This woman has gone viral for proudly displaying the psoriasis she hid for years
In a world filled with impossible beauty norms, learning to love our bodies and all their perceived imperfections is a continual work in progress. So when a story comes along of a woman who is defying societal exceptions and celebrating her body on their own terms, we're totally here for it.
Now we can add Sophia Chen, a student athlete from Colorado who is embracing her psoriasis, to that list of women inspiring us on the daily.
The 20-year-old first developed the debilitating skin condition on her chest aged 16, and initially believed the psoriasis was just a bug bite or a spot.
Instagram content
But when the condition spread all over her body and face, she was diagnosed with guttate psoriasis, leaving her feeling "exhausted and lost" as she searched in vain for a cure.
Despite visiting five different dermatologists and trialling a range of steroid creams, the psoriasis shattered Sophia's self-confidence.
In her desperation, Sophia describes to the Mail how she would wake up at 6am to cover up her spots with concealer, foundation and powder to make it through the school day.
Instagram content
Although she began cutting out dairy, gluten and alcohol in an attempt to heal her skin, the vegan diet was difficult to maintain when she started at the University of Albany.
The university move did bring about positive change in another form though, as Sophia's new roommate and college friends encouraged her to embrace her natural skin.
Instagram content
"My roommate loved how unique it was and she told me that I looked like a cheetah," Sophia the Mail.
"Some people would say "do you have vitiligo? That's so cool, your skin is beautiful". The more I heard it, the more I started to believe it.
Instagram content
"One of my friends said they look like constellations on my skin. Another guy I met said that my spots were 'sexy'.
With the support of her friends, Sophia rebuilt her self-confidence and started to love her body for the way it is.
Instagram content
"Now, I absolutely love my skin. It sure can get annoying when it's itchy, but when it's not, I love it. Especially when it starts to heal, and it turns my tanned skin white - I love the look of it." Get it girl!
If you suffer from psoriasis, scroll down for some treatments we recommend...
Best concealer for dry skin
IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer, £25, IT Cosmetics
This concealer is a total must-have and we're yet to meet a makeup artist who doesn't keep it in their kit. It may say it's for under eyes but this high-coverage concealer can be used absolutely anywhere.
Best eczema cream
Avène Xeracalm A.D Cream, £16.50, Boots
This miracle cream contains a biotechnological innovation that took 12 years to research - but it was well worth the wait. I-modulia reduces itching due to dryness and reduces redness and irritation upon first use.
These are the absolute best eczema creams for relieving dry, red and itchy skin.
Best scalp treatment for eczema
Eucerin DermoCapillaire Calming Urea Scalp Treatment, £9, Feel Unique
Colourant-free, paraben-free, silicone-free and alkali soap-free, this scalp treatment has been specifically designed to relieve itching and dryness, making it perfect for those who get psoriasis of the scalp.
These are the absolute best eczema creams for relieving dry, red and itchy skin.
Best body lotion for eczema
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion, £5.99, Boots
Keep this clinically-proven daily moisture fix to hand to ensure skin stays supple and hydrated at all times. It's super fast absorbing, too, so there'll be no sticky feeling after application.
These are the absolute best eczema creams for relieving dry, red and itchy skin.
Best foundation for eczema sufferers
Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation, £45, Skin City
Originally formulated for those who had just undergone surgery, this foundation provides buildable coverage that is totally breathable, meaning you can cover up any areas while still allowing your skin to heal.
Best multi-purpose balm for eczema
Weleda Skin Food, £10.10, Feel Unique
Loved by beauty editors and dermatologists alike, this multi-purpose balm is a skincare saviour in the extreme. The organic botanicals and beeswax base provide skin with all the nourishment it needs to thrive.
These are the absolute best eczema creams for relieving dry, red and itchy skin.
Best shampoo for itchy scalp
Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Shampoo, £69, John Lewis
This specialist shampoo was originally formulated by a world-renowned trichologist and has won a throng of awards for its ability to relieve and clear irritated scalps of flakes and dry skin.
Best daily cream for dry skin
Aveeno Dermexa Daily Emollient Cream, £9.99, Superdrug
Aveeno is known for their gentle, free-from and ultra-soothing formulas and their Dermexa range is ideal for anyone with a dry skin condition. It's unscented and paraben-free so there's sure to be zero irritation while the Triple Oat Complex and ceramides strengthen and repair the skin.
