Skin-Positive Influencers Are Embracing Their Acne One Selfie At A Time
And we're so here for it!
Many of us are affected by acne, and whilst it can be mentally and physically challenging, the media is washed with re-touching and skin clearing filters ‘covering-up’ what’s stigmatised as ‘bad-skin’. This is simply not the case. Acne is normal! It affects most people at some point and is a part of growing up, so why not embrace it rather than hiding it?
Well doing exactly that, is the acne-positive movement arriving on Instagram with images and language that is open, honest, celebratory, and accepting of acne. Shying away from masking normality, many skin-fluencers are celebrating their acne, instead, posting real and raw images of their bare-faced complexion. This rise in support of skin positivity is important for reaching closer to normalising acne.
An example of this change is clear when in the past, the results for ‘#acne’ on Instagram would have included ad’s for cleansers, skin-clearing products, or a makeup tutorial on how to cover up what ‘shouldn’t be there. Today, this movement has swept Instagram with an acne-positive community sharing their stories, embracing their skin, and re-inforcing that having acne is okay.
Let’s take a look at some of these inspirational people in the community who are helping this change.
Constanza
Cotty, @skinnoshame on Instagram, who in 2018 decided to create an acne page to document her story. She shares that at 6 years old her acne began, at 9 she was bullied by other kids due to her appearance, at 11 diagnosed with severe nodulocystic acne, and post 15 diagnosed with OCD and anxiety. Cotty’s bravery to share her story is important for others to understand that acne can be hard this is perhaps relatable to those who have experienced similar stories.
Sofia Grahn
Sofia Grahn @isotretinoinwiths who defies “societies expectations of covering up acneic skin.” Regularly, Sofia updates her followers on her skin with some uplifting supportive words: “it’s not just a skin condition, it is much more. And to anyone struggling right now; you’re not just a skin condition, you are so much more.”
Kadeeja Sel Khan
Kadeeja Sel Khan, @emeraldxbeauty, was dropped from a L'Oreal campaign after being told the brand couldn't work with her because of her "skin issues". Now, she has successfully achieved the honour for her works as a beauty blogger and makeup artist and has been highlighted in many magazines including Elle and Vogue for her efforts of bringing "reality to social media."
Lou Northcote
Lou, @lounorthcote, activist and creator of #freethepimple where you can find your tribe and share and absorb your experiences, stories, or skin with others. Lou speaks openly about her Accutane journey and it’s side effects, skincare faves, and makeup raves.
It’s important to understand that acne can affect more than just someone’s skin. Mental health is at the forefront of a challenge that can develop with acne. For many who have acne, depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and poor self-image can develop and take a toll on one’s emotional health. So please remember to be kind and if you are ever struggling with your acne try to talk to somebody about it whether it’s a friend, loved one, doctor they will always be open to listening to you and will support and guide you through tough times.
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