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Shocking numbers of skin dissatisfaction: how to care for your own skin

Sensitive skin acne problem woman touching face
Sensitive skin acne problem woman touching face
iStock / Getty Images Plus / golubovy

James Stalley

Director of Business Development, Skin Health Alliance

There is no one way our skin should look, and the quest for ‘perfect’ skin should instead be a journey to embracing the beauty in our skin’s inherent uniqueness.


Our skin’s appearance can play a significant role in our confidence and self-esteem. In a recent Skin Health Alliance survey, a staggering 92% of people acknowledged that their skin’s appearance is important to their general wellbeing. On top of that, a massive 74% said they feel pressure to look a certain way. 

Distorted ideas of ‘perfect’ skin 

 The survey also revealed a worrying amount of skin dissatisfaction, with 62% of young adults stating that they believe using social media makes them feel worse about their skin and 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.  

It can feel like there is an overwhelming pressure to have flawless, ‘perfect’ skin; and numerous TikTok trends promise to help you achieve it. In reality, these ideals are ultimately unachievable and can end up making people feel worse. 

Knowledge empowers everyone to feel their most
confident by maintaining healthy skin and creating
a personalised routine that is right for them.

Advocate for the skin you’re in 

The way our skin looks also has an impact on how we are perceived by others. Shockingly, 66% of young adults told us that they have received hate or been bullied due to their appearance. This is why, at the Skin Health Alliance, we are challenging beauty standards and advocate for being realistic in the pursuit of ‘flawless’ skin and embracing our inherent individuality. 

We created the campaign ‘We Stand For Skin,’ hoping to inspire everyone to stand confident and comfortable in the skin they’re in. The campaign encompasses everything we and our partners believe in and everything our work revolves around. It is an ode to the connection between our skin, our identity and our confidence. We Stand For Skin focuses on celebrating diverse skin types, tones, colours, textures and conditions.  

Skin and care look different for everyone 

Sharing knowledge empowers everyone to feel their most confident by maintaining healthy skin and creating a personalised routine that is right for them. The Skin Health Alliance is committed to connecting people with access to expert advice and education. By embracing and understanding the individuality of your skin, you can learn to take care of it in the way that is right for you and choose safe products to help — not hide — your skin. 

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