What it's like to live without perfect skin? 

We live in a world bombarding us with content filled with people in “perfect” bodies, with perfect skin, makeup, wealth… Although we know not everything we see in social media is real, we can’t but feel affected. And if you’re like me and live with a skin condition like psoriasis, then you know this feeling. Living without perfect skin and being reminded of it everyday can be discouraging. Here’s how I’ve dealt with it.

My journey started when I was a teen

I first noticed patches of psoriasis on my elbows and knees when I was 15. Ever since then I have struggled to control my flakes. It has been a big factor in my confidence and my mental health.

Usually, my flare-ups coincide when I'm feeling overwhelmed, nervous or stressed. Obviously, when it happens, it doesn’t help me feel any better.

I have always been a positive, larger-than-life character. I usually try to fill the room with laughter or be the "class-clown". So when I'm going through difficult things, I tend to internalize, and therefore it comes out on my skin. That’s why I started sharing my journey through Flakey as a means of "journaling'. I feel sharing my experience about living without perfect skin like mine, and meeting like-minded people going through similar situations, will help me deal with my flakes overall.

I first noticed patches of psoriasis on my elbows and knees when I was 15. Ever since then I have struggled to control my flakes. It has been a big factor in my confidence and my mental health.

Usually, my flare-ups coincide when I'm feeling overwhelmed, nervous or stressed. Obviously, when it happens, it doesn’t help me feel any better.

I have always been a positive, larger-than-life character. I usually try to fill the room with laughter or be the "class-clown". So when I'm going through difficult things, I tend to internalize, and therefore it comes out on my skin. That’s why I started sharing my journey through Flakey as a means of "journaling'. I feel sharing my experience about living without perfect skin like mine, and meeting like-minded people going through similar situations, will help me deal with my flakes overall.

How I internalize living withough perfect skin

A big factor in me sharing my story and process is giving advice to people about what has worked for me (or didn't work). I find this motivating and inspiring. Talking to people in the community who are going through psoriasis, pigmentation, eczema, and many other skin conditions.

Skin is a major factor in someone's beauty, and in this society where we're shown so much content on beauty, fitness, and wealth, it's hard not to feel self-conscious about your skin when it's not “perfect”. What’s a perfect skin, really?

Personally, it's been a struggle not to hate my skin. When you're seeing friends, people online, family having clear skin and it's hard not to want to swap with someone (trust me, I've had a couple of those dreams before!).

The one thing I always try to repeat to myself is, these are the cards I've been dealt with and I have to make this work. My grandad would always say to me "there's always going to be people who are better off than you, and there's always going to be people who are worse off than you. The trick is to be content with what you've got, whilst striving to do better".

I try to live by this motto in regards to my skin and just remember that there are people out there who have perfect skin. But there are also people out there who are so more unfortunate than me in other aspects. All I can do is be content with what I've been dealt and strive to be the best possible version of me.

I hope this gives you some wisdom and motivation to tackle your own skin issues. Have a wonderful day.