Growing up can be incredibly awkward. Our bodies are still developing. We’re covered in spots. And our fashion sense might just match our bad posture. Sometimes, looking awkward doesn’t automatically stop with our teenage years (my collection of baggy sweaters says ‘hi’) and can continue into our twenties and thirties, too.
However, some people have changed incredibly over the years, starting out as ‘ugly ducklings’ and turning into beautiful swans that barely anyone can recognize anymore. One of the places where they share their inspirational before-and-afters is the ‘Ugly Duckling’ subreddit. As you’re checking out these awesome transformations, remember to upvote your favorite ones, dear Pandas. When you’re done, have a look through Bored Panda’s earlier lists about the subreddit right here and here.
We all know that being a good person is more important than having the perfect looks. However, if given the chance, a lot of people would choose both. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look how you feel inside.
#1 From About 11ish(?) To 25. My Skin Cleared Up, I Got Braces, Learned How To Make Up And Fill In My Eyebrows. I Was Made Fun Of/Very Lonely Growing Up, And I Feel The Way That I Looked Had A Big Impact On Why I Am The Way That I Am Now. “Be Kind”
Image source: FayeTealeaf
#2 16-19 Or: How I Learned To Start Shaving And Escape The Neckbeard
Image source: ampe_sand
#3 Age 14 To 19. Lost Some Weight And Gained Some Confidence Along The Way
Image source: BismuthBi
#4 16-20. Does This Count?
Image source: DavidEntertains
#5 12 – 24 Even My Family Doesn’t Recognize Me These Days, It’s Nice
Image source: asionahaya
#6 Life Begins At 40! 25 –> 40
Image source: Jbcarter77
#7 13 – 25
Image source: Alex_J_Newman
#8 Left-13, Right-34
Image source: vrnkafurgis
#9 Age 17-24, Was Bullied A Lot Growing Up
Image source: Fonzevil
#10 12 And 29. Still With The Short Hair And Glasses, Some Things Never Change
Image source: b_normal_y
#11 11 vs. 28, Lost That Baby Fat And Learned How To Smile
Image source: reddit.com
#12 Left 12, Right 24
Image source: BlackSharkoon
#13 2015 – 2019. Basically, I Cleaned Myself Up And Started Over!
Image source: a_midlo
#14 Then: 320 Lbs, Face Always Red, Angry At Dad, Ready To Die For Punk Rock. Now: 250 Lbs, Skin Healthier, Love My Dad, Punk Rock Is Pretty Ok But Being An Adult Is Pretty Ok Too
Image source: vicebjj
#15 13, 15, 20 And 27 Years Old
Image source: PUSSYFiED
#16 (Spoiler Alert) I Didn’t Peak In Highschool Lol
Image source: BlackDDDynomight
#17 Age 12 To Age 26… Still Feel A Lot Like The Kid On The Left
Image source: tylerjkillion
#18 11—>30 Braces Were Good To Me
Image source: u_bit
#19 19 To 20. I Would Like To Thank My Dermatologist
Image source: ezmi
#20 A Slight Change
Image source: jeckbirry
#21 17-24, Went Through Horrible Cystic Acne, Lost 50 Lbs, Got Braces, And Dropped An Emotionally Abusive Boyfriend
Image source: meganam38
#22 4 Years Later (16-20)
Image source: IntrepidCommission
#23 Age 15 To 21. Lost Some Weight, It Sucks My Eyes Didn’t Get Bigger
Image source: AcuteYellowFever
#24 12-27. Lost A Chin, But Gained A Smile
Image source: emergencyx0x
#25 Age ~11 To 20 – I Owe A Lot To Contacts, Braces, Filling In My Eyebrows, And My Hairline Somehow Growing Forward
Image source: MissBrightside13
#26 Mother’s Day With My Momma 2014-2018
Image source: MavrickOcean
#27 10 Year Different. Ages 13 & 23
Image source: caffeinequeenxo
#28 From 17 To 18, I Don’t Even Know
Image source: chrono28
#29 Always Felt So Geeky In High School. I Even Went Through A Period Where I Wanted To End My Life In Middle School Because Of My Weight And Look. Now I’m In My 30’s And Feeling The Most Confident I’ve Been In My Life. Big Thanks For Braces And Lasik
Image source: trebor88
#30 16 vs. 46. Took Awhile To Get Here, Lol.
Image source: reddit.com
#31 13-21 Puberty Really Hit Me Hard And Shot Me Up To 6ft8
Image source: mrphenylalanine
#32 From 18 To 23. A Completely Different Person Now
Image source: Miss_Keys
#33 7 Years Can Make A Crazy Difference
Image source: redditsucksdiscs
#34 Found An Old School Photo (14/29)
Image source: kitakel
#35 12 vs. 20. Had To Stop Riding The Bus+change My Classes In Middle School Because I Was Bullied So Bad For “Being Ugly”
Image source: himechans
#36 3 Years With A Lot Of Time In The Gym And Taking Care Of My Skin
Image source: gorbakim27
#37 Me, Early 20’s Looking Troll Man To More Normal Looking Dude In His 30’s
Image source: 7fingersphil
#38 15 To 23. No Makeup For A Better Comparison
Image source: curriespice
#39 Nearly Two Years Of Hard Work And Dedication. I Won’t Ever Stop!
Image source: rryanchow
#40 My One Regret Is Losing The Hat
Image source: FuturisticUterus
#41 7 Years Apart
Image source: sputniksweeetheart
#42 15 → 26, From Strange Genderbender To Recognizable As A Woman
Image source: amewsings
#43 18 vs. 23 Just A Late Bloomer I Guess
Image source: JohnnyWarlord
#44 18 To 24
Image source: ISkateboard
#45 21 vs. 29.. Losing 100lbs Has Definitely Helped!
Image source: TinyNugggins
#46 One Year Transformation. 23 To 23 (Almost 24 Hahaha). What A Gym Membership, Self Love And A Skincare Routine Can Do For You
Image source: heyhaydae
#47 Grew Into My Face A Little(19 vs. 26)
Image source: newacctwhodiss
#48 18 To 23. Puberty Hit Me Like A God Damn Freight Train.
Image source: limthekid
#49 11 To 21. Wear Your Sunblock, Folks
Image source: borednangsty
#50 14 To 20, Lost Weight, Took Care Of Myself And Stopped Cutting My Hair
Image source: illutree
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