Skin positivity campaign launches in response to recent study

A recent study by the Skin Health Alliance revealed that 62% of young adults believe using social media makes them feel worse about their skin and their appearance. The pervasiveness of edited and filtered images, selective self-presentation and a lack of diversity can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-confidence.

Shockingly, 66% of young adults also stated that they have received hate or been bullied due to their appearance. We Stand For Skin is an empowerment campaign, inspiring everyone to accept their individuality and encouraging confidence and comfort in their skin. Through the power of film, the campaign highlights four real people's skin stories and explores the importance of championing shared uniqueness.

Skin appearance can have a huge impact on confidence, with 92% of people stating that their skin's appearance is important to their general well-being and 74% of young adults feeling pressure for their skin to look a certain way. The appearance of skin also has an impact on how individuals are perceived.

The We Stand For Skin campaign focuses on celebrating diverse skin types, tones, colours, textures and conditions, highlighting the beauty in skin's inherent uniqueness.

The Skin Health Alliance is committed to connecting people with access to expert advice and education. It believes that sharing knowledge empowers everyone to feel their most confident.

Dr Eleanor Chatburn, clinical psychologist with a special interest in skin conditions, comments "These new statistics are concerning. They provide a snapshot of the lived experience of the millions of people with skin conditions, which is all too often overlooked, ignored, and even downright dismissed. I regularly support patients who describe overwhelming feelings of shame and embarrassment due to the stigma of looking different."

"We know from the scientific research that people with skin conditions are more likely to develop body image and mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal ideation. A key contributing factor is the toxic beauty standards, so dominant on social media, which promote the idea of "flawless", "poreless", and "perfect" skin. These ideals are not only totally unachievable, they are making people miserable. This is why I believe that social media companies have an obligation to clearly signpost posts that have been edited or use filters, particularly from influencers and brands."