‘Why don’t you just wash your face?’. As someone who has personally struggled with acne, this has to be the worst of a bad bunch of comments you might throw at somewhere who has tried every product, antibiotic, and pimple patch under the sun. Some seem to be uneducated about the harmful opinions regarding skin and appearance. However, there is also an influx of understanding and acceptance of different skin types in today’s generation. I’m here to challenge the idea that clear skin equals beauty or worth and explore the increase of skin acceptance encouraged by brands and the media, along with the role of medical treatments in this conversation.
The past few years have seen major influencers reverting back to their natural ways. Molly Mae publicly documented her journey to removing all of her face filler, positively encouraging younger generations to embrace their features. In the same light, we are seeing a number of famous faces remove the filter and show their blemish prone complexion. Madeline Argy, Emma Chamberlain, Molly Mae: just a few of thousands who openly share their experience with skin imperfections online. It seems outdated to label them as imperfections given this promotion of self-acceptance in the media.
Even big skincare brands are encouraging others to keep it real. In 2019, Elle’s former beauty editor, Julie Schott, and entrepreneur, Brian Bordainick, successfully capitalised on this notion. Their brand ‘Starface’ revolutionised the acne care industry, selling spot patches in the cute design of a yellow star. The decorative and bacteria protective ‘Hydro-stars’ have certainly outshone respective skincare products. Over one billion have been sold since 2019 and with celebrities, including Hailey Bieber and Central Cee, using them in their day-to-day lives, it goes without saying the brand is being well promoted. Thanks to these empowering products, the skincare realm is being transformed into a space where spots are being celebrated.
At surface level, this may seem a satisfactory solution. However, after my personal struggles with acne, I have learnt the hard way that a shift in mindset in the skincare space hasn’t yet seen a concrete aesthetic fix. Since age fifteen, I have battled with hormonal acne. After being prescribed an abundance of harsh topicals and antibiotics (Lymecycline, Epiduo, Duac…), I was faced with the reality that none of these options were a permanent remedy. Desperate to find something to fix this insecurity, my dermatologist informed me of the last resort: Isotretinoin. Also known by the brand name Accutane, I had heard of the medication and its astonishing results. Without much hesitation, I agreed to start the treatment, swiftly after which I was handed an extensive booklet of side effects. It may as well have been a published book with chapters – a never-ending list. Not to mention, compulsory blood and pregnancy tests had to be taken routinely to ensure everything was running smoothly. It felt like a full-blown operation; an operation which left me elated. After five months, my skin was everything I’d ever dreamed of. My confidence was restored and I couldn’t recommend the treatment enough, until two years later when I was reintroduced to my worst nightmare! Over the space of two weeks, my acne had resurfaced and I was back at the beginning. Now coming to the end of my second round of Isotretinoin, I am learning to accept the reality of my skin type and embrace it.
With certain brands and individuals beginning to celebrate skin and the flaws that come with it, we are seeing proof of a positive shift. Outdated views to ‘cover it up’, conceal and the promotion of unrealistic skin-types are reducing with this surge in self-confidence presented in the media. Nevertheless, there is no shame in seeking medical help if needs be. This shift towards embracing natural beauty and imperfections marks a much-needed evolution in how we perceive ourselves and others, encouraging a more inclusive and authentic standard of beauty.
Words by Bo Burt
Featured image courtesy of Content Pixie via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image licence found here.