62% of young adults say social media makes them feel worse about their skin

62% of young adults said using social media makes them feel worse about their skin and their appearance and 74% feel pressure for their skin to look a certain way. 

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, according to a new study by the Skin Health Alliance.

Some 66% of young adults also stated that they have received hate or been bullied due to their appearance.

The skin’s appearance can have a huge impact on confidence, with 92% of the young adults surveyed stating that their skin’s appearance is important to their general wellbeing.

The figures come from an independent anonymous online survey of 500 young UK residents, aged between 18 and 40, undertaken by the Skin Health Alliance in July 2023.

On the back of the research, Skin Health Alliance has launched a new campaign called We Stand For Skin which aims to empower and inspire people to accept their individuality and feel confidence and comfort in their skin.

Through film, the campaign highlights four real people's skin stories and explores the importance of championing shared uniqueness.

The We Stand For Skin campaign focuses on celebrating diverse skin types, tones, colours, textures and conditions, highlighting the beauty in skin's inherent uniqueness.

Dr Eleanor Chatburn, a clinical psychologist with a special interest in skin conditions, said, "These new statistics are concerning. They provide a snapshot of the lived experience of the millions of people with skin conditions, which is all too often overlooked, ignored, and even downright dismissed.

"I regularly support patients who describe overwhelming feelings of shame and embarrassment due to the stigma of looking different.

She continued, "We know from the scientific research that people with skin conditions are more likely to develop body image and mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal ideation.

"A key contributing factor is the toxic beauty standards, so dominant on social media, which promote the idea of 'flawless', 'poreless', and 'perfect' skin.

"These ideals are not only totally unachievable, they are making people miserable. This is why I believe that social media companies have an obligation to clearly signpost posts that have been edited or use filters, particularly from influencers and brands."

Did you see Slough was recently named the worst city in the UK for skin health followed by Southend and Portsmouth?