13 skin-positive acne influencers who are cool with their skin exactly how it is
Acne has been a long-feared term, something we thought we needed to get rid of in order to be considered ‘beautiful’. But the reality is, everyone is different and more often than not genetics can determine whether you’re more prone to acne which, of course, will mean that some of us are more prone than others.
Instead of seeing acne as a ‘flaw’ we prefer to think of it as an embellishment, like a freckle or a dimple. It gives our skin character. Yet, our social media feeds are so often filled with #flawless selfies of influencers showcasing their glowing Glossier-ready skin. Luckily, there's a whole community over on Instagram that's ready to shake up the stereotypes around blemishes and reclaim them as a distinctive and innate part of their identity.
Among those who regularly breakout or live with acne everyday, there's a growing tribe of trailblazers who don't aspire to or relate to the "flawless" frenzy, mainly since it isn't achievable.
At GLAMOUR we're all about embracing the skin you're in and doing what makes you feel most comfortable, whether that's discovering acne treatments that work for you, or letting your face just do its thang.
For those ready to embrace their acne, there’s a whole community of acne-positive influencers ready to welcome you into the safe space and fill your feeds with people who face the same skin complexities. It's here that the Skin Positive and Acne Positive movement has been steadily building momentum. And it's here that the images and language used around acne, spots and pimples is open, honest, accepting and celebratory.
Influencers like Lou Northcote are creating destinations for embracing acne, sharing stories and barefaced pics. Her account Free The Pimple is a movement in itself. Likewise, experts are setting up accessible bases from which to dispense professional advice. Dr Anjali Mahto, a leading dermatologist, has used her account to share her own experience with acne (proof that it can affect all of us, even the experts) as well as insider tips and sensible skin care plans. It's a comfort to know that advice is there at the touch of a button – if you know where to look.
These are the 13 acne-positive influencers to follow now...
@isofiagrahn / InstagramSwedish, Sofia Grahn, is the acne positive activist and girl next door "normalising acne one selfie at a time." Her grid is a smorgasbord of beauty inspo that celebrates rather than hides her skin.
@whitneymadueke / InstagramThough influencer and illustrator, Whitney's account isn't dedicated to acne, she sprinkles her feed with acne realness. She's even made a video of products she's found to help.
@rocioceja_ / InstagramMakeup artist Rocio has been upfront about her struggle with her skin, but her makeup techniques seek to embrace her acne rather than hide it (apart from the one when she's bedazzling her complexion with sequins and stickers).
@_myskinstory / InstagramPost-roaccutane acne activist, Ella Gorton, documents her skincare journey and uses the platform to post helpful resources and advice on everything from skincare ingredients to lifestyle factors.
@anjalimahto / InstagramTop dermatologist, Anjali Mahto, has experienced acne from both a personal and professional point of view. She's open about her own relationship with the skin condition and has written a book (aptly named) The Skincare Bible: Your No-Nonsense Guide To Great Skin (which is exactly what it is). She uses her platform to share professional advice and resources with followers.
@emeraldxbeauty / InstagramKadeeja Sel Khan was dropped from a L'Oreal campaign after being told the brand couldn't work with her because of her "skin issues". Even so, the model proudly posts pictures of her barefaced skin regularly to help bring "reality to social media."
@lounorthcote / InstagramActivist, model and creator of the #freethepimple movement, Lou thought she'd overcome her teenage acne until it made a return during her stint on Britain's Next Top Model, after apologising repeatedly on set for the state of her skin, she realised, she has nothing to apologies for. She began sharing pictures of her skin without makeup and started the Free The Pimple Instagram account.
@estheticallyhealing / InstagramRather than an influencer, this is a "page to celebrate embracing your acne." Instead of featuring one single face, this shares the images of hundreds of people, all of whom have shared pictures of their acne to celebrate and normalise it.
- @jacee.ao / Instagram
Jace recently shared her acne journey with followers on Instagram, but while she shows her acne in her photos, it's not the main focus. This picture, for instance, she posted with the caption: "My eyebrows needed to be photographed today, that is all."
@drsambunting / InstagramWhile studying as a junior doctor, late nights and stressful shifts led into a flare-up of acne for Dr Sam. Now a fully qualified cosmetic dermatologist Sam wanted to make access to skincare professionals more accessible, so she set up her own brand of over the counter products and regularly shares advice for everyone to access on her Instagram.
@oyintofe / InstagramOyintofe Oduyingbo describes herself as a ‘skin realist’. She wrote in a recent Instagram post: “I have finally reached a place where I am totally comfortable with how my acne looks despite how people may see it or react to it. I can say for sure now it doesn’t bother me anymore. If you have it and it bothers you, I hope you finally reach that place too.”
@skinnoshame / InstagramGLAMOUR covergirl, Constanza Concha started her Instagram account in 2018 to document her acne journey and now has nearly 60,000 followers. She told GLAMOUR earlier this year: “Acknowledging that I won’t be at the top of anyone’s standards but my own is hard to accept at first. However, it is something I now consider as an important value to even teach at school.”
@asianacnegirl / InstagramAmerican blogger Katie Guber started her Instagram in 2019 at the beginning of her self-love journey and has since come a long way with acceptance. She recently wrote: “I still sense my insecurities there, but I've definitely come miles from where I started! It makes me nervous but I've learned to accept this as part of the journey.”
