Perceptions Of Appearance: Pros And Cons Of Being A “Baby-Face” Woman

If you have a “baby face” or look younger than you are, it can make social interactions more complicated. It’s normal for people to use discernment and facial recognition to engage with others, so prejudice isn’t necessarily the culprit. It could be that your vibrant visage gives people pause because they have other expectations. Their assumptions are theirs to process. Still, inferences made by others can be hurtful or inaccurate. On some days, you may get friendly comments that make you smile. On other days, the comments you receive might leave you feeling annoyed, frustrated, or even uncomfortable.

We all create narratives in our minds to understand and cope with the world. We have thoughts and experience emotions based on those narratives. So, our natural and instinctual reactions to others are usually dictated by those conditioned responses. For women who have a baby face, that can be especially difficult because our minds can immediately associate a youthful face with naivety. It may be an incorrect or irrational assumption, but our brains are hardwired to recognize faces and gather information from what we see.

Challenging stereotypes about a “baby-face” woman

This isn’t to say that it’s okay for people to make assumptions about you. We should all challenge stereotypes and assumptions rather than rely on what we are conditioned by society to believe based on appearance. This is true across the board and does not just relate to a person's face. In the meantime, there are some ways to deal with the stereotypes associated with a female “baby face”. 

Learning how to love your baby-faced look

Your bright-eyed baby face is like a rare jewel; it’s not unlikely that your look is fresh, fiery, and fierce. Despite what others say or think about the way you look, it’s something you can be proud of and possibly even use to your advantage.

In essence, your beautiful baby face gives you a chance to surprise folks with your ageless wisdom. And while being teased about it can be hurtful, these facial features are considered empirically attractive. Plus, you’ll likely age gracefully. 

Research suggests that people perceive baby-faced women differently

New research on the neurobiological aspects of facial recognition helps us understand the unique way people view others based on their faces. These false and misleading impressions are common across all of humanity, but science has confirmed what women with baby faces may have suspected all along: people’s perception of a youthful face is skewed by the brain itself.

Baby-face overgeneralizations

According to a study conducted by Leslie A. Zebrowitz and Joann M. Montepare, people tend to overgeneralize others based on their appearance. The research project, “Social Psychology Face Perception: Why Appearance Matters,” gives a detailed account of how this behavior works. As it turns out, women with baby faces often experience what’s called “baby face overgeneralization,” or BFO for short.

What does research tell us about being a baby-faced woman?

Understanding how and why other people view you differently can help you approach social situations and challenges more effectively. But what does the research say about what it’s like to live behind a youthful face? Is there any effect on a woman’s self-esteem or mental health as a result?

Challenges for baby-faced women

As a matter of fact, there are many mental, emotional, and social side effects associated with being a young woman. In the workplace, women with youthful faces are often more successful and make solid leaders. On the other hand, though, some baby-faced women get passed over for challenging tasks and leadership roles.

Are certain facial features more youthful than others?

Researchers have been trying to pinpoint which facial features constitute a baby-faced look for years. Some have even created sophisticated computer models to analyze the differences between child and adult faces. So far, these are the characteristics they’ve come up with:

• Big, wide eyes

• Thick, pouty lips

• High foreheads

• Short chins

• Small nose bridges

• High-set eyebrows

• Rounded face shapes

• Chubby cheeks

There are pros and cons

Studies reveal that a person’s true age has little to do with whether their facial features are considered baby-like. That means senior citizens can look young as well, even if they have wrinkles around their eyes. Meanwhile, researchers continue to expand their knowledge of facial recognition, perception, assumptions, and the social implications therein. More studies are needed, but most can agree on one thing—there are pros and cons to being a woman with a baby face in today’s society. 

The pros and cons of being a baby-faced woman

Being a woman in the modern world can be challenging enough. However, having a baby face as a woman can make things even more complicated. Here’s what you need to know:

Potential disadvantages of being a baby face woman

These are some of the common disadvantages of being a woman with a baby face:

1. Work associates and authority figures may devalue your thoughts, opinions, or capabilities. This is not fair, and it is something you can speak out about in the workplace and other relevant, appropriate environments, whether that’s alone or with someone else.

2. Some people might assume you think and act younger than your age.

3. Others may give you playful or demeaning nicknames based on your face or stature.

4. People may judge your romantic relationship as inappropriate, even when you’re with a same-age partner.

5. You may get carded for cigarettes, alcohol, lottery tickets, etc.

6. You could be the only one in your friend group to get accused of being underage.

7. Younger people may flirt with you without realizing your actual age, which can be awkward.

8. You may have to brace yourself for people’s reactions and responses to your age.

Having a baby face may also compel the person to overcompensate so they’re taken seriously as a grown-up. Remember, it’s typically illegal for an employer to discriminate against you because of your age or appearance alone. Setting boundaries and communicating what comments you’re okay (or not okay) with when it comes to your appearance may help, and it’s something that people who care for you should respect.

Potential advantages of being a baby face woman

Depending on how you view things and what kinds of compliments you like to hear, here are some possible advantages of being a woman with a baby face:

1. People might compliment your youthful appearance, even as you age.

2. You may get mistaken for a younger relative (e.g., sister, daughter, etc.).

3. Anti-aging techniques aren’t necessary.

4. You may get carded for consumer items or receive age-related discounts.

5. You might be younger-looking than your peers.

6. People may automatically assume you’re friendly and sincere, in addition to other positive traits.

Being a baby-faced woman may not be so bad after all. There may be challenges to having a uniquely youthful look, but the benefits could be substantial. However, your perception of social interactions is as unique as your face. So, you don’t have to try to convince yourself that your youthful face doesn’t bother you if that’s not really true. Instead, advocate for fair treatment when needed and take steps forward in the world with confidence. 

Perceptions of youthful faces

Remember, people with young faces are delightful examples of how a book’s cover isn’t always indicative of what’s inside. Youthful facial features can make anyone look more likable, trusting, and innocent, and that’s not often a negative thing.

Falling in love with your baby-faced look

Consider disregarding any judgmental looks you get because of your youthful face. Meanwhile, don’t let someone else’s opinion dictate how you feel about yourself. If outside perceptions impact your life, which is simply human and is nothing to feel ashamed of, seeing a therapist could be helpful as you learn to address it both internally and externally. 

Exploring online therapy to address insecurities

Insecurities about your appearance can make seeing a therapist in person challenging, though. You may feel embarrassed about how you look, or you may fear having your feelings invalidated. Whatever the concern, an online setting could be more comfortable for you. Some people report feeling more at ease in a web-based therapeutic environment. Online therapy is often more convenient as well since it can be accessed from your home. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

In recent years, online therapy has been established as an effective alternative to traditional therapy. This means you can expect similar outcomes regardless of the delivery method. A comprehensive meta-analysis confirmed that internet-based counseling is just as effective as its in-person counterpart. 

Takeaway

Regain is an online therapy platform with licensed mental health providers who can help you work through complicated feelings related to self-esteem, appearance, and a variety of other concerns. Your thoughts, emotions, skills, and areas of knowledge matter. Therapy can help you put your best face forward, whatever that means to you. Get the compassion, support, and encouragement you need at Regain.