When it comes to acne (particularly of the cystic variety), pretty much everyone seems to have an opinion on how to treat it. Whether you’re not drinking enough water or wearing too much concealer, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly is causing the breakouts and what, if anything, will alleviate them.
Thankfully, a new wave of body and skin positivity influencers are changing the way we think about acne entirely. Rather than a ‘flaw’, or problem that needs to be solved, these influencers are changing the narrative around acne for the better.
One of these heroes is Rebecca Havercroft, a mum and skin positivity influencer, who has been documenting her journey with roaccutane on Instagram and TikTok. The results are pretty inspiring.
Rebecca took to Instagram to celebrate her textured skin, writing, “Textured skin is still beautiful☀️#nofilter #acne #bodyconfidence.”
In one of her TikTok videos, which currently has over 1 million views, Rebecca gets unapologetically real about ‘the reality of cystic acne and being on accutane.’
Roaccutane, or isotretinoin, is a high-strength prescription drug which is commonly regarded as one of the most effective treatments for severe acne. Although it has a 90% success rate, the drug is known to have a few unpleasant side effects.
And for those that may be wary about side effects, Rebecca tackles them directly in her TikTok videos, busting the stigma surrounding roaccutane and empowering her followers to be open about their own anxieties regarding their skin.
In one video, Rebecca opens up about experiencing low mood while taking roaccutane, saying, “my medication is definitely making me feel worse […] This is what happens on accutane so I just wanted to say that for anyone whose starting (the treatment) be mindful that it can happen.”
Rebeccas also isn’t afraid to call out harmful myths around acne. Specifically that wearing make up always makes acne worse. In one video, she proudly shows off her bare (and beautiful) skin with the caption, “MAKEUP IS NOT THE CAUSE NOR AFFECTS CYSTIC ACNE✨ just raising awareness.”