Less than 24 hours ago we wrote a story commending a new photo project that’s aiming to normalise common skin conditions like acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.

Now, adding to the ever-growing #SkinPositivity conversation is model, activist, and former Stylist guest editor Adwoa Aboah who’s just uploaded a refreshingly real and relatable post on Instagram.

It comes as her platform, Gurls Talk – an online community for young women to discuss issues relating to social, political and personal issues without fear of judgement or stigma – is talking about body and skin, and exploring everything to do with it, from race to body positivity to acne; all of which are vital conversations.

It’s easy to think that people in public eye, especially models like Aboah, have perfect skin and absolutely no hang-ups or confidence issues whatsoever, but this admission proves otherwise – and it’s vital that people with a platform use them effectively and for these types of conversations.

Aboah uploaded a picture of her unfiltered, unretouched, blemished skin earlier today alongside an empowering caption that read: “In honour of our monthly theme of ‘Skin and Body’, I will be posting from a personal project that I have been creating for the last 2/3 years. Only ever meant for my eyes in order to obsessively scrutinize over my up and down battle with my skin.”

“Some days it was acne, some days it wasn’t too bad, then mass breakouts followed by clear as day skin. It was exhausting never knowing what your skin was going to look like from one day to another, it was even more exhausting caring so much, about what work thought or if people noticed.”

The caption continued, “Constantly apologising whilst sat in front of a mirror for something that was out of my control, obsessing over my skin to a point that was very unhealthy at the best of times. This month as much as I can I will be posting those photos, not because my skin is the worst you’ve ever seen but because it feels time to let that shit go, time to join force with a community who bare their pimples for the world to see.”

The post received an immediate onslaught of positive comments from her followers, which proves how important the message is. 

Louise Northcote, founder of #FreeThePimple, replied saying “You are so bloody amazing”, while another comment read, “I wanna send you pics of my acne, just to feel a bit more free and kind of “put it out there”….so i can stop obsessing over it. u make me feel liberated.”

It’s these type of conversations that not only help to normalise skin conditions but also means that people who have them feel less alone and less isolated.

Importantly, it proves acne isn’t anything to be ashamed of or something that has to be hidden away, and more posts on social media like this will help fight the stigma associated with it.

Main image: Getty