Look Better on Zoom: Simple Tricks and Professional Options for Virtual Meetings

The Rise of Video Calls — and Video Call Anxiety

We sure are living in a different world.  So many of us are working from home remotely.  As a physician I am actually going to work and I see people in person.  However, all of the meetings, conferences and get togethers are now on Zoom.  When this first started I was horrified when I booted up the meeting and instantly thought to myself “do I really look that bad?” 

Whether it is Zoom, Skype or Google Meet, the meeting platforms often don’t bring out the best in our appearance.  There are simple tweaks you can do at home.  Of course, there also little mini-fixes we can do in our Cosmetic Dermatology practice.  A recent article in the Washington Post has reported a mini-surge in people seeking cosmetic procedures because they don’t like how they look at home on Zoom calls.

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Simple At-Home Zoom Appearance Tricks

Let’s start with the basics Lighting and Angles.  You will look your best with bright head on lighting.  Being near a window with something to diffuse the light or having a lamp in front of you can work wonders.  Try to find bulbs with cooler tones.  Another little tip is to turn up the screen brightness on your computer.  If you are in a room with dim lighting it will cast shadows and create a less flattering appearance.  Therefore, brighten it up!

One thing I noticed off the bat was that if I was on a Zoom call on my laptop I would appear to have a big fat saggy neck and chin.  It was not appealing.  However, when I was on a meeting on my desktop I looked better because the way the computer is positioned the webcam is shooting slightly down on my face which creates a slimmer appearance.  The laptop was shooting from a lower position and shooting up to my neck and chin.  I suggest you launch Zoom and play with the angle and distance of your webcam as well as the lighting.  One more thing to think about is the background.  Make sure your background isn’t distracting and tidy up!  Another option is to download images that you can use as a background from within Zoom.  Lastly if you go into Zoom’s video settings you can click on enhance appearance.

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Cosmetic Dermatology Options for Zoom Confidence

Of course, as a Cosmetic Dermatologist there are many minimally invasive, non-surgical options to improve your appearance on Zoom as well as in real life.  Neuromodulators such as Botox, Dysport and Xeomin can soften lines and create a relaxed natural appearance.  Fillers can dramatically enhance your appearance and in some places lift sagging skin.  We have multiple laser and light based systems that we can use to bring out the best in your skin.  We can also customize a medical grade skincare routine for you to help you look and feel your best.  As we begin this new year I am hopeful that the Vaccine will get us closer to our normal lives.  Hopefully, by next year an article about how to look better on Zoom will be a historical piece.  In the meantime we are here to help.

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