We've made a lot of strides when it comes to the body positivity movement and recognizing that beauty really does come in all shapes, sizes and skin tones. But something we haven't spoken enough about is skin positivity. The recent movement touches on the importance of creating a safe and accepting space for individuals dealing with acne. Women who struggle with breakouts, whether they be cystic pimples, whiteheads, or scars, don't get a lot of love. The nasty criticism Kendall Jenner received regarding her acne at the Golden Globes was a proof of that.
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Today there are more than 600 posts on Instagram using the hashtag #skinpositivity accompanying pictures of bare-faced, women–and men–who are letting the world know they are not ashamed of their breakouts and they will not tolerate people bashing them for it.
We can't help but applaud them because the truth is, acne–or any other skin issue for that matter–shouldn't make anyone feel less beautiful, visible, or confident. Here's a look at a few peeps who are changing the way we look at people with acne!
Em Ford (a.k.a mypaleskinblog) is one of the biggest acne skin positivity advocates out there right now.
She wrote the sweetest open letter to Kendall Jenner on Instagram:
“Dear @kendalljenner, From one woman with acne to another, thanks for having the courage to stick your middle finger up at the petty minded idiots of the world. When @kyliejenner called me to talk about my acne, all things skin, and how social media can make you feel, she mentioned how proud she was of YOU for dealing with your skin in the public eye … and girl you’re a rock star,” she captioned this photo on Instagram.
They remind people that no one is perfect.
“No one is perfect–left is me as a teenager. I struggled with acne for many years as a young girl; not only was it isolated to just my face, but it affected my chest and back. This severely affected my self-esteem and I had to stop modeling as a result,” @bella_lucia wrote on Instagram.
They are getting real about how hard it is.
“The hardest thing about having adult cystic acne has been coming to terms with the realization that I am never going to be 'cured' but the best I can ever hope for is 'control' of my skin. I have suffered with spots since 1992 and still continue to do so in 2017,” @anjalimahto wrote. “That’s not to say there haven’t been periods where my skin has cleared up–it has (sometimes even for a few years)–but the cysts usually return over time.”
They also remind others and themselves that acne is usually temporary.
“Acne is only temporary. An important reminder, as this is something I often forget. It does not define who you are unless you let it,” wrote @myfacestory on Instagram.
They are proudly documenting their personal skin journeys.
“I’ve struggled with acne for almost 10 years. I’ve tried everything and I’m #overit. So today marks #day1 of my Accutane journey. Fingers are well and truly crossed,” @stephs_skin_journey captioned this photo.
They aren’t afraid to show their bare faces anymore.
“I know I look creepy, first off. Haha! I have no filter on this, this is my skin. It’s clearer than ever, and I still get breakouts obviously. I like to wear makeup to cover it, all people do, and that’s natural! We also need to learn to be okay with it, because when we treat it like it’s something to be ashamed of, we allow the world to treat it that way! So let’s have a little #skinpositivity,” wrote @duchessofbayridge.
Some women are just looking for support.
“Someone please teach me how to love my acne,” @documenting_acne captioned this picture.
They want people to know that acne does not define their happiness.
“I’ve always felt insecure and conscious on the way I look without any makeup on. Acne sucks but might as well make the best of it everyday,” @androlvrs wrote.
They don’t want acne to be considered a flaw.
“Because having acne is not a flaw. And I’ve accepted, I’m gonna have acne for the rest of my life. Every day, every year, until I die. And that’s okay. And maybe this is the wrong idea to have. Every dermatologist I’ve ever seen has promised me a solution. Products have improved it, but nothing I tried ever cured anything, until now … I don’t believe that a clear, perfect skin is worth soooo much of my effort. At some point you decide that your efforts are better directed towards acceptance of yourself and your body."
The goal is to help women feel comfortable in their skin.
“I’m all for #bodypositivity but what about a lil #skinpositivity?? Aiming to love the skin you’re in no matter what … Trying to see imperfect things, perfectly,"@laurenlemonpie wrote.
These ladies are determined to not let acne kill their vibes.
“Ready to attack a new week tomorrow–alongside my pimple party! Come at me Monday!” wrote @chiquitabanana
