How Acne Positivity is Combating Acne Stigma

For as long as we can remember, the talk about acne hasn't been particularly positive. Talk about acne has focused on how to keep it a secret, with many pushing fresh faces that - at least on the outside - look blemish-free. In fact, acne affects millions of Americans each year, so chances are you or someone you know has dealt with a couple of pimples from time to time. While acne can make some people feel awkward or embarrassed, we at Skincare.com firmly believe that it doesn't make you look any less beautiful.

Of course, this is hard to believe when your social media feed is filled with celebrities and influencers with flawless skin. With tons of filters and photo-editing apps, it's easier than ever to imagine your perfect skin - all the time. That's why the anti-acne movement, also known as the pro-acne movement, has come in handy. These days, you're suddenly more likely to see those same celebrities and influencers showing off acne-marked skin.

MOVEMENT POSITIVITY FOR ACNE

This surge of attention to acne is inspired by a similar movement that has gained momentum over the past few years: the body positivity movement. Following in the footsteps of body-positive bloggers, pro-acne influencers show through bare selfies that accepting your skin for who it is and not being afraid to flaunt your imperfections is an important narrative. No more refusing to show up without makeup, no more removing pimples from photos. And the good news is that social media stars aren't the only ones supporting the movement. We spoke to Skincare.com certified dermatologist and consultant Dr. Dhawal Bhanusali, who admits to being a fan.

It's incredible to see people accept flaws instead of hiding them.

While you might expect someone whose work is often focused on trying to heal and prevent acne in patients would not support a movement that views acne in a positive light, you would be surprised to know that Dr. Bhanusali is totally on board. Dr. Bhanusali calls self-acceptance the greatest gift in life, saying, "It's incredible to see people accept flaws instead of hiding them."

Of course, the acne positivity movement doesn't completely eliminate the need to see a dermatologist for acne-related problems. You probably still want to know how to deal with acne. The move isn't about admitting you're going to have acne forever, but rather the idea is that acne isn't a major problem in your life, especially if you're struggling to get rid of blemishes quickly. As Dr. Bhanusali explains, fighting acne and seeing results can take a while. “The goal is to create happy, healthy skin for the next 20 years,” he says. “We start with behavior modifications and then look at carefully selected topics. Spot treatments and quick fixes provide temporary relief, but do not solve the underlying problem. A little patience and we'll get you where you need to be."

So, make an appointment with a dermatologist to help you deal with stubborn acne (if you want!), but at the same time, don't be afraid to let your followers, friends, and peers know that you have acne. You can simply inspire them to do the same.