This week, Sophie shares her story with acne, opening up about her own struggles and acceptance of acne as a genetic and natural process, that many teenagers and adults suffer with.
Who suffers with acne more than other is completely up to genetics, which seems unfair, but unfortunately, this is just how it is. Usually, acne makes an appearance during puberty (which is a natural process in which our body becomes reproductively mature) so is something totally natural!
So, why is having spots or suffering from acne a trait which we attempt to hide, or struggle with? Why is it hidden on social media and beauty adverts? Why is there so much negativity and shame affiliated with having acne, when it is just an ordinary thing?
Speaking from a personal perspective, from someone who has always suffered with having “normal” skin, one of the major factors behind the pessimistic view on acne is due to the unrealistic expectation society places upon ‘perfect skin’. Social media has aided the unreasonable standard many of us place on our own skin. On a daily basis we are bombarded by the media and its vision of “idealised” skin, when in reality this image is unreachable and inexistent.
To prove my point, I’m sure if you flick through your social media feeds or switch on the TV there is an overwhelming number of influencers, models and beauty brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, sharing images of flawless and unblemished skin. It is this shocking lack of deviation or variation in the skin shown, which augments the feeling of shame associated with hiding our true skin texture, if it does not “fit in” or “match” with what we are presented with and made to believe – is normal.
I think that it is interesting that the word ‘acne’ is always coupled with the words “treat” or “cure”, as if it is something unnatural or something to be rid of. Although I have received treatment for my acne, I disagree that it should be immediately or automatically associated with elimination, instead of being encouraged to embrace it, or even being recognised as normal…which it is. This is one of the reasons why acne is thought of in a more negative light.
It is SO important that influencers who promote healthy relationships with their skin and show authenticity which we can relate to, are given more of a spotlight on social media spaces throughout the media. Below are some inspiring acne-positive influencers, who I admire a lot and who I suggest having a look:
- Ella Gorton @myskinstory
- Anjali Mahto @anjalimahto
- Constanza Concha @skinnoshame
And finally, @emeraldxbeauty who has shared her story of being dropped from a L’Oréal campaign, informing her that they could not work with her “skin issues”.
All of the above influencers break down the acne stereotypes which work to diminish a person’s beauty. They show it as something ordinary, something that should be embraced and never hidden away. As a generation, it is essential that we normalise suffering with acne and destigmatize the notions surrounding acne and beauty.
When I was growing up, I never experienced this healthy culture of support and community surrounding skin and acne. Since Year 7, my skin has affected my confidence and self-esteem, perhaps down to the lack of normalisation and exposure I was given of other people with acne like myself on social media.
For me, makeup was my secret tool, my way of hiding and becoming more like others. Often, I would be told to take it off – as it was inappropriate. Looking back on it now, it makes me sad. I remember the embarrassment I felt being told to take off my makeup, and that I felt I had to cover my spots up to be pretty.
Throughout the rest of my school years, I tried a few prescription acne medications, but they never worked. By the end of Sixth Form my acne was having a significant effect on the way I saw myself. So, my mum and I decided to make a few enquiries with the GP, who suggested a highly effective but intense course of treatment on the drug isotretinoin (Roaccutane). I am by no means promulgating the idea or expectation that anyone with acne should get treatment. This was my choice, and my recommended treatment. You are beautiful regardless.
I wanted to briefly share my thoughts of this treatment, and although it is tough on your body and takes commitment, my skin is now unrecognisable to what it was throughout my teenage years. For me this was the necessary action to take for myself.
Beauty is not singular or uniform, let no one tell you whether you are or not – because of your skin. As I mentioned before ACNE IS NORMAL. IT SHOULD NOT BE HIDDEN. IT SHOULD BE EMBRACED!
I am facing the fact that I will never have “perfect skin” as social media or society presents, but that is okay.
My acne scars make my skin unique and beautiful, as do anyone else’s scars or spots. Our skin reflects the experiences we are going/have gone through. This is the true definition of beauty.
Some information about isotretinoin (remember to consult your GP if you are interested in the treatment): https://www.bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?id=2314&itemtype=document
NHS information on the types of spots acne causes: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acne/