Frequently Asked Questions

Pillars of Confidence is a global qualitative and quantitative research study led by Merz Aesthetics that explores the connection between confidence, self‑perception, and aesthetic treatments. The study examines how aesthetic treatments can help people feel more aligned with how they see themselves on the inside and how they present themselves to the world.

The study showed:
– Confidence is strongly linked to overall social well-being (74%)
– Aesthetic treatments help create a look that is inspired by how people feel inside (69%)
– Aesthetic treatments impact how people view themselves (72%)

Merz Aesthetics conducted the Pillars of Confidence study to better understand the emotional and psychological impact of aesthetic treatments and to elevate the conversation beyond appearance—toward confidence, self‑expression, and overall well‑being.

The study surveyed 15,000 adults across 15 countries, with 1,000 respondents in each participating country, making it one of the largest global studies focused on confidence and aesthetics.

The Pillars of Confidence study included participants from 15 countries across four global regions: Asia‑Pacific (China, South Korea, Thailand); Europe, Middle East & Africa (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates); Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico); and North America (United States, Canada). Participants ranged in age from 21 to 75 years, with a slightly narrower age range of 21 to 65 years in Asia‑Pacific markets.

While the study reflects global trends, perceptions of confidence and aesthetics treatments may vary by culture and region. Local insights provide additional nuance. 

Reports are available for the Asia-Pacific, EMEA, Latin America and North America regions.

The study found that confidence plays a central role in overall well‑being. Globally, 74% of respondents believe that developing self-confidence is important to one’s well-being, reinforcing that confidence extends beyond physical appearance.

The study showed that aesthetic treatments can help bring a person’s external appearance closer to how they feel internally. 69% of respondents said they use aesthetic treatments to create a look inspired by how they feel inside.

Yes. 59% of respondents globally said they consider aesthetic treatments to be part of regular self‑care or beauty maintenance.

The findings suggest that while many respondents accept and embrace the aging process (67% agreed aging is a natural part of life), others remain apprehensive (39% fear getting older). Managing the aging process is a key driver of the desire to have aesthetic treatments.

For the purposes of the research, aesthetic treatments included facial treatments for wrinkles and fine lines, dermal fillers, injectables, energy‑based skin‑tightening devices, microneedling, microdermabrasion, and semi‑permanent facial tattooing.

Pillars of Confidence provides one of the most comprehensive global data sets examining the emotional benefits of aesthetic treatments. The findings help reframe aesthetics as a personal, confidence‑driven choice and support a broader conversation about self‑expression, confidence, and well‑being.