Beauty At Every Complexion

Though it may not seem like it due to the media we consume, the vast majority of people are affected by conditions that can cause an ns complexion. The symptoms can vary massively from person to person but suffice it to say, a lot of us are in this together. 

Acne

- It is approximated that up to 85% of people experience some form of acne between the ages of 12 and 24. 

The amount of people who experience acne may come as a shock because we’re not exposed to those with the condition through what we watch or see in print. People with ns complexions caused by acne can often feel isolated in their condition but surely if we’re a part of the 85% of the population who share our complexions we should be exposed to those who we can relate to in the media. Without that exposure many of us grow up feeling outcast or not up to societal beauty standards purely because of our skin.  

- The average age of those who experience acne is 26.5 years old, an increase from 20 years old

Adult onset acne is becoming more and more common. This is the same age bracket that is responsible for purchasing the majority of print media and consuming television and films; yet we stay unrepresented.

- Acne has a massive effect on mental health

This one may seem obvious but the numbers are staggering. With 96% of those with acne reporting feelings of depression and 31% of those with acne declining to take part in social activities. 

There is absolutely no way you should feel the need to shut yourself away because of your complexion, but we do. We need to learn to embrace it and own it. 

- There is no 100% safe cure for acne

A condition experienced by so many shouldn’t be having such drastic effects on those who are living through it but we’re brought up in a world where the media we consume says that having an ns complexion isn’t good enough and that is not how it should be. 

Having an ns complexion doesn’t take away from your beauty or validity as a person. It is a part of you, so own it. 

sources:

https://www.acnease.co.uk/acne-treatment-blog/the-facts-behind-the-acne-statistics-2017.htm

Recently my (by society’s standards) bad complexion has been having a pretty negative affect on my life. From my mood to my behaviour, I’ve found myself being constantly shrouded in negativity; but why?

It got me thinking that in all forms of media, those who suffer from complexion affecting conditions are completely unrepresented and general stereotypes don’t help how we perceive ourselves.

There’s movements for inclusion of those with disabilities or those who otherwise aren’t considered beautiful by society’s standards, and rightly so; but where are the representatives for those with ‘bad’ complexions, or as I’ll be referring to it, non-standard (ns) complexions.

We have no control over the causes of our ns complexions yet we grow up not seeing in any form of media what we see in the mirror every day and it can have devastating effects on our confidence, self image and ultimately, our happiness.

Having an ns complexion doesn’t take away your beauty, nor does it make you a bad person.

This blog will strive to be a voice for people with ns complexions, and hopefully help others see that anyone can be beautiful with any complexion. What if our voices could be heard by those that have media influence and we start seeing ourselves being represented? Imagine growing up with your ns complexion in a world where it’s not looked at in a negative light. Beautiful.

Please feel free to submit posts about your experiences, beautiful people with ns complexions or anything to help the cause.