How we think we look has some bearing on our self-image (sounds like common sense, I know) but what’s often lost is that we can actually take steps to change what we don’t like and improve what we do like. But, like most things worth doing, this can take time and improvements might seem small and insignificant in the short term unless you actually take a moment to document things.
The “Ugly Duckling” internet group is dedicated to sharing people’s most impressive and wholesome glow-up photos. So get comfortable as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
#1 16-20. Does This Count?
Image credits: DavidEntertains
#2 27-35 After O***id A**iction And Prison
Image credits: thejewthatreplacedu
#3 36>26
I am extremely proud of how much I have grown and changed as a person. The greatest gift you can give yourself is to love yourself enough to live.
Image credits: reddit.com
The term "glow-up" refers to a dramatic transformation of one's look, self-esteem, or life in general, most times, in a positive and encouraging way. Though most commonly associated with physical change, such as improved skin, improving one's wardrobe, or losing weight, the concept of a glow-up has evolved to include personal growth, emotional enhancement, and even professional success.
The word entered fashion in the 2010s, specifically among young online communities, and is now a standard fixture of online culture. In essence, a glow-up is all about transformation. It is usually used to describe the move from child or teenager to adult, when one has more control over how they present themselves, their health, and general wellbeing.
#4 12 - 24 Even My Family Doesn't Recognize Me These Days, It's Nice
Image credits: asionahaya
#5 15 —> 37
Got sober this year after almost two decades of heavy drinking, subsequently dropped a lot of weight and started taking better care of myself in general; Ive been earnestly feeling myself for the first time ever. The girl in the first few pictures was so sensitive and wonderful and wanted to be so many things when she was older. I’d like to think I’ve done her proud.
Image credits: whyangelinawhy
#6 26 vs. 28. Can’t Wait To See What Next Year Brings! 🥹
Image credits: ayytlien
However, glow-ups can come later in life, and are not limited to any specific age or phase. An individual can "glow up" after a break-up, through a diet regimen, or with enhanced mental health. The process might involve changing eating habits, exercise, skin care regimen, sense of style, make-up skills, or even therapy and nutrition. The unifying thread is transformation, generally framed as a kind of resurrection or fulfillment of potential.
#7 19-25! Got Treatment For My Autoimmune Issues And Developed Love For Cool Makeup!
Image credits: bunnyqueens
#8 2 Years Sober From O***ids (Healthier And Willing To Live Finally) 29m
Image credits: Conscious-Paint3442
#9 From 12 And Crippled To 416 Pounds At 36 To 208lbs At 37!
Literally half the man I used to be! Only took 10 1/2 months. Still working on it! Lost first 50 by just changing my diet to proteins. Nuts, deli meats, grilled chicken, white rice, cheeses, crackers, quit soda, quit drinking, quit sugar. That gained me entry into the gastric bypass program because before I changed my diet I went into complete renal kidney failure.
...so I entered the Gastric Bypass program and at the first meeting they give you a checklist of 16 things you have to learn and be able to display and I'd already had 13 checked off. I lost so much weight so fast they were afraid if made myself anemic and anorexic...the whole point of the surgery is NOT eating as much plus ya physically CANT eat more than 3 bites afterwards.
I started to say...gross excess skin. So for the first time in my life, I joined a gym this year and to my surprise? I DID get addicted to it!
So if I can. PLEEEEEEASE BELIEVE in both me AND yourself...you CAN do it. Even if you're doing it out of your periphery, it's still better than the nothing you WERE doing yesterday!
Image credits: ImprovementDear7999
Glow-up material on the internet has gone viral, driven primarily by the visual and storytelling pull of social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and even Twitter. There are millions of threads that include before-and-after pictures or videos, usually set to motivational songs, which create a satisfying before-and-after tale of self-reinvention.
#10 Another Little Update From [21] To [22]. 6’4 330lbs -> 185lbs
Image credits: No_Angle_5488
#11 18 To 27, Can’t Believe This Is Only A 9 Year Difference! From Beginning Of College And Hating Myself To Nearly Done With Law School And Kinda Think I’m Pretty Damn Awesome :)
Image credits: brittneyacook
#12 14 -> 22 Never Thought I’d Be A Model 😭
Image credits: Remyyin2nd
Some of the videos are over-the-top and emotionally intense, depicting internal struggles and the work involved in change. Others are sarcastic and lighthearted, using glow-up "challenges" or trends that prompt users to share their own betterment over some period of time, e.g., "From 2016 to Now" or "High School Me vs. Now."
