Ashley James says Instagram filters left her with 'dysmorphia' as she posts comparison
The former Made In Chelsea star, 33, took to her Instagram Story as she shared an honest comparison with her followers
Ashley James has opened up about how Instagram filters have impacted her mental health, and says she's experienced feelings of "dysmorphia" as a result.
The former Made In Chelsea star, 33, took to her Instagram Story as she shared an honest comparison with her followers.
The reality TV star - who is expecting her first child with boyfriend Tom Andrews - posted a snap of herself in which half of her face had a filter on it and the other half was untouched.
Speaking candidly with her followers, Ashley pointed out just how much effect filters can have on self love, as she admitted her self-esteem took a hard hit.
The blonde beauty penned: "I wanted to show why I think the Paris filter is so damaging to us.
"This is a photo of my face... You can see the lines, pores, minor blemishes, even bits of makeup fallen down onto my lips. Now I'm going to show you the same photo with the Paris filter on...
"My skin is pure and blemish free, the makeup looks more flawless, the lines more palatable. Of course I prefer my face looking like this, but it's not real life."
She continued: "The more I see my face like this, the more I wish my real face looked that way. So the unhappier in my real skin I feel... That is where surface insecurities creep in...
"The dysmoprhia, and when we start to want to change our appearance... Which by the way, can lead to more insecurities (especially if it goes wrong or we feel like aliens in our own skin)."
She went on to add that people often can't help but compare themselves to those they see on social media, but was quick to add that looks aren't always as they're perceived on social media.
Ashley warned that many pictures are digitally touched-up and edited.
She added: "I'm certainly not against anti-ageing products (give me them all) or people choosing to have cosmetic alterations. Whatever makes us happy."
She concluded: "But I think these fillers can create insecurities within us. Especially if we find ourselves thinking... 'I wish I had her skin', when we see people online.
"We don't know what they really look like, especially in average lighting (I'm using a ring light)."
* Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.orgMirrorCeleb