutide and tirzepatide primarily work by making you eat less. Retatrutide does that AND increases how many calories you burn at rest.

But here's what really matters for appearance optimization:

1. Preferential Fat Loss: The glucagon receptor activation appears to preferentially mobilize fat stores while being more muscle-sparing than other GLP-1s. When the goal is facial definition and physique aesthetics (not just scale weight), this is massive.

2. Superior Results: Clinical trials showed weight loss of up to 24% of body weight, substantially surpassing tirzepatide's already impressive numbers. For someone at 200 lbs, that's potentially 48 lbs of fat loss.

3. Energy Expenditure: Unlike compounds that just reduce intake, retatrutide increases your metabolic rate. You're not just eating less; your body is burning more.

4. Faster Timeline: The combination of reduced appetite AND increased expenditure means reaching your goal body fat percentage faster. What might take 18 months with diet alone could potentially happen in 6-9 months.

Current Status:

Retatrutide is still in Phase 3 clinical trials. Not FDA approved yet. Available through:

• Research peptide vendors (Peptide Sciences, Modern Aminos)
• Some compounding pharmacies
• Grey market sources

This is unregulated territory. Quality control matters enormously. Only source from vendors with third-party testing and established reputations.

Typical Protocol:

Subcutaneous injection, typically abdomen. Reconstituted with bacteriostatic water if using lyophilized powder.

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Tirzepatide: The Current FDA-Approved Gold Standard

Tirzepatide (brand names Mounjaro for diabetes, Zepbound for weight loss) is the most powerful FDA-approved option currently available. As a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, it significantly outperforms semaglutide in head-to-head trials.

The Numbers:

• Typical weight loss: 15-22% of body weight
• Once-weekly injection
• FDA approved and available through legitimate medical channels

Dosing Progression:

How to Get It:

• Telehealth services (Calibrate, Found, Ro, etc.)
• Endocrinologists
• Primary care physicians willing to prescribe off-label
• Compounding pharmacies (cheaper but variable quality)

Cost Reality:

• Brand name: $800-1200/month without insurance
• Compounded: $200-400/month
• Some insurance covers it for diabetes or weight loss indications

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Semaglutide: The Entry Point

Semaglutide (Ozempic for diabetes, Wegovy for weight loss) is the original mainstream GLP-1 that brought these compounds to public attention. Single receptor agonist, less powerful than tirzepatide but more established with longer safety data.

The Numbers:

• Typical weight loss: 10-15% of body weight
• Once-weekly injection
• Most widely available, most safety data

Dosing Progression:

For someone new to GLP-1s who wants the most conservative approach with the most established safety profile, semaglutide is reasonable. But if the goal is maximum looksmaxxing results, tirzepatide or retatrutide will get you there faster.

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GLP-1 Side Effects and Considerations

Common Side Effects (All GLP-1s):

Critical Considerations for Looksmaxxers:

1. Protein is non-negotiable. GLP-1s can cause significant muscle loss if you're not hitting 0.8-1g protein per pound of bodyweight AND resistance training. Losing muscle defeats the entire purpose. Your face will look worse, not better.

2. Resistance training required. Don't just rely on the appetite suppression. Train hard. The combination of GLP-1 + proper protein + lifting produces dramatically better body composition than GLP-1 alone.

3. Rebound is real. Most people regain weight after stopping if they haven't built sustainable habits. Use the appetite suppression window to establish the eating patterns you'll maintain long-term.

4. These are tools, not magic. They make the caloric deficit dramatically easier to maintain. They don't replace fundamentals.

5. Work with a physician if possible. While grey market options exist, having medical supervision for dose titration and monitoring is ideal, especially for retatrutide which has less established safety data.

The Looksmaxxer's GLP-1 Strategy:

Use strategically to reach your target body fat percentage faster than diet alone would allow. Maintain high protein (minimum 0.8g/lb, ideally 1g/lb). Resistance train 3-5x weekly. Once you've achieved goal composition, taper off while new eating patterns are established.

For someone going from 25% to 12% body fat, GLP-1s can compress what might take 18+ months of strict dieting into 6-9 months of moderate effort. That's significant when appearance optimization is the goal.

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Mewing and Posture

Mewing

Mewing refers to maintaining proper tongue posture: resting the entire tongue against the roof of the mouth with lips sealed and teeth together or slightly apart.

The theory: consistent tongue posture over time influences facial development, particularly forward maxillary growth.

The reality: Results are most significant during developmental years. Adults may see minor improvements in jawline definition and under-chin area, but dramatic bone structure changes are unlikely.

Worth doing? Yes. Proper tongue and oral posture has no downsides and may provide modest benefits. Just maintain realistic expectations.

General Posture

Forward head posture and rounded shoulders are almost universal among people who work at computers. The aesthetic impact is significant:

• Forward head posture recesses the jaw visually
• Rounded shoulders make the chest appear smaller
• Compressed posture reduces overall presence

Fixes:

• Chin tucks: Retract chin straight back, hold 5 seconds, repeat
• Wall angels: Back against wall, arms in goalpost position, slide up and down
• Face pulls and rear delt work in the gym
• Conscious posture checks throughout the day
• Ergonomic workspace setup

Timeline: 2-3 months of consistent effort for significant improvement. 6+ months to establish new default patterns.