#13 22 To 32 – Late Bloomer To Say The Least, But I'm Finally Happy With My Looks
Image credits: washington_breadstix
#14 15 To 22! Still Working On Confidence
Image credits: BreakfastSquare4600
#15 29 To 32. 80 Lbs Lighter. But Still Gotta Shave!
Image credits: Vladicus92
It's why glow-up content is so well-liked: its aspirational value and relatability. The majority of the audience identifies their own weaknesses in the "before" and idealizes their own "after." Such content is very motivational, it presents proof that change is attainable, oftentimes by the simplest or actionable steps like drinking more water, dressing more confidently, or adopting a new habit.
#16 16 To 24!! Feeling Amazing
Image credits: Funny-Difficulty899
#17 24 - 27
Image credits: The-Official-Miyabi
#18 14 & 26. My Teeth Straightened Themselves! I Was Bullied A Lot.
Image credits: Unlikely-Network9961
Glow-up posts and stories are usually tutorials in themselves, taking the consumer step by step through skincare regimens, wardrobe updates, or productivity habits. Influencers and everyday users both share their tips, building a self-help community.
#19 Me (16) -> Me (18) Current
Image credits: anon184917375927475
#20 16-21
Image credits: Ragnar1591
#21 Severely Bullied From The Ages Of 11-14. Now Cute 💁♀️
Image credits: throbbingeardrum
However, the glow-up trend is not criticism-proof. Some argue that it can reinforce unflattering beauty ideals or force people into conformity with beauty ideals based on weight loss, Eurocentric facial features, or expensive beauty routines. The focus on looks, especially in "glow-up" montages, has the side effect of suggesting that the value is tied up with how traditionally attractive one appears. There is also concern that highly edited or posed content sets out unrealistic expectations, which causes viewers to compare themselves with filtered or selectively presented versions of other individuals' lives.
#22 18 - 32 Grew Up Weird And Nerdy. Started Working Out And It Changed My Life! :)
Image credits: reddit.com
#23 17-21
Image credits: Difficult_Grocery177
#24 Me And My Little Brother, 13 & 18 / 23 & 28
Image credits: joolzmcgoolz
In the midst of all this angst, though, glow-up culture endures in large part because it touches on something exceedingly human: the desire to change and be seen as our best selves. In an era of social media, where identity and image are curated and shared online, a glow-up can symbolize more than a makeover, it's a seal of survival, of growth, and of potential rebirth. Both authentic and performative, the glow-up phenomenon speaks to our collective interest in change, and the faith that, through effort and passage of time, anyone can become better.
#25 17 To 23: How Far Some Self Care Can Take You :)
Image credits: KolaWolf
#26 19 To 30 (Homeless vs. Decent Life)
Image credits: Wirerose13
#27 380lbs At 36, 167lbs At 38
Image credits: reddit.com
#28 15→22!
I’ve spent so many years hating myself, I’m finally to a point where I’m a little happier with my appearance. 🥹 Many posts here inspired me!
Image credits: Odd-Passenger3537
#29 Oh This Sub Was Made For Me 😂 12 To 24
Image credits: reddit.com
#30 12 To 21, Didn't Even Try To Change - It Just Happened :)
Image credits: pathetisches
#31 Then And Now. From 2018 With 3 Years Of Hard Work And 2 Years Maintaining 💪
Image credits: PrettyLardie
#32 20yr Old Me vs. 35yr Old Me. What A Difference 60lbs Can Make
Image credits: reddit.com
#33 13 To 27. Good Things Take Time
Image credits: PopProfessional3318
#34 24 To 31. Forever Grateful To My Younger Self For Making The Decisions That Made Me What I Am Now
Image credits: OscarTheTiger
#35 18 To 25
Went from almost 150 lbs to 110ish, cut all my fried hair off and grew it out, and then learned how to do makeup. I don't have many pictures from back then because I was bullied and so self-conscious, I never thought I'd ever actually like my appearance. It's amazing what 7 years can do to your confidence!
