In a world of ever-changing beauty trends and impossible standards, it’s easy to feel lost or like your skin isn’t enough.
Inspired by the thousands of people in the UK who live with skin conditions, we’re tackling the hidden emotional toll they can bring and uncovering real skin journeys.
Our research shows:
- 59% of those surveyed admit their skin condition makes them feel self-conscious
- With 48% avoiding looking in the mirror when experiencing a flare up or breakout
- And over 50% of those surveyed admit to skipping social situations because of their skin
- We want to shift the conversation and celebrate skin in all its forms, honouring the powerful stories behind every person.
Skin stories, uncovered
We asked 10 people with skin conditions to share their experiences through our unfiltered photography exhibition, see their stories below.
FRANCESCA
I’ve lived with hormonal acne for about four years, ever since I came off birth control during
lockdown. I did it to improve my mental health — and it worked — but my skin flared up.
I had acne as a kid and always felt self-conscious, so when it came back, it was hard. But I
chose my mental well-being over perfect skin, and that decision changed everything.
We worry so much about how we look, but most people don’t notice the little things. What really
matters is how we feel in ourselves – not how perfect our skin looks
AVA
I’ve had eczema since I was two. When I was younger, it would get so painful especially on my
arms and legs, that I ended up missing a lot of school because of it, which was really hard.
Now I’m older, it flares up on my face as well, and it really affects my confidence. It’s hard feeling
like people notice my skin more than what I’m saying. When my skin is sore, red, and flaking, I
don’t feel like myself. It takes a lot of confidence just to go outside and be around people.
I feel most like myself when the redness settles. To anyone else struggling with their skin: you
are strong, you are resilient, and you will get through this.
ANTHONY
My skin reacts to so many triggers — cold weather, alcohol in products, even stress. Because of
my eczema, I always cover my arms and legs with clothing, even in summer.
In my early 20s, something shifted. I realised life’s too short to constantly worry about what other
people think. I started focusing less on how my skin looked, and more on how I felt.
Over time, my mindset has become more confident. My goal now is simple — to feel comfortable
in myself. I used to see my reflection and immediately wonder what others saw. Now, I’m
learning to see me first — not my skin.
KAT
I’ve had sensitive skin since childhood, and eczema for over 10 years, which worsened after
having my daughter. It’s painful, especially since I love cooking and gardening, but certain
ingredients trigger flare-ups.
I feel most confident swimming in the sea — the saltwater helps soothe my skin.
Now, I’m careful about what I eat and put on my skin, and it really makes a difference. I cover up
when my eczema flares, as I feel self-conscious, but I’ve learned to accept it as part of me.
IQRA
I was diagnosed with PCOS at 13, which caused hormonal acne on my back, chest, and face
and growing up it made me feel insecure and excluded, always covering up.
My confidence grew when I saw others going through the same thing, and I realised it wasn’t
about what others thought — it was about me. The real shift came when I realised that people
don’t care as much as I thought, and it was me holding myself back.
If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be: No one cares. Learn to love and live with the
skin you have.
JASMINE
When I was younger, I had eczema that started with flare-ups on my arms and as I’ve gotten
older, the flare ups have spread to my face and neck, mainly due to stress. I’m a dancer so
feeling confident when performing is really important, but flare ups can make feeling confident
difficult.
Now that my skin is improving, I’m taking things one step at a time and staying positive. Staying
active helps clear my mind. It was hard, with flare-ups that made it tough to get out of bed and
feeling self-conscious. But my friends and family kept me going.
MELLE
My acne started when I was 13, and over the years I’ve tried everything — natural products, diet
changes, influencer routines — but nothing really stuck. I blamed hormones and used to rely on
makeup, often hiding behind a wide-brimmed hat in the Caribbean heat,
Eventually, I accepted that my skin might not change quickly, and that’s okay. What really helped
was learning that how I see myself shapes everything. The best advice I got? Be patient and stop
telling yourself that you’re ugly.
LEXI
I’ve had adult acne since I was 19, and it’s been a tough seven-year journey. At its worst, I
avoided going out, stopped meeting up with friends, and felt like I’d completely lost who I was. It
was hard to see past my skin and I often felt isolated in my struggle.
Rebuilding my confidence has taken time but sharing my story online has helped me realise I’m
not alone. Connecting with others who understand has made such a difference. I still have days
where I struggle to embrace my natural skin, but I’ve started to see that beauty lies in
imperfection. We’re not meant to be perfect — everything is unique, and that’s what makes it
beautiful.
