A young woman who has battled acne since childhood is now participating in a national initiative aimed at raising awareness about this common issue.

Iqra Wasim, a 21-year-old from Fishponds, has been dealing with hormonal acne, attributed to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), since she was 11 years old.

She has joined a campaign that emphasizes the emotional toll that skin conditions such as acne and eczema can take on individuals.

In an interview with John Darvall on BBC Radio Bristol, she advised those facing skin challenges to be surrounded by individuals who make them feel “accepted as they are.”

She expressed: “To anyone enduring a similar experience, be it acne, eczema, or any other skin issue, be gentle with yourself. Concentrate on your feelings rather than your appearance. Your skin does not determine your worth.”

Ms. Wasim, currently pursuing a psychology degree at London Metropolitan University, shared that her struggle with acne began on her chest, back, and face when she was just 11.

She reflected: “At that vulnerable age—when everyone is already starting to feel awkward in their skin—my acne only intensified my sense of isolation during a crucial time of personal development.”

She tried various treatments, including antibiotics and topical creams, with mixed results.

Now a representative for the youth-driven charity Integrate UK, she recently collaborated with nine others who have similar skin conditions to showcase their stories in a photography exhibition.

In April, Ms. Wasim had photographs taken of her lower face, neck, chest, and back, capturing the reality of her acne and its scars, which were featured in a London exhibition.

She shared: “It was an incredibly empowering moment for me, as I had never felt that confident while grappling with these issues in my past. A significant breakthrough for me was understanding that the pressure I felt was self-imposed, and I was the one hindering my own progress.”