In today’s society, men and women both feel an undeniable pressure to look a certain way, mostly caused by those in the spotlight. We see actors, actresses, models and singers with a seemingly perfect body and glowing skin and hair. With the abundance of popular media, such as TV, movies, magazines, Instagram and Facebook, we are constantly confronted with images of airbrushed skin and perfectly toned muscles, thinking we should look the same. The truth is, beauty is skewed in the media, and is not realistic in the slightest.

In recent years, there has been an outpouring of love and support from celebrities encouraging young adults to love themselves the way they are. Celebrities such as Zendaya, Amy Schumer and Jennifer Aniston have boycotted photoshopped images of themselves and destroyed body shamer’s statements. These brave women are only a few of the many people in the limelight who have showed their true beauty without the inaccurate filters of professional photos.

Why is it that when a photo of a celebrity is "leaked" by paparazzi, showing them on the beach with cellulite, wrinkles or a non-flat stomach, it seen as horrifying and ugly? Are we, as a society, really that influenced by the unrealistic standards set by Hollywood and the media that we judge another solely based on looks? When will we realize that people, especially those who are famous, do not always look as pictured on Instagram and in magazines?

As humans, we are certain to have imperfections and are likely to compare ourselves to others, for it is part of our societal and human nature. The challenge with having imperfections is learning to embrace them, and understanding that those are not what defines your beauty. It is your intelligence, talent, bravery, sense of humor, compassion and so much more, that defines who you are and what makes you an attractive and desirable being.

Many companies have launched campaigns toward body acceptance and self-love. A few examples are the Dove “Real Beauty” campaign, Mattel’s Barbies of different sizes, Aerie’s un-photoshopped ads and images and ESPN's “The Body Edition.” From promoting the love for all body types, generations, heights and skin colors, Dove and Mattel both struck a wide range of audiences with their campaign. Aerie and ESPN show how bodies of models and athletes truly look, encouraging people to see themselves as athletes and models, focusing on traits other than those that are physical.

Although it is no easy feat, and we may never know the secret to loving ourselves, it is important that we try. Use the media not as a way to shame or look down upon yourself for the way you look, but as a reminder that no one truly looks as flawless as the media presents them. Not every man has a perfectly chiseled six-pack and perfect facial hair and not every woman has clear skin and cellulite-free thighs. Look to the celebrities and companies who support self-acceptance and are planting the seed of reality within the unrealistic field that is photoshop and Instagram filters. Use them as a guide, and as a source of support, when fighting the uphill battle toward loving yourself in a society that wants you to do all but that.