Grooming Optimization

Hair

Your haircut should complement your face shape:

Find a skilled barber and communicate clearly. Bring reference photos. The difference between a mediocre and excellent haircut is significant.

Facial Hair

Beard vs. clean shaven depends on jaw structure:

If you grow a beard, maintain it. Neckline should follow jaw angle. Cheek lines clean. Invest in a quality trimmer.

Eyebrows

Overgrown eyebrows age you and look unkempt. Get them professionally shaped once to establish the template, then maintain with tweezers.

Don't over-pluck. Masculine eyebrows should be fuller. You're going for "groomed" not "sculpted."

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Advanced Protocols: Injectable Peptides

The following protocols go beyond standard self-improvement into areas requiring more research, potentially medical supervision, and acceptance of additional risk.

This is not medical advice. Do your own research. Consult qualified professionals. You're responsible for decisions about what you put in your body.

Where to Source Research Peptides

Quality matters enormously with injectables. Underdosed, contaminated, or degraded peptides are worthless at best and dangerous at worst.

Trusted Vendors:

What to Look For:

• Third-party HPLC purity testing (certificates available)
• Proper lyophilization (freeze-dried powder)
• Cold shipping for temperature-sensitive compounds
• Established reputation in peptide communities
• US-based for accountability

Supplies Needed:

• Bacteriostatic water (for reconstitution)
• Insulin syringes (29-31 gauge)
• Alcohol swabs
• Refrigerator storage (after reconstitution)

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GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)

GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring peptide that declines with age from approximately 200 ng/ml at age 20 to 80 ng/ml by age 60.

What Research Shows:

According to studies published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences:

Delivery Methods:

Topical (Lower risk, milder results)

Look for "Copper Tripeptide-1" at 0.5-1% concentration. Timeline: 2-4 weeks for hydration improvements, 8-12 weeks for collagen benefits.

Injectable Protocol:

Warning: "Copper uglies" phenomenon reported from overuse, potentially from increased MMP-1 expression. More isn't always better. Start conservatively.

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Melanotan II

Melanotan II is a synthetic α-MSH analog that stimulates melanin production independent of UV exposure.

Why People Use It:

• Achieves tan without significant UV exposure
• Tan makes physique appear leaner and more defined
• Can mask minor skin imperfections through even pigmentation

Protocol:

• Administration: Subcutaneous injection (typically abdomen)
• UV requirement: 10-15 minutes sun exposure to activate results

Side Effects:

Serious Concerns:

Melanotan II is NOT FDA approved with a controversial safety profile. The primary concern is potential melanoma risk. While evidence is limited, any compound affecting melanocyte activity warrants extreme caution.

Do not use if:

• Personal or family history of melanoma
• Numerous or atypical moles
• Not prepared for regular dermatological monitoring

This is not a compound to take casually.

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Other Peptides Worth Researching

Research thoroughly before considering any injectable protocol.

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Realistic Timelines

One of the biggest mistakes is expecting rapid transformation. Here's what's actually realistic:

The key is consistency over intensity. Small improvements compounded daily create dramatic results.

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Common Mistakes

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The Mental Component

Appearance optimization can become unhealthy if it stems from deep self-loathing rather than genuine self-improvement.

Healthy motivation: "I want to be the best version of myself."

Unhealthy motivation: "I'm worthless unless I look a certain way."

If you find yourself obsessing over minor flaws no one else notices, constantly comparing yourself to others, or feeling worse the more you try to improve, step back. Consider whether you're addressing the actual issue or using appearance as a proxy for deeper problems.

Looksmaxxing works best as one component of overall life optimization alongside career development, relationships, mental health, and genuine self-acceptance.

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Glossary of Terms

For the complete glossary with 40+ terms, see our What is Looksmaxxing guide.

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Sources and Further Reading

Scientific Literature:

• Tretinoin Systematic Review - PMC
• Tretinoin and Collagen Formation - New England Journal of Medicine
• GHK-Cu Regenerative Actions - International Journal of Molecular Sciences
• GHK Peptide in Skin Regeneration - PMC
• Retinoids Overview - PMC

Research Peptide Vendors:

• Peptide Sciences
• Modern Aminos

Community Resources:

• Looksmax.org - Primary forum community
• Looksmaxxing Forum Skincare Guide
• Clavicular on TikTok - @kingclavicular
• Clavicular's Mentorship

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Final Thoughts

The looksmaxxing framework provides a systematic approach to appearance optimization that produces real results. Unlike vague advice or miracle products, it's grounded in understanding what actually moves the needle.

Start with foundations: body composition, skincare, basic grooming. These alone will take most people further than expected.

Progress methodically. Don't rush advanced protocols until basics are dialed. Maintain realistic expectations about timelines and outcomes.

Most importantly, remember this is about becoming the best version of yourself, not becoming someone else. Work with what you have. Optimize what's optimizable. Accept what isn't.

The men who get the best results approach looksmaxxing as one part of overall self-improvement, maintaining perspective while putting in consistent effort.

Start today. Be consistent. Results will follow.

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Ready to build your skincare stack? See our complete Best Skincare Products for Looksmaxxing guide for specific product recommendations at every budget level.