The #SkinNeutrality Movement Is Growing – But I Can’t Get On Board

On Instagram alone, the 'skin positivity' hashtag has amassed an enormous 36k posts and counting, as people with skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis ditch the filters and share raw pictures of their skin. From pigmented scars and deeper, pitted versions to cystic spots and whiteheads, skin positivity embraces 'real' skin in all its glory.

Skin positivity takes inspiration from body positivity, a global movement that led to a diverse range of body types finally being celebrated. Recently, though, body positivity has made way for 'body neutrality'. For those who find it difficult to love their bodies wholeheartedly, this new notion sees individuals simply accept their bodies – and skin is following suit.

While the hashtags #skinneutral and #skinneutrality are still in their infancy on Instagram, the idea is to show the online community that you are at peace with your complexion. Scrolling through hundreds of #skinneutral pictures, adult acne (on the rise among women in the UK) takes centre stage.

When it comes to acne, skin neutrality is a great concept. After all, it's hard to be positive about something that is painful, leaves unwanted scars and often dents your self-esteem, as various studies have shown. But as someone who is prone to unpredictable bouts of hormonal acne and has tried various treatments, medication and skincare products to keep my acne under control, I find it hard to be neutral about my skin.

I started getting spots at 11 and they've stuck around ever since. When I reached 25, acne hit me with a vengeance and resulted in skin staining and minimal scarring. As a beauty editor, I found it embarrassing, even shameful. I'm supposed to know how to achieve flawless skin (I've interviewed and watched hundreds of top makeup artists) but mine is often anything but. Acne makes me feel both unprofessional and juvenile. Every time I manage to get my skin under control, I fear that another smattering of whiteheads will appear out of nowhere. When they do, it's exasperating and I feel humiliated – the thought of having to go through that time and time again takes its toll on my mental health.

I acknowledge that movements like skin neutrality can be incredibly helpful to make people feel less self-conscious about their skin, but it is also okay not to be okay about your skin, whatever condition you're dealing with. These concepts shouldn't make us feel guilty for crying over 'bad' skin days, nor should they make us feel like we are sabotaging ourselves for cancelling plans as a result of a breakout, or even as though we should be ashamed in an era where self-love reigns supreme. Tackling every single layer of insecurity is no mean feat and we don't need that kind of pressure.

The reluctance I feel to accept my 'bad' skin is something Lex Gillies, rosacea and beauty blogger, knows all too well. "I see skin neutrality as a noble and admirable concept but I'm not sure if I will ever reach that point myself," she told R29. "I have rosacea, which is a chronic skin condition, and although I have accepted the fact that it is a lifelong condition, it is still a difficult thing to make peace with on a psychological level."

Lex uses her blog and social media to educate, support and connect the rosacea community, but says the main issue is the negativity and ignorance that comes from outside of the community. "I can preach positivity and encourage fellow sufferers to be kind to themselves and love the skin they're in, but if they face discrimination, judgement and ridicule from others on a daily basis, then neutrality becomes very hard. My skin has dramatically impacted my confidence, career and relationships for most of my adult life."

Dr Anjali Mahto is a consultant dermatologist who has battled acne from a young age. While she believes that some level of skin neutrality can be possible with the right help, such as therapy, she recently took to Instagram to open up about how it has impacted her life for over 25 years. "I have lived struggling with my skin, wasting disproportionate hours worrying and concealing, attempting to change my lifestyle and skincare but getting nowhere," she wrote. "I have had good periods with my skin, usually when I am medicated for it. I feel better about not just myself, but my general outlook to everything when my skin improves and the angry cysts start to dissipate. I am less anxious or self-conscious and more confident. I need to spend less time and energy on my skin and can utilise those resources elsewhere as my skin clears up. I stop seeing my reflection in the mirror and seeing a traumatised 12-year old from when it all started stare back. I am able to see beyond the marks and scars and simply just see me."

Dr Mahto went on to share how 'bad' skin days can also significantly affect her mental health. Writing to her followers, she continued: "When my skin is playing up, I feel unhappy, ashamed and embarrassed. I don't want people looking at me and I suspect every single person with a skin condition, which is up and down (be that acne, eczema, psoriasis or rosacea), will relate to this. For those of you lucky enough to not have ever had a skin problem, believe me when I say that the effects of how a skin condition make you feel are so much more than the physical."

Of course, NHS waiting lists are long and private therapy sessions are expensive, so it pays to visit your GP. "If you are having issues, I urge you to seek professional help," Dr Mahto says. "I am saying this not only as a dermatologist, but as a fellow acne sufferer." You can read more about how to talk to your GP about all skin issues confidently here.

Lex sums up the whole idea of skin neutrality perfectly. "Until our wider society recognises, understands and embraces skin conditions and visible differences, we still have a long way to go before we reach skin neutrality," she told R29. "I see the emerging skin positivity movement as the strong foundation we are laying. I hope that in the future we can reach true skin neutrality."