Embracing My Eczema: How Social Media Changed My Perspective
Embracing Vulnerability Uncovering My Bare Skin with Courage
Discovering the Guts to Show My True Skin
By Alexis Smith, as told to Keri Wiginton
Once upon a time, I was so consumed by my atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) that it was all I could think about. I worried endlessly about people staring at my red arm or judging my face covered in a rash. But guess what? Now I hardly even notice my eczema anymore. It’s like a long-lost friend who occasionally drops by for a visit.
Take, for example, a recent date I went on. I had a rash on my face, but it didn’t even cross my mind until afterwards. In the past, I would’ve canceled the date, convinced that I wouldn’t make a good first impression. But now, I’ve reached a point where I forget my eczema even exists, unless it decides to itch and remind me.
You’re probably wondering how I got to this point of skin acceptance. Well, let me tell you a little story.
Learning to Love My Skin
Technically, I’ve had eczema since I was a baby, but let’s be real, I don’t remember being a baby. The symptoms only resurfaced when I was around 11 or 12, which is when I got diagnosed with atopic dermatitis. Middle and high school were tough with a rash covering my face. I felt self-conscious for what seemed like an eternity.
- Ultra-Processed Foods: A Potentially Addictive Culprit
- Mastering MS Finding Time for Health in Your Busy Schedule
- Could Some Diets Help Manage Long COVID?
But then something amazing happened. At the age of 19, I decided it was time to share more about my real skin. And what better way to do that than through social media? I wanted to normalize eczema because it seemed like this mysterious condition that people didn’t understand. So, I embarked on a mission to change perceptions one post at a time.
Of course, embracing my eczema didn’t come easy. It was a gradual process. Initially, my posts provided tips on using makeup to hide eczema, which seemed contradicting in retrospect. I’d tell others they should embrace their true selves, yet there I was, masking my own face. Talk about being a hypocrite!
But then, one day, I decided to practice what I preached. I showed my bare skin to the world, and that’s when everything changed. Suddenly, I felt this overwhelming sense of freedom, like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. And the best part? My symptoms started to improve too.
All About Comfort
Now, I don’t want to give you the impression that I’ve abandoned makeup altogether. I still adore putting on a good face, but I’ve learned to exclude my eczema patches from the makeup equation. Besides being itchy and uncomfortable to cover up, it often makes my skin feel worse. So, I’ve become more selective with the products I use, focusing on what actually benefits my skin, like a good moisturizer.
But it’s not just the physical aspect that has improved. I’ve noticed that the less I worry about my appearance, the better my symptoms become. Stress used to be a major trigger for my eczema, but now that I’m less concerned about what others think, my skin seems to thank me for it.
Let me be clear: I’m not suggesting you flaunt your eczema if you’re not ready for it. It’s totally okay to take it one step at a time. Test the waters, gradually reveal more of your natural skin, and do whatever you’re most comfortable with. The most important thing is that you remember this: people really don’t care as much about your eczema as you think they do.
The Positives
Believe it or not, I’ve come to realize that my eczema has brought some unexpected positives into my life. For one, it has given me a reason to truly focus on my skin and question why I ever felt the need to hide it in the first place. Moreover, it has led to some incredible opportunities.
Just imagine, the first company that reached out to me was none other than Dove. I was invited to be part of their DermaSeries campaign just one year after starting my Instagram journey. It was an amazing feeling to be featured as someone with eczema, psoriasis, or really dry skin, rather than the usual models with perfect skin. This newfound representation feels more realistic and relatable.
And you know what? I’ve accepted that my skin will never be flawless, and that’s perfectly fine. It took time to let go of the idea that one magical product would cure my eczema. In reality, it’s a lifelong condition, and all I need to focus on is making my skin comfortable.
Connecting With Others
One of the most rewarding aspects of sharing my eczema journey on social media is the impact it has on others. People have reached out to me, expressing gratitude for being able to see themselves in my posts. They thank me for showing what real eczema looks like and making them feel less alone.
It warms my heart to hear stories of newfound confidence inspired by my journey. For instance, someone messaged me recently, saying they finally mustered the courage to hit the beach without covering up, and they had an amazing time without feeling self-conscious. Witnessing the confidence of others is such a boost to my own self-assurance. It validates that we’re onto something here.
So, whether you decide to share your eczema journey with the world or keep it to yourself, remember this – you are not defined by your eczema. It’s just one part of your beautiful, multifaceted self. Embrace it, find what brings you comfort, and don’t let it hold you back from living your life to the fullest!
Source: Alexis Smith, Forest Hill, MD.
Originally published on iBioMed, LLC. All rights reserved.