The 2020s are, without a doubt, a unique era in terms of body positivity, diversity, and inclusivity. The variety of models featuring in today’s ad campaigns is just the cherry on the cake as far as this movement is concerned. Many companies are going beyond mere marketing strategies, creating products that fit, suit, and are in demand by people with different sizes, ages, skin tones, and skin conditions. When it comes to skin, if you are battling issues like acne, cellulite, or stretch marks, know that you are in the majority. For instance, 80% of women surveyed said they had cellulite; the latter is a very common issue indeed, and it can arise from everything from skin structure to hormones, or genetics. If you have a skin condition, how can you manage it while exercising self-kindness and self-acceptance?
Stop Self-Judgment in Its Tracks
A 2020 Harris Poll showed that a majority of women feel it is “their fault” they have cellulite, and around 57% feel judged because of it. By contrast, 92% of health professionals wish women accepted that cellulite is not their fault. Cellulite does not necessarily happen because of your food choices, and you do not have to be overweight to have it. The true cause of cellulite is simple: there are fibrous bands that connect your skin to the muscle beneath it. When these bands tighten irregularly, it pulls down on the skin and the usual layer of fat beneath your skin pushes upwards. Even if you eat healthily, cellulite can sometimes appear and some physicians believe this skin issue is linked to the hormone, estrogen (which would explain why more women than men have it).
Natural and Medical Approaches to Skin Problems
Accepting a skin condition does not mean sitting back and not trying to manage it. In the case of cellulite, for instance, just a few remedies that can help stop cellulite in its tracks include exercise, the consumption of a healthy Mediterranean-type diet, cupping, dry brushing, and taking Ginkgo biloba supplements (which boost blood circulation). Creams with high concentrations of antioxidants and vasoconstrictors can also lend skin a tightened effect. The medical treatment Cellfina, which is FDA-approved, relies on microblading to break up and loosen the fibrous bands that cause cellulite and the effect lasts for years. There are many approaches that can end or significantly improve this and other skin issues. For instance, the appearance of stretch marks can be reduced by laser therapy, chemical peels, radiofrequency, and other treatments. Acne, meanwhile, can be stopped in its tracks by radiofrequency, which also effectively tackles acne scars.
Let Self-Compassion Be Your Guide
Some treatments can improve the appearance of skin conditions without eliminating them completely. Whether you choose to treat issues like cellulite or not, aim to let self-compassion (the quality of being as kind to yourself as you would to others) be your guide. A 2021 study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that women who practice self-compassion are at a lower risk of developing serious illnesses like cardiovascular disease. Accepting yourself also makes you more resilient against the most stressful times in life.
We are currently living in an ear that encourages greater self-acceptance. Models like Winnie Harlow are achieving great success in the fashion world, and they happen to have skin conditions like vitiligo. If you have a skin condition, aim to find out as much as you can about its causes and about possible approaches and treatments. Self-compassion can help you avoid self-judgment and take an evidence-based (rather than a belief-based) approach to your health and wellbeing.
The Urban Woman Magazine Editorial Team is made up of seasoned writers and editors who have a keen eye for detail and a passion for all things urban. We strive to create fresh, original content that appeals to the modern woman. Our mission is to provide a platform for women to share their stories, experiences and opinions on various issues affecting their lives.
