There’s A New Trend Sweeping Instagram…

I’m on the ‘gram. I know this is “soooooo millennial” of me to say, but it helps me keep up with my friends and family. I’m really close to my sisters and haven’t been with one of them for about two weeks (she’s currently in Florida, and I’m in New Hampshire). Do we talk? Yeah. But I honestly keep up with her randomly throughout the day via her Instagram stories. It just makes it easier. They’re quick and make me laugh. Now, I’m not as “good” at Instagram as the average millennial. I have no color scheme or “theme” or anything glamourous. Mine is just my life (mostly dogs and food). I do Insta stories semi-frequently. I’m not one to vlog. Mine are like, funny moments or short videos of my dog snoring or something. You get the idea.

Don’t hate me, but I have a shirt that actually says, “Do it for the ‘gram.”

HOWEVER. According to the Daily Mail, there’s a new trend sweeping Insta: Pimple positivity” selfies. It’s exactly what it sounds like. People are posting selfies with all of their acne (or other skin conditions) on display, because it shows the world that they’re “real” and not always filtered and perfect.

It’s usually a place for filtered selfies and airbrushed bikini snaps, but Instagram is increasingly being used as a place for women to celebrate their imperfections.

Psoriasis, eczema and chronic acne are just some of the skin conditions being hailed in a phenomenon that’s been dubbed ‘pimple positivity’.

Celebrities and influencers not normally seen without a hair out of place have jumped on the bandwagon, and even everyday women are mustering up the courage to share snaps of their skin conditions.

Yay?

But the advent of social media has led to a rise in makeup-free selfies, cellulite snaps and bumpy bare skin pictures.

No doubt linked to the body positivity movement, the latest revelations serve as further proof that ‘skin disease acceptance’ is gaining traction online with hashtags such as #acne, #eczema and #skinpositivity turning up millions of results.

I guess this is supposed to make people feel empowered? I don’t know. I think people put too much stock in what an Instagram selfie looks like. You can go overboard with filters, but you can go overboard the other way too. I get you’re trying to be “real,” but I don’t really see the point in doing close-up shots of your blemishes every single day. We’re all human. We’re all flawed. We GET it. So no. I don’t think celebrities are “brave” to do this. Nevertheless, teens are impressionable, and whether we like it or not, an unflattering photo of their idol would probably boost their own self-esteem. It’s so petty though. Your source of confidence shouldn’t be your physical looks. Take care of yourself– sure. But ALSO realize that it’s just a shell. Your physical body doesn’t make you “you.” Your beauty AND blemishes shouldn’t define you. Balance all around, please.