Embrace the pimples - How the acne positivity movement is gaining traction

Instagram users are part of a growing movement of acne positivity. Photo / Instagram

The one thing that can be said for acne is that it's pretty democratic. It doesn't care how much money you have in the bank or how great your skincare routine is, it can still strike at any time. So why bother hiding it?

With celebrities like Justin Bieber and even New Zealand's own Lorde being open about their skin issues, a new movement is gaining traction on social media: one that invites everyone to celebrate their skin exactly how it is, pimples and all.

Bloggers are using their social media platforms to empower others struggling with acne.

One of those bloggers, US-based Kali Kushner, has used her Instagram account to document her experience with acne and all the treatments she's undergone for it.

With more than 50,000 followers, Kushner has shifted from trying to hide her acne to a more positive approach of embracing it. Surprisingly, her followers' response to the shift was overwhelmingly positive.

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Acne community PSA: this community is NOT about which treatment you’re using for your skin, it’s about supporting each other unconditionally throughout the process. We already get enough judgement from other people when it comes to our skin (dirty, eats poorly, whatever other bs). So let’s make sure that we’re not passing judgement onto one another for whatever acne treatment we’re using. Fact is, you probably don’t know that person. You don’t know exactly everything they’ve tried. You don’t know how long they’ve been suffering with acne. You don’t know their mental state or what they’re feeling on the inside that led them to their decision. Instead of passing judgement, realize that everyone’s individual skin journey is unique. And only in time, through trial and error, will they figure out what’s right for them. No one thing is going to work the same for every body. Better yet, no one treatment is better or more desirable than the other. Whether you’re holistic, all natural, using accutane, birth control, prescription topicals, otc products, antibiotics, diet, etc. - we all have the same end goal. It’s not our job or our right to pass judgement onto someone else for their choices. So let’s be as supportive as we can to each other in the process and work on showing eachother kindness 🙏 (Plus keep in mind that person is ALREADY using/doing these things for their skin so you telling them “they’re wrong” isn’t going to change anything and will only make that person feel ashamed or guilty about their decisions.)

A post shared by Kali | acne positivity (@myfacestory) on Aug 21, 2018 at 7:06am PDT

While her Instagram account started as a way for her to track her own journey, for herself, it quickly developed into a platform to inspire others to accept their own skin issues.

She is far from the only one using social media like Instagram to propagate this idea of self-acceptance. The #nofilter movement is growing and there's an anti-Photoshop sentiment developing, with more people wanting to see natural looks online, as a new generation grows fatigued by this relentless pursuit of perfection.

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Does anybody else struggle to take pics of their acne?😂 Maybe I should use my digital camera so you can see my acne in all its glory 😅🙌🏼 But hopefully you can see that my scars are super red and it’s making me feel so low today 😕 there’s also a tonne of texture around my hairline and nose which sucks! Funny how quickly my confidence has been affected since my last post! Suddenly re-thinking roaccutane. I guess you could say I’m the WORST at making decisions 😂 Kinda random post I know, but I hope everyone has a fabulous day♥️ #acne #acnetreatment #epiduo #skin #acnepositivity #skinpositivity #fuckacne

A post shared by SASKIA (@anacne_journey) on Jun 25, 2018 at 6:34am PDT

A column in the Guardian points to Kushner as one of the examples of this growing acne positivity movement, a reaction to the oppression of traditional standards of beauty.

The origins of this movement are not entirely clear. According to the Guardian, some trace the beginning of the acne positivity movement to UK blogger Em Ford's 2015 YouTube video "You Look Disgusting".

What followed has been a steady rise of people, famous and otherwise, "coming out" fresh faced and embracing the acne.

Even Justin Bieber posted on his Instagram story proclaimed "pimples are in".

Pimples have since graced runways at fashion shows and you're not really a proper female celebrity these days if you don't post a "make up free" selfie on Instagram.

Teen Vogue even has the "Acne Awards" now, to further cement the status of zits as officially cool.

The acne positivity movement is attempting to clear the erroneous view that acne is a problem that only affects the lower social economic status, an issue of the unwashed.

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Fresh out the shower 🚿 🧖🏻‍♀️ As you can see, my skin is pretty red from all of my hyperpigmentation. The thing is, I really don’t get a lot of big breakouts anymore, my problem is mostly the texture and scars. Someone asked me the other day if I pick my skin or if my scars just show up and I’m sad to say that for me it really doesn’t matter if I pick at my skin or not, I always get a red mark after a pimple so that’s fun, thank you skin😒 ✨ I’m really trying to fade my scars atm because it’s so frustrating to not have a lot of breakouts but it still look like you do. I’m currently using a dermaroller by @svenja_walberg_official in hopes that that will help. I also ordered some @banishacnescars products and I’ll definitely keep you updated on the process. ✨ Acne scarring isn’t fun, acne isn’t fun but life is so I hope you enjoy your day today and everyday🤗 Don’t let your skin make you feel ugly or less worthy. Don’t let your skin hold you back from enjoying life and holding your head up high!✨♥️ _______________________________________________________ #acnefree #acnejourney #acnesucks #skinpositivity #acnescars #acnescartreatment #acnescarring #banishacnescars #selflovefirst #selflovespo #acnepositivity #acneproblems #hyperpigmentation #happinessisachoice #yearofyou #naturallyme #makeupfree

A post shared by Lea Alexandra 🔮✨ (she/her) (@skinwithlea) on Sep 11, 2018 at 4:50am PDT

It most definitely isn't. It is also not an issue that stays in those terrifying years of teenagehood. It is estimated that about 25 percent of women over 30 all over the globe still have acne.

It seems society is ready to stop hiding behind makeup and come out as perfectly imperfect.