Image credits: RevolutionarySyrup99
#36 11->18->25. Gym & Therapy Works Y’all
Image credits: Quiet_Airline76
#37 18 ---> 30
Pre t1d diagnosis and treatment----> post
Image credits: passenger369
#38 22-25
Image credits: Acehole99
#39 18-32. Went From Hating And Neglecting Myself To Loving And Nurturing Myself. Took A Long Time But I'm Glad To Be Here!
Image credits: MakeMerkinsGr8Again
#40 From 23-27 Feeling More Like Myself Than Ever 🥹
Image credits: marina724
#41 9/10 — 22/23
Image credits: Peachy_247
#42 27 To 34
Image credits: reddit.com
#43 18-24 (Almost 25)
Went to emdr therapy to help with some childhood trauma, and it helped my chronic anxiety. left a toxic job and lost some weight, finally gained some self worth.
happier than i have been since i was 14 :) mental health is everything! last few pics are me from the past 4-5 months!
Image credits: addstronaut
#44 M 18-22
Image credits: Fit-Initiative2782
#45 15 -> 32 😂✨
Image credits: kailakilwein
#46 17 Yrs Old To 23 Yrs Old
Image credits: Ok-Fish8890
#47 13 vs. 15 vs. 18
Image credits: Sad_Concern5504
#48 20-21. Got Sober And Lost Some Weight
Image credits: reddit.com
#49 16 - 23
Image credits: CLOROX-INHALANT
#50 Middle School (Age 12) —> Senior Year Graduation Photo (Age 18) —> Now (Age 21)
I’m honestly just posting for an ego boost right now, I don’t use much traditional social media (insta, facebook, snap, etc.) or else I’d post there. But I feel pretty good about my weight and appearance now especially after reconstructive eye surgery.
Image credits: CONVICTGHOST
#51 14/15 To 20
Image credits: Rootitat
#52 Age 13 vs. 38
Image credits: Mileys_Twerk_Coach
#53 9/10-32
I was very sick as a child, I had my lymph nodes and adenoids removed when I was 2 due to a serious infection from ear surgeries. Grew up depressed and anxious. It took awhile but I found my light!
Image credits: reddit.com
#54 25-30-35 And 42 These Days. Some Changes In Hairstyle, Makeup And Working Out Gave Me Confidence
Image credits: Xlina-and-the-sea
#55 13 To 16 To 24. High School Was Rough
Image credits: oklittle
#56 11 - 23 - 27 😁
Image credits: odinsdaughterinlaw
#57 18–>24 Started Taking Care Of Myself And Figured Out My Style:)
Image credits: tomatoat
#58 26 vs. 37
Image credits: sahipps
#59 30-45. Also, 450 (Or So) To 260
Image credits: We_Are_Ninja
#60 15-31
Image credits: NewLoofa
#61 17 To 32, Or The Wonders Of Facial Hair
Image credits: Comeoffit1992
#62 13 vs. 21
Will post a longer comparison next year! I'm on a weight loss journey right now but still crazy how different I look now!
I've had nothing done but considering plastic surgery when my frontal lobe develops perhaps haha
Image credits: Dlsagreed
#63 16 To 34
Image credits: New_Carry_9826
#64 15-16-25
Image credits: dizzymcmooch
#65 16 To 33 I Grew Eyeballs!
Image credits: thatoneweirdgoth
#66 18 To 47 To 55
Image credits: Redeemed-Loser
#67 15➡️23
Image credits: reddit.com
#68 15 —> 21
Image credits: SimonSaysSurvive
#69 21/31
Yes that’s a spray tan and yes I’m still that pale without (I don’t sun tan)😂
Image credits: Xela_-_
#70 8>16>18>44…..to Be Fair, We Did Not Have Youtube Makeup/Skincare Tutorials In The 90’s 😂
Image credits: InnerCranberry5072
#71 17 vs. 32
People always ask me why I straighten my hair. THIS IS WHY.
Image credits: barbierabies
#72 15-20
Image credits: Flimsy-Purpose-7415
#73 Me At 9 vs. Me At 27
Image credits: scarred4lif
#74 20 To 37
Image credits: muaythaigrrrl
#75 In The Pits Of Depression And No Self Confidence (18) vs. Now (23)
Image credits: Difficult_Jelly_6392
#76 15 To Now (20)! I Look So Different
Image credits: SaraisHamiltrash
#77 LOL 14 / 30
Image credits: Snart_attack
